The YMCA downtown is in the heart of Phoenix. It is a pretty massive facility with 3 stories and you kind of find yourself in a maze to find the basketball court, downstairs weight room, outdoor track... The place is always clean and there is plenty of cardio and weight machines so you don't usually have to wait.
The staff is pretty friendly, I would say they don't go out of their way to make you feel welcome, but they do smile and greet you upon arrival.
My issue with this place is the childcare, I have actually complained that the staff is not regular and seems to just be teenagers that also double as lifeguards, sometimes in a YMCA shirt, sometimes not. I would say since I complained I have seen a much more efficient check in system and more consistent volunteers. I do appreciate they have a glass wall that looks into the gym so you can also keep an eye on you little ones. They have improved, but should take notes from the Christown YMCA as their child watch is still leaps above the downtown one.
Overall a good gym for downtown phx and the large parking lot is also a huge bonus since free parking downtown is hard to come by!