Im a member to Golds. I like it, and it serves me very well. To me, it's priced fairly, there's lots of locations - including mine which is across the street. It's well maintained, and very clean. There's usually a full staff except during the waaaay late/early hours when there isn't many people in there.
However, if I had my choice of a dream gym tho, it would not be Golds. Not to take away from it, but pop music, bright lighting everywhere isn't really my thing. Mine could also use a little more freewieght area, and certain machines. BUT there's plenty for now with no shortage of musclebuilding/fatshedding equipment.