What to look for in a new gym...

Dumbbells up to at least 40kg
Kettlebells
Squat rack
Smith Machine
A few Barbells and racks
Half a dozen benches
Good selection of cable machines (preferably having a cable crossover and assisted pull up-dip machine)
at least 3-4 of each cardio station
A decent sized area for floor work and plyometrics
Thats pretty much everything you should find in a small to medium sized gym.

I could give or take a few of those, but would add look around the gym. Is it clean? Are weights left around everywhere or are people reracking them? I don't go to the gym to make friends, but I would still prefer to go to one where people are respectful.

Do they have private dressing rooms? Is the facility clean? Do they have classes? Do they cost extra? Is there a price discount if you pay for 3/6/12 months up front? Hope you like it.

Classes, childcare (if applicable), friendly/helpful employees, cleanliness, prices, payment plans, general atmosphere..

I'd also go check out your gyms at a peak time or a time you'd usually work out to see how busy it is then. You don't want to sign up then realize you have to wait in line to get on equipment once you go

1)I would say it is important to consider the equipment to people ratio. I have had different experiences with different sized gyms. I have been to larger ones that have had multiple pieces of various equipment, but I could never use any when I would go to work out because it was packed. Conversely I have used smaller ones that I had no issue with.

It would be best to go to the gym when you intend to use it during the day/week to see what its like. Of course I prefer to have my space when I work out... its my me time

2) Cleanliness!!! Is it clean and are the supplies stocked i.e. paper towels, sweat cleaner spray/ wipes, toilet paper, soap
3) Is the staff willing to teach you proper technique for free- you don't want to start your gym experience off with an injury.

Other than that I would look for
-wide selection of machines,
- free weights
-squat rack
-a few benches
-Cardio equipment
-Area for stretches and 'floor' stuff

Hello,
I emailed a local gym yesterday to enquire about visiting to have a trial run to see if I wanted to join before I open my wallet. They called today and the trial and a chat with one of their instructors is booked for Monday afternoon.
I was just wondering what you seasoned gym-goers thought I should look out for?
I looked at a gym earlier in the year and they didn't even have any free weights!

First, I hope that you're doing the walk through during the time of day you intend to workout.

Second, I would look at these factors:

-Lockerroom: Do you need to shower there? Does the locker room look clean? How comfortable do you feel in there? Do the members just go in, quickly change and leave, or is there conversation? Are you comfortable with that?
-Equipment: First, do they have the equipment you need? Do they have enough of it? If you're going to be doing a lot of Olympic-style lifting, you might want bumper plates, do they have those? Second, is the equipment in good repair?
-Rules: Does the gym have any rules that you can't work around? I could never work out in a gym where deadlifting was not allowed, or where I would be flogged if I make noise. This is important.
-Members: You're going to be around these people a lot, is this a place you want to be? My current gym is a military gym (I'm a Navy "wife"), but my previous one was a commercial fitness studio in Germany. I loved it, because there were all of 3 other serious lifters there, so there was never a wait for a bench or squatrack, in spite of the place having a TOTAL of 4 barbells.
-Proximity: Is the gym close to your home or work? Having to commute to the gym is a hidden cost, and it requires additional effort on your part to consistently go. Try to make things as easy on yourself as possible.
-Childcare: This is obviously only relevant if you have young children.

Free pizza!!!