HOTELS UP THE ANTE WHEN IT COMES TO IN- ROOM FITNESS WORKOUTS
There was a time when travelers were lucky to get a windowless room with a few weights and cardio machines in a hotel basement. Hotels upped their game when they realized how popular yoga had become and started offering rooftop yoga classes and stocking guestrooms with mats.
Guests at West in Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, will be able to request a West in WORK OUT Peloton guest room. The popular indoor exercise bikes have online streaming classes.
The 1 Hotel South Beach offers classes from SoulCycle, the spinning class sensation. The Row NYC hotel has an indoor cycling studio called Cyc Fitness, a beat- based 45- minute ride.
The James has a complimentary in- room, on demand streaming workout series called Reinvent YOU by Chaise Fitness, a New York City boutique fitness brand. Guests at locations in New York and Chicago can try 20- minute workouts that aim to strengthen and improve posture.
InterContinental Hotels Group created an entire brand focused on fitness and wellness. EVEN Hotels debuted in 2014, featuring fitness equipment in each guestroom, workout videos and a large gym in a prominent spot in each property.
Hoteliers say they can no longer offer guests standard fitness amenities. Travelers are exposed to a variety of sophisticated fitness options when they are home and expect the same on the road.
“In addressing the evolving fitness needs of hotel guests, brands are offering three different ‘ brand standards’ or amenity options at their affiliated hotels,” says Chekitan Dev, an associate professor at Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.
That includes updating fitness centers to include new equipment, offering in- room fitness options or providing their guests complimentary or low cost access to adjacent or nearby fitness centers.
For good reason. Globally, travelers say they have trouble maintaining their wellness routine on the road, according to a survey of about 8,000 travelers ages 25 to 64, conducted by STUDYLOGIC last year. In fact, 65 percent said they exercise less on the road. But 83 percent said access to wellness programs while traveling is at least somewhat important when choosing a hotel. In particular, Millennials, those in their 20s and 30s who are starting to travel more, said they intend to exercise on the road. Nearly 40 percent of them specifically planned to cycle.
Peloton and SoulCycle are especially popular among younger travelers. In Westin’s case, the Peloton guest rooms are available at select locations, including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles and Boston. Guests will have access to 5,000 ondemand classes taught by instructors.
Offering exclusive fitness classes with personal trainers has become a big push from hotels. The Park Hyatt Chicago will offer Shred at the Park beginning June 7, partnering with Shred415. The workout class will take place in NoMI Garden, the hotel’s outdoor terrace. The class will combine strength and cardio exercises to raise the heart rate and drop it down in intervals for a 45- minute workout with views of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.
And in another twist to the fitness hospitality trend, some fitness facilities create their own hotels.
In April, Midtown Athletics Clubs announced the construction of Midtown Athletic Club and the Hotel at Midtown in Chicago. The club, constructed in 1970 as an indoor tennis club, will get additions and renovations. The 55- room hotel will include four suites, including one designed by tennis star Venus Williams and her interior design firm, V STARR Interiors. It’s scheduled to re- open in July. Williams, who used to play at the club as a junior tennis star, will design the club’s Tennis Lounge.