Negosentro via Executive Travel Magazine | 8 Best Hotel Gyms in the World | We’re not just talking about spa resorts. Urban, business-minded hotels are rocking the fitness market. Gone are the days of a couple of treadmills in the basement. Now you need modern equipment like foldable elliptical. “We know that the size and quality of fitness facilities are a prominent factor in the decision-making matrix of hotel guests,” says Jason Friedman, general manager at The Siam, one of central Bangkok’s newest boutique properties.
The Houstonian Hotel, Club, & Spa, Houston — One look at the Houstonian’s sprawling fitness center and an old adage comes to mind: Everything is bigger in Texas. The 175,000-square-foot space has 300 cardio and weight machines from high-end brands like Cybex and Technogym; indoor running tracks; extensive outdoor grounds; tennis courts; and a state-of-the-art pool complex. “Most guests are expecting a tiny fitness space in the basement,” says hotel manager Steve Fronterhouse. “Once they see our facilities, we’ve made a customer for life.” Flag down one of the 35 staff trainers, many of whom are experts in kinesiology, human performance and exercise science, to guide you through triathlon training or simply to point you in the direction of the next spin class. If meetings keep you away from the actual club, break out the hotel’s complimentary Fitness Warrior kit—which includes a jump rope and yoga mat—and work up a sweat in your room. houstonian.com/TheClub
Hotel Bellevue, Seattle — It’s hard to check in to this Seattle-area property without checking out the impressive fitness facilities. Not only are there four workout rooms and a fully equipped Pilates studio; you’ll also find three swimming pools, 10 tennis courts, an elevated running track and a basketball court. Not sure where to start? Jump right into one of the 70 classes held each week. Yoga enthusiasts will appreciate the full spectrum of instruction, from “hot” to hatha; the hotel also added a new TRX suspension training system, adapted from a U.S. Navy Seals workout. If you still can’t make up your mind, take a few laps around the facility—with 200,000 square feet to cover, you’re bound to burn some calories. thehotelbellevue.com/athleticfacility
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Dubai’s reputation for excess is on full display at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s stunning fitness center, Talise Fitness. In addition to a world-class gym, spa and teenage fitness club, Talise is home to three squash courts and seven floodlighted tennis courts, including the only classic clay court in Dubai. It’s also the sole place in the emirate you’ll find trendy workout classes like weight-based Torq-King and Metafit; if aquatics are more your thing, stay cool in the 82-foot outdoor swimming pool or the PADI-accredited dive center. If you’d rather work up a sweat, hop on the fitness equipment around the resort’s grounds, where temps can top 100 degrees. Soon, you can also take your training to new heights in the property’s High Altitude Suite. The chamber can mimic the air quality at over 1,600 feet, which makes you burn more calories.jumeirah.com
Marina Bay Sands Singapore Hotel — While this mega property is located outside of the city center, it’s a favorite among business travelers for its top-notch facilities. The Banyan Tree Fitness Club is no exception: Travelers have a spectacular view of the Singapore skyline from the gym’s 55th-floor perch. If you can pull your eyes away from the floor-to-ceiling windows, try some resistance training on the Kinesis Technogym pulley wall. Guests rave about the nice array of state-of-the-art cardio and weight-training machines, also from luxury maker Technogym, and love the complimentary earphones. Use them to tune in to the Banyan Tree’s impressive media channels, or tuck them in your bag and tune out completely with a full lineup of yoga classes—the special sessions dedicated to alleviating back and stomach pain are especially popular. marinabaysands.com
Four Seasons Park Lane, London — In London on business and no time to sightsee? No problem. Incredible southeastern views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye make a trip to the Four Seasons Park Lane 10th-floor fitness center a must. The gym features all the usual suspects—treadmills, elliptical machines, a rowing machine, exercise bikes and multiple strength-training machines—many of which have iPod docking stations. Free weights, floor mats, yoga balls and exercise blocks round out the collection. At the end of your workout, reward yourself with complimentary fruit, citrus-infused water and chilled eucalyptus towels, or continue your bird’s-eye tour of the city over a freshly brewed espresso on the adjacent café’s private balcony. fourseasons.com/london
The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand — At Bangkok’s latest luxury property, the traditional hotel gym comes with a twist: a full Muay Thai training ring. “Thai kickboxing is a uniquely Thai way to stay in shape,” says general manager Jason Friedman. Serious fans can choose from three-, five- or seven-day immersion programs, which include special training menus from the kitchen and tickets to professional fights. Outside of the ring, The Siam offers up a full suite of boxing and cardio equipmen. Fitness is also the focus of the hotel’s new residency program, which brings professional fighters to the hotel for two to three weeks so guests have the opportunity to train with global experts during their stay. thesiamhotel.com/Gym
Four Seasons San Francisco — Forget the mini-bar. Guests at the Four Seasons San Francisco have another great amenity at their fingertips: complimentary access to the adjacent Sports Club/LA. The 127,000-square-foot fitness center is equipped with all the machines and activities one would expect from one of the country’s best gyms, including more than 100 group classes every week. According to the front desk staff, spin classes are perennial favorites with hotel guests, and members can’t say enough about the club’s new fleet of Woodway treadmills. “We’ve seen an increased interest in wellness programs that also address nutrition, meditation and innovative mind-body programs,” notes hotel spokesperson Michael Radlick. Throw in a regulation-size volleyball court and a junior Olympic lap pool and what else could a fitness buff want? fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco
Tokyo Park Hyatt — Thanks to the memorable treadmill travails of Bill Murray’s character in Lost in Translation, the stunning 47th-floor view from the fitness center at the Tokyo Park Hyatt is a familiar one. Turns out exercising in the wee hours of the morning doesn’t just happen in the movies—it’s a popular way for hotel guests to acclimate themselves to the time difference. (It also happens to be the perfect time to observe Tokyo’s dazzling neon cityscape.) In the summer of 2013, the Park Hyatt introduced another way to combat jet lag. Called Good Night Sleep Stretch, the 30-minute class is held every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 9 p.m. and focuses on relaxation and meditation exercises. Once your internal clock is reset, be sure to check out the impressive collection of Life Fitness machines, free weights and the unique shock-absorbing Bodysonic Floor.
Of course, if you don’t actually live in an apartment complex or aren’t living the life of luxury and are at hotels every day. You can opt for a home gym, buy them online at websites like these.
