Travelers seeking to maintain their fitness routines while away from home now have a unique option in the form of EVEN Hotels. This hotel chain, which operates four locations in New York City, has made a commitment to fitness by equipping every guest room with workout equipment. With a total of 26 locations across the United States, including properties in Brooklyn, Queens, and two in Midtown Manhattan, EVEN Hotels caters to health-conscious visitors looking to stay active during their travels.
John Beck, the Regional Operations Director of EVEN Hotel Times Square South, describes the in-room fitness zones as an ideal solution for those wanting to exercise on their own schedule, without the need to travel to a gym. Each room is outfitted with various fitness equipment, allowing guests to engage in workouts conveniently. At the Times Square South location, for instance, guests receive a yoga mat, resistance bands, a stability ball, core sliders, and access to a fitness wall featuring guided stretch and strength routines. Additionally, on-demand fitness classes are available on the in-room televisions.
For guests who desire a more extensive workout space, EACH EVEN Hotel provides a full-size gym that includes machines such as rowers and stationary bikes. Beck notes that many visitors are in New York City for fitness-related events, including marathons and yoga retreats. He shared a memorable story about a guest who chose EVEN specifically for its in-room amenities while preparing for the NYC Half Marathon. The guest appreciated the ability to stretch and foam roll in their room before the race and to enjoy recovery smoothies and protein-packed meals afterward. Beck emphasizes that guests often express how refreshing it is to stay at a hotel that supports their fitness routines.
Since the first EVEN Hotels opened in 2014, the trend of incorporating fitness equipment into guest rooms has gained traction among other hotel chains. Notably, several Hilton-brand hotels have introduced a concept called “Five Feet to Fitness.” This initiative provides guests with about a dozen different pieces of exercise equipment and accessories in their rooms, including a Gym Rax storage bay, a kiosk with guided exercises and classes, a TRX, and a stationary bike. In the vicinity of New York City, locations such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station and Hilton Garden Inn Islip offer this option.
The concept of in-room workouts has also attracted attention from fitness professionals. Personal trainer Krista Stryker, known as “The 12 Minute Athlete,” has designed workouts suitable for small spaces, such as her own Brooklyn apartment. She previously shared a 12-minute routine consisting of six exercises, each performed for 30 seconds with a 10-second rest in between rounds. Such routines enable travelers to optimize their limited space while still achieving effective workouts.
In summary, EVEN Hotels has carved out a niche within the hospitality industry by prioritizing fitness and wellness. With equipped rooms and dedicated facilities, it appeals to an increasingly health-conscious demographic of travelers who refuse to compromise their routines while on the road.
