Ikos Porto Petro gym, Mallorca by Biofit

In the ever-evolving, fast-moving hospitality landscape, hoteliers are continually seeking innovative ways to provide a superior guest experience.

One crucial aspect of this experience is the hotel gym, previously a neglected corner of the guest experience that has recently received more attention as boutique studios and designer gyms have raised guests' expectations of what to expect alongside their buffet breakfast, spa, pool and business centre.

In this article, we delve into the world of hotel gym design services and explore the concept' key characteristics, typical size, equipment offer, and the distinctions that set hotel gyms apart from commercial counterparts. We also look at the recent rise of branded hotel gym concepts, especially popular in North America.

Expert gym designers in the UK and Spain

What qualifies us to comment on this subject? Biofit creates hotel gyms for the Sani Resort in Greece as well as the Ikos Resorts around the Mediterranean, as well as the hotel fitness facilities for Tearose hotels in Italy and the eco hotel gym for Fritton Lake Hotel in the UK.

We are first and foremost fitness experts and interior designers - if your gym designers are not in the gym every damn day, ask yourself if you are talking to the right team, and call us instead. We'll likely answer from the spin bike, squat rack, dojo mats or a mountain trail.

Our hotel gym design services cover concept development, gym equipment planning and layout, interior design, outdoor gym design, advice on integrating sustainability principles into the gym and assistance with operations to ensure a curated guest experience.

Key Characteristics of a Hotel Gym and gym equipment selection

Space Utilization: When crafting a hotel gym, optimizing space is paramount. Unlike commercial gyms, hotel gyms are often constrained by the available area.
Thus, an effective layout is essential to make the best use of every square foot. Strategic placement of equipment, thoughtful design, and efficient storage solutions are integral to achieving this balance.
Aesthetic Harmony: Incorporating wellness interior design principles is a hallmark of a successful hotel gym. The space should seamlessly blend with the overall ambiance of the hotel.
Gym design consultants like us play a pivotal role in ensuring that the gym's aesthetics resonate with the brand's identity and enhance the guest experience, while integrating into the wider aesthetic contect established by the project architects.

Fritton Lake eco gym in the UK - designed by Biofit

Typical Size of a Hotel Gym

Hotel gyms vary in size, largely contingent on the hotel's classification and available space. Typically, a hotel gym ranges from 25m2 (small!) to 180m2 (still not huge).

Luxury resorts tend to allocate more space to their fitness centers, while boutique hotels might have more compact exercise facilities, especially those located in urban centres.

It's essential to strike a balance between size and functionality. The gym should be spacious enough to accommodate essential gym equipment such as cardio machines and free weights as a baseline. Additional space allows for selectorized strength machines, stretching areas, and a functional training area.

Typical Equipment in a Hotel Gym

Cardio machines like treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, and rowing machines are staples in hotel gyms. These machines cater to a wide range of fitness levels and preferences, ensuring guests can engage in effective cardio workouts.
Strength training is another critical aspect of a hotel gym. Compact multi-station gyms, free weights, and resistance bands are common choices. These options allow guests to engage in both full-body and targeted strength training routines.
Flexibility and Recovery Tools: Incorporating areas for stretching, yoga, and recovery is a growing trend in hotel gym design. Mats, foam rollers, and accessories for mobility and flexibility are essential additions, promoting a holistic approach to wellness.

Key Differences Between Hotel Gyms and Commercial Gyms

Accessibility and Convenience: Hotel gyms are designed to cater to guests' needs conveniently. They are often accessible 24/7, allowing travelers to maintain their fitness routines regardless of their schedule. In contrast, commercial gyms might have more restricted operating hours.
Size and Equipment Variety: Commercial gyms are typically more extensive and offer a broader range of equipment options. Hotel gyms, on the other hand, are more compact and focus on providing essential equipment for a quick and effective workout.
Personalized Experience: Hotel gyms aim to provide a personalized experience but ofte fall short of this when there is no on-site staff available during peak hours, whereas resort gyms are especially adept at getting this feature right.

What are branded hotel gyms and what explains their recent rise?

Branded gyms in hotels are fitness facilities that are operated or endorsed by well-known fitness or wellness brands. These gyms are often part of a broader strategy to enhance the guest experience, attract health-conscious travelers, and align with the hotel's brand identity.

Here are key features and characteristics of branded gyms in hotels:

Partnerships: Hotels enter into partnerships or licensing agreements with established fitness or wellness brands. These partnerships allow the hotel to use the branding, equipment, and expertise of the fitness brand within their gym facility.
Recognizable Name: Branded gyms are associated with widely recognized fitness brands. Guests are more likely to trust and feel comfortable using these facilities because they are familiar with the brand's reputation and offerings.
Specialized Equipment: Branded gyms typically feature specialized fitness equipment that aligns with the fitness brand's philosophy and training methods. This equipment is often of high quality and may include unique or innovative workout machines, almost always a step-up from whatever the hotel manager had planned in his equipment budget!
Exclusive Classes and Programs: When space allows, many branded gyms offer exclusive fitness classes, training programs, or wellness services that are not commonly found in standard hotel gyms. These offerings can range from group fitness classes to personalized training sessions.
Wellness Integration: Again when space allows, branded gyms often integrate wellness elements beyond just exercise equipment. This may include spa services, nutritional guidance, and holistic wellness programs to provide guests with a comprehensive wellness experience.
Consistency: Branded gyms aim to provide a consistent experience for guests across different hotel properties. Whether you visit a branded gym in Barcelona, London, or any other location, you can expect a similar level of service and quality.
Brand Identity Alignment: The design and aesthetics of the gym are aligned with the fitness brand's identity. This ensures that the gym's atmosphere and décor resonate with the brand's ethos and values.
Marketing and Promotion: Branded gyms are often promoted as a unique selling point of the hotel. This can attract health-conscious travelers who prioritize fitness during their stay.
Guest Access: While some branded gyms may be open to the public, many are primarily accessible to hotel guests. This exclusivity can be a valuable amenity for guests and an incentive for choosing a particular hotel.
Staff Training: Staff working at branded gyms are often trained according to the fitness brand's standards. This ensures that guests receive knowledgeable and professional assistance during their workouts.

In summary, branded gyms in hotels are a strategic way for hotels to enhance their wellness offerings, differentiate themselves in a competitive market, and cater to health-conscious travelers who value fitness amenities during their stay.

These gyms leverage the reputation and expertise of established fitness brands to provide guests with a premium fitness experience.

Conclusion - the hotel gym designer

Hotel gym design is a unique endeavor that requires a delicate balance of space optimization, wellness interior design, and equipment selection.

Catering to the needs of discerning hotel guests, these fitness centers are integral to enhancing the property and overall guest experience. Understanding the key characteristics, typical size, equipment choices, and distinctions from commercial gyms is essential for any hotelier looking to excel in the competitive hospitality industry.

In the world of wellness real estate and healthy buildings, the hotel gym serves as a testament to the commitment to holistic well-being. By integrating these principles into gym design, hoteliers can create spaces that resonate with their brand, delight their guests, create, and elevate the art of hospitality.

Elevating Hospitality Fitness: The Art and Science of Hotel gym design