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Picture this: It's the break of dawn, and you find yourself in a cosy hotel room, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as you glance out the window, contemplating the day ahead.
You start the day with that all important habit of hitting the gym before you get on with the rest of your busy day. So you make the important decision to leave your room for the hotel gym. You expect that you'll find a treadmill and some old broken weight sets.
Now, imagine you stumble across a hotel gym that not only meets your fitness needs, but far exceeds your expectations. Are you likely to use the gym again? Yes. Are you going to consider rebooking this hotel next time you visit? Yes. Are you going to recommend this hotel to a friend or colleague? Of course you are!
While every guest might not think this way, we bet there is a very good chunk of guests that go through this very thought process when they visit and use your hotel gym. As subtle as it seems a quality hotel gym could be the defining reason for travellers picking your hotel over a competitors on their next visit.
I know what you're thinking, where do we start on this process, is there not a lot to consider? Well fear not, as today were going to go over our top five points to consider when creating a hotel gym. By the end not only will you meet a guests fitness needs, but well exceed their expectations. We're going to look at:
Designing with Intention
So, where do we start on the journey to crafting the perfect hotel gym? Before you start envisioning rows of treadmills and a couple of weights, let's talk about the real game-changer: intentional design. When crafting your gym it's essential to consider space layout and overall aesthetics.
Picture this: a guest walks into your gym, and instead of feeling like they stumbled upon a makeshift workout corner, they enter a space carefully crafted for their fitness journey. The importance of this cannot be overstated. A gym's design is about more than just aesthetics though; it's about creating an environment for motivation and energy for whoever visits your hotel.
The design of your gym plays a crucial role in how guests perceive their fitness experience. It's not just about placing equipment randomly; it's about creating a flow that encourages movement and invigorates the senses. To find out more about this we have an entire blog covering our Top 10 Tips for Gym Design Success.
The layout should guide guests seamlessly from cardio to strength training, with strategically placed items such as mirrors that make the place more spacious. It's about making your gym a place guests look forward to, not just a checkbox on their to-do list.
And let's not forget the importance of lighting, ventilation, and even the choice of colours. These seemingly small details contribute to the overall experience. Intentional design ensures your gym becomes a haven – a retreat within your hotel where guests can escape the daily grind.
Power of Personalisation
Alright, let's talk about turning your gym from a mere room with exercise equipment into an experience that leaves guests raving. Just having a treadmill or two isn't enough; it's about understanding your guests' diverse fitness needs and then matching or going above them.
Think about it – your guests come from all walks of life, each with their own fitness preferences. Some might be avid runners, while others prefer the satisfying clink of heavy weights. Blending different types of equipment will curate an environment that makes guests feel as though they're in their own fitness playground. The secret sauce here is a form of personalisation.
Imagine this: a guest walks into your gym, and instead of seeing a generic setup, they find a range of equipment catering to their specific workout style. When guests feel like the gym understands and supports their unique needs, they're more likely to stick around, and probably will choose your hotel over others in the future.
Creating a personalised gym experience isn't just about upgrading facilities; it's about becoming a destination for fitness enthusiasts on their travels. It's about creating an experience that goes beyond a simple workout – it's about making your guests feel seen and catered to while they stay with you.
Tech-Savvy Touches
In an era dominated by technology, don't underestimate the impact of integrating smart features into your hotel gym. From interactive workout screens to personalised fitness apps, incorporating cutting-edge technology will transform your hotel gym into a modern and engaging space.
We live in an era where technology isn't just a luxury; it's a part of every day life. Think about it – your guests are used to a seamless, tech-driven experience in every aspect of their lives. Why should their experiance be any different when they stay with you?
According to British GQ, the impact of technology on the fitness industry will continue to be undeniable. Now, we're not talking about throwing in a TV or basic music system; we're diving deeper. We're talking interactive workout screens like the Impulse RT950 Treadmill or the Stages Solo Cycle.
These interactive workout screens could be guiding your guests through engaging routines, offering a personalised touch to every session. We recommend also including equipment that integrates with fitness apps guests will use at home such as the Wattbike AtomX.
It's not just about adding gadgets; it's about creating an immersive experience that keeps your guests hooked on their fitness journey during their stay. Being able to step into space where technology seamlessly integrates with their visit is a sure fire way, to enhance their time spent with you.
Underestimating Amenities
Let's talk about the unsung heroes of your gym – the underestimated amenities. It's not just about the flashy equipment; it's the little things that can turn a workout into an experience. And guess what? Getting it right will make sure your gym stands out for all the right reasons with visitors.
Have you thought about the subtle details that can elevate your guests' experience? Where they will be placed and how accessible they will be? It's these often overlooked small touches that contribute significantly to increasing guest satisfaction. Let's break it down:
It's about creating an environment that not only meets but exceeds your guests' expectations. One way of achieving this could be through biophilic design. This incorporates natural elements like plants, natural light, and scenic views to create a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere.
How can this be achieved I here you ask? Consider your spaces current design and where you could implement it. A simple step could be to bring plants into the gym space or even add natural light where possible. If you're in the design phase creating a view to the outside world might be a good idea.
A simple way of adding a tech-savvy amenity could be to install charging stations for electronic devices. Especially with how important connectivity is in today's fitness routines. In modern hotels it will continue to be every bit as important to accommodate the increasing need for tech-friendly amenities.
"For about 1 in 2 (47%) travellers, physical wellness and accessibility to fitness amenities like centres or activities will be top of mind when it comes to traveling"
Staff Are The Difference
Lastly, let's talk about the heartbeat of a hotel – the staff. Depending on the goals for your hotel gym this can take things to the next level. Simply put, if you have staff onsite, they're not just there to ensure the equipment is in working order; they play a pivotal role in shaping the overall atmosphere.
Imagine a guest walking into your gym and being greeted by a staff member who not only knows the ins and outs of the equipment but can also provide valuable workout advice. Think of it this way – a staff member who can guide a guest through a workout routine, suggest appropriate exercises, or even provide a quick tip on form, is like having a personal fitness concierge.
It's these small interactions that create a positive and memorable gym experience. It's the kind of experience that keeps guests coming back for more, turning your gym into a sought-after place to stay. Can you picture your guests leaving the gym not just feeling accomplished but also inspired by their visit?
Conclusion
As you can see crafting the perfect hotel gym doesn't need to be difficult and we hope this post inspires you to get started with refreshing yours. Whether it's advice on intentional design or adding the right amenities to your gym, feel free to get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you today. Out team can be contacted on 0131 526 3770 or [email protected].
So, if you want to ensure your guests have a fitness experience they won't soon forget, remember: it's not just about lifting weights, it's about lifting the spirits of your guests. Now, isn't that a journey worth taking? Have you ever experienced a hotel gym that made your stay truly memorable?
