Hotel guests are becoming more fitness-conscious – particularly travellers who spend plenty of time on the road, and who want to be able to maintain a healthy routine.
A hotel gym, fitted with all the workout equipment a fitness-focused guest could want or need, can help you to attract these travellers.
These guests tend to be business and long-term travellers – demographics that can prove particularly valuable for your hotel, as they tend to be less weekend and peak season-focused, so can help you to fill your hotel during low season and mid-week lulls.
At GymQuip we’re experts at luxury hotel gym design, having spent decades successfully delivering fitness solutions for all manner of hotels. Over that time we’ve learned how to deliver truly high-end hotel gym fitouts – the type that don’t just tick a box, but that are the reason a guest chooses you over a competitor.
How do you nail luxury hotel gym design? Read on to find out.
Understanding guest expectations for hotel gyms
To build the perfect gym, you first need to understand who you’re building it for, and what the expectations of those guests are.
Modern, fitness-focused guests expect a few key things in a modern, high-end gym:
- 24/7, contact-free access (ideally with their room key/card)
- Modern equipment that can track workouts and connect with fitness wearables.
- AI-powered gym equipment, like GymQuip’s DKN range, that can act as an on-demand personal trainer.
- Aesthetic appeal and a luxury feel in terms of layout, lighting and décor.
- 5-star hygiene and maintenance, with the space kept permanently fresh and clean.
Once you understand these underlying expectations, you can begin working towards them in your own unique way.
Designing a high-end hotel gym: key considerations
Gym design for hotels is informed by a handful of key factors. Here are a few things that you’ll need to keep top of mind.
Space planning & layout
Space is a luxury, particularly in modern Australian cities. To evoke a high-end feel, you should avoid overfilling your space – it should be spacious, airy and easy to walk around.
Consider creating zones that focus on different types of training, such as cardio, strength, functional fitness and recovery.
Selecting premium gym equipment
Choosing premium commercial gym equipment for your hotel can be a tricky business, particularly if you haven’t done it before.
High-end fitness equipment tends to have a few things in common:
- It is commercial-grade, made by a trusted brand, and proven to stand up to constant use.
- It features the latest and greatest tech: digital displays, performance tracking, wearable connectivity, AI-integration.
- It is beautiful, pairing well with the aesthetics of your hotel gym, whether industrial, organic or whatever else.
Speaking of which…
Aesthetic & functional design elements
High-end hotel gyms place a premium on the look and feel of the space. By investing in luxury flooring, quality decor and beautiful lighting, you create an inviting environment that will enhance the guest experience.
If possible, integrate your hotel gym with outdoor spaces like rooftop and poolside areas.
Choosing the right commercial gym equipment for hotels
What specific equipment should you invest in for your hotel gym? You should try to offer a full complement of equipment, including:
- Cardio: treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machines, ski-ergs, cross-trainers and steppers.
- Weights and strength training: Weight sets, benches, racks, multi-stations and smith machines.
- Conditioning: Boxing gear, ropes, weighted balls and bodyweight equipment.
- Recovery: Foam rollers, trigger balls, massage guns, saunas and ice baths.
If you’re tight on space, consider multi-purpose equipment like functional trainers and cable machines.
Your ideal equipment can also depend on your hotel and the sort of guest you attract, for example:
- Boutique hotels: Choose compact, high-end, multi-functional equipment.
- Luxury resorts: Choose smart training machines. Offer recovery zones and personal training spaces.
- Business hotels: Choose quick and easy cardio machines and consider offering AI-powered training programs.
Why invest in an innovative, high-end hotel gym?
Why invest in a high-end gym or hotel wellness amenities for your hotel? Because it enhances the experience you offer your guests, and helps you to attract more fitness-minded customers – a group which includes two particularly valuable demographics: corporates and extended stays.
By creating a comfortable and luxurious space, filled with technologically advanced equipment, you only make your hotel more tempting to these guests. You place yourself at the leading edge of this hospitality fitness trend, giving you a competitive advantage over your hotel rivals.
As we’ve mentioned already, smart equipment, particularly AI-powered machines like GymQuip’s exclusive range of DKN smart gym technology, can represent a significant differentiator, as they essentially offer your guests access to their own personal trainer.
Whether you’re looking to deliver added value to your current guests, or attract a new type of customer altogether, a high-end hotel fitness space is a great way to enhance your hotel business.
GymQuip: hotel gym fitout specialists
Home to one of Australia’s largest fitness showrooms, and with a history stretching back over 30 years, at GymQuip we specialise in the design and fitout of high-end hotel gyms.
If you’re searching for the very best equipment for your hotel gym, and if you’re looking for expert advice on exactly how to fit your gym out, from equipment, to layout, to ongoing maintenance, our expert team is here to help.
Beginning with a consulting session, we’ll design your floor plan; identify, deliver and install high performance equipment; then provide ongoing service and support to ensure your hotel gym runs smoothly in the long run.
Ready to enhance your hotel with a high-end fitness space? Get in touch with our friendly team today.