As reported in this week’s eFlyer USA newsletter, InterContinental Hotels Group announced future locations for its new EVEN Hotels brand, a concept focusing on wellness and fitness. The brand aims to accommodate health- and fitness-conscious travelers who wish it were easier to work out, eat well and feel healthy while on the road.

© Courtesy of IHG

IHG plans to open two EVEN Hotels in Rockville, Md., and Norwalk, Conn., early next year and two properties in New York City in 2015, followed by additional locations in the Tri-state area; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Chicago; Denver; Portland, Ore.; Seattle; and Los Angeles. The hotels will provide in-room fitness equipment, including options like a yoga mat, exercise ball, jump rope and pull-up bar, and feature state-of-the-art fitness centers with three zones: one for cardio, one for weightlifting and another for yoga and mat exercises. Guests will also be offered wellness-inspired menus, free coffee and mini-smoothies in the morning and complimentary flavored filtered water in glass bottles.

© Courtesy of IHG

© Courtesy of IHG

Other hotels such as Kimpton and Fairmont properties launched similar initiatives focusing on health and wellness sales, which are expected to reach $1 trillion by 2017, according to a recent consumer and shopper insights report from consultancy McKinsey & Company. Kimpton provides guests with yoga mats in every guestroom and free on-demand fitness TV programs, while Fairmont Fit offers guests Reebok workout apparel and footwear, an MP3 play and a yoga mat upon request. 

Is fitness important to you when traveling? Would you stay at an EVEN Hotel? 

— Monique Barrett, advertising and editorial coordinator