The Ideal Hotel Gym

Since we're constantly on the prowl for the ideal hotel gym, people always ask us about our view of hotel fitness perfection. Accommodations such as the Houstonian, Four Seasons San Francisco, and Ritz Carlton Boston Common, are examples of a hotel gym "10". What do they have?

First, the sweat space must be open, airy, and comfortable. Second, we expect top-of-the-line cardio and strength equipment typically manufactured by companies such as Precor, Life Fitness, and/or Cybex. Treadmills, recumbent bikes, upright bikes, ellipticals, steppers, and rowers are cardio staples. Free weights, dumbbells, and selectorized weight machines are strength "must-haves" as well. Third, the perfect hotel gym must have a true lap pool that stretches across at least 25 yards of real estate. Last, we like to find upscale shower facilities with towels and lockers available.

While there are many good hotel gym options out there, only a very few exemplify perfection.