The hospitality landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Today’s travelers, increasingly health-conscious and wellness-focused, view a hotel’s fitness center not as a mere amenity, but as an integral part of their overall stay. Whether it’s a business guest squeezing in a pre-meeting workout or a vacationer continuing a yoga practice, guests are increasingly prioritizing hotel gyms when choosing where to stay. In repones, leading luxury hotels across the globe are upgrading their fitness spaces with modern layouts, advanced equipment, and curated wellness experiences. It’s a strategic move that directly impacts guest satisfaction, drives loyalty, and enhances their brand reputation.
Wellness travel isn’t a niche—it’s mainstream. The global wellness tourism market is booming, projected to reach an astounding $2.096 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2023. This surge is profoundly influencing guest expectations: 82% of U.S. consumers now consider wellness a top priority in dialysis life.Consequently, guests are no longer content with a couple of treadmills tucked in a corner. They seek comprehensive hotel wellness amenities that allow them to maintain their routines, de-stress, and rejuvenate even while traveling.
Modern travelers, from business professionals to leisure seekers, prioritize their health and fitness. They are looking for hotels that support their lifestyle choices. A well-equipped gym signals that a hotel understands and caters to these needs.
Often on tight schedules, business travelers value the convenience of an on-site gym to squeeze in a workout before or after meetings. A high-quality fitness center can be a deciding factor when choosing accommodation for extended stays.
The rise of travel that mix business and leisurefurther emphasizes the need for versatile wellness facilities. Guests extending a business trips for into a mini vacation are more likely to use the gym. While earlier studies showed a gap between intent and usage, a recent 2024 study on 5-star hotels indicated a “high mean rating of 4.3 for the fitness center,” suggesting that quality facilities do lead to high guest satisfaction among users.
So, what exactly do guests look for when they walk into the hotel gym? Here are the fundamentals:
Cleanliness has always mattered, but post-pandemic expectations have amplified. Guests expect pristine, well-ventilated gyms with clear signage, sanitization stations, and organized layouts. In fact, cleanliness consistently ranks as the #1 concern for travelersusing shared amenities like gyms and pools.
One-size-fits-all machines are no longer enough. Today’s guests want high-performance, easy-to-use equipment that mirrors what they’d find in a boutique studio or premium health club. Travelers, especially Millennials and Gen Z’s are also highly brand-aware. Using equipment from trusted, premium fitness brands reinforces quality and builds confidence in the facility.
In a world of late-night flights and early morning meetings, flexibility is key. Guests appreciates access to fitness on their schedule. Hotels offering round-the-clock gym access score higher on convenience and flexibility, key drivers of guest satisfaction.
Creating a high-performing hotel gym starts with choosing equipment that balances guest expectations, operational efficiency, and design integrity. The following considerations outline how luxury properties can build wellness-forward, future-proof fitness spaces.
Cryotherapy & Contrast Therapies
Whole-body cryotherapy, often paired with infrared saunas or steam rooms, is now a staple in elite spas and fitness programs. This trend underlines a shift from basic recovery to proactive longevity and performance enhancement. Equinox Hotel New York Features a high-performance thermal suite with full-body cryotherapy, infrared domes, and hot/cold contrast lounges as part of its integrated wellness circuit.
Red-Light & Photobiomodulation Treatments
Devices such as red-light sleep therapy pods and advanced light-dome chambers are being used to boost sleep quality, cognitive clarity, and regenerative processes. Brands like Six Senses Ibiza Integrates red light therapy into its Longevity Suite, alongside infrared treatments and energy healing modalities, tailored to wellness-conscious HNW guests.
IV Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen, & Nutritional Rehab
A growing number of upscale properties—including Remedy Place and Carillon Miami — now offer nutrient infusions, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and biometric-based recovery routines tailored to executive travelers.
A sleek, modern fitness center sends a strong message: “We value your health and wellness.” It’s a visual cue that reflects the hotel’s brand ethos, attention to detail, and guest-centric approach.
When hotels invest in state-of-the-art fitness solutions, guests are more likely to return. According to a study by Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, wellness amenities are now among the top three factors influencing repeat bookings.
Fitness amenities are often cited in online reviews. When guests encounter an unexpected, exceptional gym, they share it with others. A well-equipped gym can boost a hotel’s ratings on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com — which, in turn, drives new bookings.
The investment in upgrading a hotel gym yields significant returns, impacting both guest satisfaction and the hotel’s bottom line.
Wellness travel is on the rise, and hotel gyms are no longer an afterthought. They have become a central part of the modern guest experience—and a key driver of satisfaction and loyalty. Upgrading your fitness center is more than just an equipment purchase; it’s a strategic investment in your brand and the long-term success of your property.
Today’s travelers expect wellness to be seamlessly woven into their stay. Forward-thinking hoteliers understand that a well-designed fitness space can enhance the entire guest journey, shaping perception and creating lasting impressions long after check-out.
In this new era of hospitality, a fitness center isn’t just a convenience. It’s a reflection of your values, your commitment to well-being, and a defining feature that sets your property apart.
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