March 25th, 2006
Fit for the travel: when you’re traveling for a business, these are the hotels you should call home
GOING OUT OF TOWN TENDS TO MEAN GETTING OUT OF SHAPE. BUT IF jet lag doesn’t keep you from hitting the gym, your hotel’s fitness digs just might, especially because most hotels are lucky to have even one broken treadmill and a dumbbell rack that goes up to 30 pounds. Next time, look out for your body before you make travel plans, and stay at one of these eight hotels–each of which offers the best facilities in its respective city.
Chicago
THE FAIRMONT ($1619-$289 A NIGHT)
The hotel sits on Grant Park (a mecca for runners) and adjoins the Lakeshore Athletic Club Illinois Center–one of the best-equipped clubs in the Windy City (20 bucks to enter).
Boston
THE RITZ-CARLTON, BOSTON COMMON ($295-$495 A NIGHT)
The Ritz is located on beautiful Boston Common and sits next to The Sports Club/LA–a 100,000-square-foot supergym offering everything from boxing to squash, along with an amazing workout facility. And it’s all on the house if you’re staying at The Ritz.
LE PARKER MERIDIEN ($295 A NIGHT)
Its swank digs are atop the 17,000-squarefoot Gravity, Fitness and Spa in midtown. Admission is complimentary for hotel guests, giving you easy access to a gym, racquetball court, and rooftop lap pool.
Los Angeles
SUNSET MARQUIS ($299 A NIGHT)
The luxury suites and private villas are near a very unusual Equinox Gym–decked out in 1950s-nightclub decor. Guest passes are available at the hotel and are offered based on availability.
San Francisco
COURTYARD MARIOTT, IN NEARBY LARKSPUR ($139-$189 A NIGHT)
The newly renovated hotel is across the street from 24 Hour Fitness ($7 a visit). It’s a great value when you don’t want to pay premium San Fran hotel rates.
Washington, D.C.
HOTEL ROUGE ($139-$279 A NIGHT)
It’s fun to stay at this boutique hotel. No, really–the YMCA National Capital is nearby ($5 for admission); it houses a junior Olympic pool, climbing wall, and indoor track.
Dallas
WYNDHAM ANATOLE ($129-$299 A NIGHT)
Everything really is bigger in Texas, starting with this hotel–one of the largest convention centers in the Southwest. The nearby Verandah Club and Spa is equally huge and fully equipped. Full access costs $15.
Vancouver
COAST PLAZA HOTEL & SUITES ($190 A NIGHT)
You’ll be staying on top of the Denman Fitness Center (a full-on gym with complimentary admission for guests).
Ron Rosell is the president of Fit for Business, LLC (fitforbusiness.com).