Find a hotel with a gym - How to find the right hotel for your trip

For many people, sport is an integral part of everyday life. Even on vacation, they want to maintain their fitness routine and not miss out on their workout. Fortunately, there are many hotels around the world that offer their guests a well-equipped gym. Whether you are looking for a hotel with a gym in Mallorca, the USA, Germany or Asia, modern travel platforms such as Booking.com allow you to filter for hotels with a gym. In this guide, you will find out what you should look out for when choosing a hotel with a gym and what criteria a good hotel gym must meet.

Use the hotel search with gym filter

search for a gym. This function is particularly helpful as it saves you time and only shows hotels that already have a gym. This way you can make sure that you have the opportunity to work out at your accommodation while on vacation.

But Booking.com is not the only option. Other travel platforms such as Expedia, Agoda or Hotels.com also offer similar filters to help you find a suitable hotel. It is worth using several platforms and comparing the offers to find the best value for money. These platforms often also provide detailed information about the gym's facilities so that you know whether the hotel meets your expectations before you book.

2. what facilities should the hotel gym offer?

A well-equipped hotel gym should offer you the opportunity to continue both your cardio and strength training. The basic equipment of such a gym includes a variety of machines that cover different training needs:

• Cardio equipment:
  Cardio equipment such as treadmills, cross trainers, bicycle ergometers and rowing machines are among the essential components of a fitness studio. These machines enable effective cardiovascular training and should be available in sufficient numbers to be available to guests at all times. Make sure that the equipment is modern and well maintained. Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can impair the training experience and increase the risk of injury.
• Strength equipment and free weight area:
  For comprehensive strength training, it is important that the gym has a good selection of weight benches, dumbbells and barbells. A common criticism of many travelers is the limited selection of dumbbells, which often only go up to a weight of 14 kg. This can be insufficient for ambitious athletes who prefer more intensive strength training. Therefore, make sure that the hotel gym also offers heavier weights and that there are enough weight benches to train with other guests at the same time.
• Multifunctional stations:
  A weight station with cable pulls is particularly versatile and allows a variety of exercises for different muscle groups. It is ideal if the gym also offers a station for free barbell training and pull-ups, as these exercises provide an effective full-body workout. Also check that the cable pulleys and other equipment are in good condition, as they are often heavily used and require regular maintenance.
• Open space for stretching and yoga:
  An often overlooked but important area of a gym is the open space for stretching and yoga. This area should be large enough and equipped with mats so that you can stretch before and after your workout or do a yoga session. Such an area is also suitable for functional exercises that promote balance and flexibility.

Fitness equipment: what should not be missing in a hotel gym

In addition to the basic cardio equipment and strength machines, a well-equipped hotel gym should also offer a range of additional equipment that enables versatile and effective training. Barbells and weight plates are part of the basic equipment of every gym and are ideal for heavy strength training, such as squats, deadlifts or bench presses. It is important to have enough weight plates in different weights so that athletes of all levels can train appropriately.

Medicine balls are another versatile piece of equipment that a good gym should not be without. They are great for functional training, core workouts and can be used in combination with other exercises to increase intensity. Mobility bands or resistance bands are also very useful for stretching exercises, rehabilitation training and improving flexibility. These bands can be easily stored and are ideal for performing a variety of exercises that promote both strength and mobility.

A TRX system offers a great opportunity for suspension training that uses body weight to improve strength, balance and coordination. TRX exercises are particularly effective because they target multiple muscle groups simultaneously and promote core stability. Exercise mats are essential for floor exercises such as abdominal training, stretching or yoga. They provide a comfortable and hygienic surface and should be available in sufficient quantities.

An often overlooked, yet important aspect of a gym are mirrors. Mirrors allow exercisers to monitor their form and technique, which is especially important for strength exercises to avoid injury and perform the exercises correctly. They also help to monitor posture and visualize progress, which can be important for motivation. A well-equipped hotel gym should therefore have sufficient mirrors to provide guests with an optimal training environment.

By combining these machines and equipment, hotel gyms can ensure that they offer their guests a comprehensive training option that meets the needs of beginners through to advanced athletes.

Location and opening hours of the fitness studio

The location and opening hours of the gym are other important factors to consider when choosing a hotel. A gym that is close to your room or easily accessible in the hotel building is particularly practical. This makes it easier for you to integrate your training sessions into your daily routine without having to plan extra time to get to the gym. Some hotels even offer rooms with direct access to the gym, which can be particularly attractive for early risers or late exercisers.

The opening hours of the gym are also crucial. Some hotel gyms are open around the clock, giving you maximum flexibility when planning your training. Others, however, have restricted opening hours that may not suit your schedule. It is therefore advisable to check opening hours in advance, especially if you have a busy daily schedule or want to work out at unusual times.

Study customer reviews and photos

Customer reviews and photos are a valuable tool to get a realistic picture of the quality and facilities of the hotel gym. Read the reviews of other guests carefully to find out what their experience with the gym was like. Pay particular attention to comments about cleanliness, the availability of equipment and the general atmosphere of the gym. The friendliness and competence of the staff can also be important factors mentioned in the reviews.

Photos also give you a visual impression of what the gym actually looks like. Take a close look at the pictures to see whether the equipment meets your expectations and whether the room is large enough to train comfortably even with a higher volume of guests. Hotels often offer more detailed photos on their own websites than on booking platforms, so an additional look at the hotel website can be helpful.

Additional amenities and services

Additional amenities and services can greatly enhance the sports experience at the hotel. Many hotels offer complimentary fitness classes led by trained instructors, which are a great way to try out new workout methods or simply have fun in a group setting. Some hotels also provide personal trainers who can give you individual attention and help you achieve your fitness goals.

Wellness areas with a sauna, steam bath or whirlpool can also be a beneficial addition to the fitness facilities. After a strenuous training session, a wellness area offers the perfect opportunity to relax and regenerate. Find out whether the hotel offers such additional facilities and whether they are included in the room rate or have to be booked separately.

Summary: Find a suitable hotel with a fitness room

Choosing the right hotel with a gym is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and training goals. When choosing a hotel, pay attention to the facilities and quality of the gym, the location and opening hours as well as the reviews and experiences of other guests. Use the filter functions on the popular travel platforms to search specifically for hotels with a gym and compare different options to find the best offer. This will ensure that you don't have to miss out on your workout while on vacation and can continue to achieve your fitness goals.