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Road warrior
High-octane hotels make it a cinch to stay fit on the road.
If you’re headed to the airport this month, it’s most likely for one of two reasons: a vacation or a business trip. What do the two journeys have in common? Airplane delays, big dinners and the temptation of that $8 Snickers in the minibar. The best way to offset the extra stress and calories is with a workout. Fortunately, major hotels across the country have caught on to the fact that travelers need more fitness motivation than a tiny, dark basement room outfitted with a rickety treadmill and one lone, fuzzy TV screen. These chains make it easier than ever to squeeze in exercise while you’re on the road.
Westin
Crib sheet: More than 150 locations, ranging from your basic airport hotel (such as the one connected to O’Hare) to cushy resorts.
Fitness fix: For an extra $20, guests can request a WestinWorkout Room—a souped-up guest room outfitted like a minigym with a treadmill or spinning bike, fitness DVDs and dumbbells, plus a library of fitness mags. Many locations also have a “Running Concierge” who will hook you up with a route and map. Next up? Fitness rooms will be outfitted with Wii Fit in the coming months.
Smoothie factor: Energy drinks and nutrition bars are offered for a fee in refreshment centers.
Book it: StarwoodHotels.com/westin/workout
Candlewood Suites
Crib sheet: A favorite for business travelers, the 169-location extended-stay hotel has simple, affordable rooms that guests occupy an average of 12 nights in a row.
Fitness fix: Hit the gym (open 24/7), then toss your sweaty clothes in the wash in the gratis laundry room next door. You’ll be more likely to work out the next day if your clothes don’t reek of sweat.
Smoothie factor: Each room has a kitchen so guests can slash calories by skipping restaurant meals. Not in the mood to cook? Nosh on the healthy fare in Candlewood Cupboard—it brims with light options such as low-fat yogurt, pasta, soups and protein bars.
Book it: Ichotelsgroup.com
Fairmont
Crib sheet: The 15 U.S. and 41 international Fairmont properties range from stylish, urban hotels in Seattle and Boston to decadent resorts in Sonoma Valley, California, and Bermuda.
Fitness fix: Don’t worry about packing your gym clothes. The hotel will deliver adidas gear and preloaded MP3 players directly to the doors of Fairmont President’s Club guests (you can enroll when you book a room)—with the option to buy anything you love.
Smoothie factor: Many locations are on an organic mission—for example, in the San Francisco venue, a green room-service menu offers local, seasonal produce; the three Canadian properties have beehives on site and are planning honey harvests for the fall.
Book it: Fairmont.com
Hyatt
Crib sheet: Within the U.S. there are 22 Park Hyatt hotels, 32 Grand Hyatt hotels, and 145 Hyatt Regency hotels.
Fitness fix: In addition to 24-7 fitness rooms, the properties have a “Stay Fit” concierge on-call to deliver athletic apparel for purchase directly to your room, whether you need sneakers, sweats, a GPS or goggles. For a dose of Zen before bed, tune into the Hyatt’s YogaAway channel—some locations also have on-site instructors and classes.
Smoothie factor: Hyatt chefs are encouraged to offer locally influenced dishes, plus the restaurants and mini bars all have healthy, low-cal options.
Book it: Hyatt.com
Affinia
Crib sheet: The mod luxury chain has hotels in six U.S. cities, including one that just opened in Chicago.
Fitness fix: Log on to myaffinia.com before your visit to request a free, in-room Fit Experience Kit. Inside you’ll find yoga blocks, workout DVDs, resistance bands, a jump rope and a mat.
Smoothie factor: The minibar stocks healthy snacks such as Luna Bars.
Book it: Affinia.com
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