Design for what guests actually do, not what they say. A Cornell hospitality study found 46% of guests intended to use the hotel gym but only 22% did. Hotels should priorities a few reliable, intuitive cardio machines, adjustable dumbbells, a bench and floor space. Place the gym where it feels safe and inviting, keep access easy (ideally round the clock), and maintain it so nothing is ever out of order.
Key takeaways
- The gap between intent and use is Design to close it.
- Reliability and cleanliness influence perception more than equipment
- Intuitive, self-explanatory equipment suits guests who train
- Location, light and access hours drive
- An out-of-order sign damages brand
What the research says
A study by Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration (2017), covering 33 hotels across six brands, compared guests’ pre-stay intentions with their actual use:
- 46% intended to use the fitness center; 22% actually
- For four of the six brands studied, the fitness center influenced neither guests’ initial choice nor repeat The
study surveyed 782 guests at properties of a single hotel company.
The lesson is not that hotel gyms don’t matter. It is that a gym must be designed and managed for real guest behavior to deliver value.
Design principles
1. Right-size the equipment
A compact, well-chosen set used by many guests beats a large room used by few. A typical core:
| Category | Why |
| Treadmills | The most familiar cardio for travelers |
| Upright or recumbent bike | Low impact; easy to use |
| Elliptical | Low-impact alternative |
| Adjustable dumbbells and a bench | Covers most strength work in little space |
| Multi-station or compact strength machine | Guided strength for guests who prefer machines |
| Mats, stretching space, small accessories | Warm-up, mobility and body weight training |
2. Make it intuitive
Guests train alone and briefly. Clear consoles, simple adjustments and short instruction placards reduce hesitation.
3. Place it well
Natural light, visibility from corridors, and proximity to lifts help guests feel comfortable. Basements with poor ventilation discourage use.
4. Keep access easy
Business travelers often train early or late. Round-the-clock key-card access, with appropriate safety measures, widens the window.
5. Make reliability non-negotiable
Preventive maintenance, a log, and rapid service response. Every machine should work every day (Blog 14).
6. Hygiene and comfort
Towels, water, wipes, good ventilation and cooling.
7. Safety for solo users
Treadmill clearances (follow the manufacturers model-specific rear and side clearance requirements), safety keys, emergency call options, CCTV where appropriate, and an emergency plan including AED access.
Beyond the gym room
Some hotels complement the gym with in-room fitness kits, partnerships with nearby gyms, or wellness programming. These can extend reach without enlarging the room.
Common mistakes
- Buying more machines than the room or guest usage
- Complex equipment that solo guests
- Out-of-order machines left for
- Windowless, poorly ventilated
FAQs
What equipment should a hotel gym have?
Reliable treadmills, a bike, possibly an elliptical, adjustable dumbbells, a bench, a compact strength station and floor space. Choose commercial or hospitality-rated equipment.
Do hotel guests use the gym?
In one Cornell study, 22% of guests actually used it, against 46% who intended to. Design and management can help close that gap.
Should a hotel gym be open 24 hours?
Many travelers train early or late, so extended or round-the-clock access widens use, provided safety measures are in place.
How big should a hotel gym be?
Size it to expected guest use and include safety clearances. A compact, well-equipped, well-maintained room often outperforms a larger, under-used one.
Conclusion
A hotel gym earns its space when it’s reliable, inviting and easy to use alone. Design for real guest behavior, maintain it relentlessly, and it becomes a quiet signal of the hotel’s standards.
