Westin unveils new gyming concept

The luxury hotel brand will make over gyms and fitness centers at all of its 186 properties this year, it said, as part of an attempt to tackle upscale competitors such as Crowne Plaza.

Westin will become the first hotel chain to use ActiViva lighting, fluorescent tube designed by lighting giant Philips which contains a high percentage of blue light and is claimed to result in an increase of performance of ten percent or more.

Guests will also find the traditional rubber floor replaced with natural woven flooring and a soft-tone color palette and a built-in entry unit in every club which holds essentials such as towels and water in one place.

The selection of gym machines has also been overhauled, Westin said, with some machines being cut to make way for floor exercises.

A study of travelers commissioned by TripAdvisor US and released this week suggests that by far the majority consider wifi and internet access the most important amenity, citing it as more important than breakfast, loyalty points or a restaurant.