With the rise of tech-savvy travelers, many independent boutique hotels have introduced amenities that cater to the needs of Fitbit-wearing guests. Some offer minibars stocked with fresh fruit, state-of-the-art gyms with personal trainers, and complimentary bike rentals in the lobby. An extra pair of running shoes can take up space in a suitcase, so more hotels are beginning to rent them to guests who want to keep up with their daily fitness routine.
“Just because you’re far from home doesn’t mean you have to give up exercise and healthy eating habits,” says Cheryl Rosner, a self-described health nut and the CEO of boutique-hotel booking site Stayful. Rosner says she also focuses on avoiding germs. Here’s her advice on booking a salutary stay:
1. Seek out special wellness perks. Some hotels offer free yoga classes and workout studios and will rent exercise gear in case you forgot anything at home. The Restoration has bicycles you can use to explore downtown Charleston.
2. Ask for a jogging map. Many concierges can suggest routes for runners that include great views and sightseeing.
3. Research local dining options for salads and smoothies. Also check the room-service menu online ahead of time to see if it offers healthy options in a pinch. The Dana Hotel and Spa in Chicago is close to a Whole Foods for healthy meals, as well as a Flywheel, Bikram Yoga, and PureBarre for workout classes.
4. Ensure the hotel room is spotless. Don’t be afraid to ask if all the bedding has been changed or to request hypoallergenic pillows. See if the hotel has duvets (rather than comforters) since their covers are easier to clean. The Chamberlain in West Hollywood has premium duvets and bedding in each room.
5. Ask for a room with a standing shower. Bathtubs and Jacuzzis are notoriously difficult to clean. The XV Beacon in Boston has rainfall showers in the rooms.
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6. Request a room that is smoke-free and restricts pets. Avoid dander and lingering allergens. Pet-friendly rooms often have strong chemical odors.
7. Wear socks around the hotel room to protect against germs. Never go barefoot.
8. Use antibacterial wipes on in-room phones, remotes, light switches, faucets, and alarm clocks. “I like the natural ones from EO,” says Rosner. The Hotel Americano in New York City has Japanese Imbari washcloths, Aesop bath products, and minimalist style rooms, which means less clutter, less to clean. And less need for antibacterial wipes.
9. Use the individually wrapped paper or plastic cups in the room instead of glassware, which might be cleaned only with a rag and can of antibacterial spray.
10. Ask for room upgrades to preferred-guest floors. These receive the most vigilant housekeeping and are the least noisy. They’re often far from hotel bars and have the best views.
A version of this article appears in the August 1, 2016 issue of Coins2Day with the headline “The Road to Wellness.”
