Economy properties get in shape

"The world is changing—people are shifting their outlooks and attitudes on life—it’s about fitness." — Indra Dayaram, Best Western

While exercise has been a societal focus for many years now, perhaps the most recent manifestation of this dedication to a healthy-minded lifestyle is the emergence of fitness centers in economy properties.

Approximately five years ago, Indra Dayaram, general manager of the Best Western North East Mall Inn & Suites in North Richland Hills, Texas, decided to transform an existing first-floor guestroom into a fitness center, a cost-efficient solution to designing a new space to meet the demands of guests.

Dayaram lined one wall with mirrors, wired a TV to the cable set-up and brought seven pieces of equipment into the space, a standard conversion system provided by the Best Western brand. While the space is modest, approximately 200 square feet, it has become a salient selling point of the property, reflecting the rising trend.

“I think it should be mandatory right across the board,” Dayaram said. “The world is changing—people are shifting their outlooks and attitudes on life—it’s about fitness and healthy eating habits.”

Dayaram said that any additional offerings a property can bring to the table are vital to appearing as a great deal for guests.

Rena Kilgore, general manager of Econo Lodge in Silver City, N.M., stressed the importance of recognizing the significance of your location.
“When you are fighting the big boys you need an edge; you need every little thing you can offer,” Kilgore said. “We have a lot of hotels here in Silver City, but none of them have a fitness center. It appeals to another segment the other hotels don’t cater to here.”

Tom Belford, owner of the Microtel Bellevue (Neb.) Inn and Suites and the Microtel Inn and Suites Council Bluffs (Iowa), agreed that location is important.

“In this part of the world, starting right about now, it’s very difficult to go outside and jog and run,” Belford said. “It’s below freezing most of the time until the end of March. People need someplace inside to go and exercise. “