After researching trends and consumer needs in the travel industry, InterContinental Hotels Group saw a demand in one area in particular—wellness.
With the launch of its new wellness brand, EVEN Hotels, in the U.S., the group is putting the focus on four areas—exercise, eat, work and rest—creating an experience for guests seeking healthy options while traveling.
“The EVEN Hotels brand was created to meet a new and growing customer demand in the U.S. for healthier travel,” says Adam Glickman, director, EVEN Hotels and guest well-being programs. “There are 17 million wellness-minded travelers out there who tell us they find it hard to stay active and eat right, and that they fall off the wagon when traveling. EVEN Hotels helps guests maintain the balance they desire when they are on the road.”
The first property signed to the brand will open in midtown Manhattan in 2015, featuring 230 guestrooms, indoor and outdoor exercise space, and dining space. Guestrooms will allow for in-room workouts (think coat rack transforming into a pull-up bar), in addition to other onsite fitness activities like group exercise and instruction, at no extra fee. Rooms also feature high-speed WiFi, desk space, hypoallergenic linens, natural lighting, LED dimmers and antibacterial wipes. EVEN Hotels has also announced the signing of a second property, a 150-room hotel also in midtown Manhattan, set to open in the middle of 2015.
“Throughout their travel journey, we help guests keep active, rest easy, eat well and accomplish more so they can find the balance they seek while away from home,” Glickman says. “Wellness-savvy staff and modern, natural spaces enable guests to maintain their routines by providing uplifting choices, calming influences and healthier options—on their terms.”
Healthy options extend to the dining choices with fresh, nutritionally designed menus available all day long; complimentary coffee and mini-smoothies in the morning; and complimentary flavored filtered water, so guests can fill up their bottles at any time.
In the next five years, the company hopes to sign 100 more hotels in the U.S. in cities like San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
As far as how this will affect the market, Glickman says, “The wellness sector continues to grow each year, driven by longer life spans and increased awareness around health and fitness. EVEN Hotels is an industry first—while other hotel brands provide elements of this offer, no other brand in the U.S. provides a holistic wellness experience under one roof, at this price point.”
For more information, visit evenhotels.com.
