EVEN Hotels: Providing Travelers with Healthier Options

Posted by admin on Apr 9, 2012 in Blog | 1,712 comments

LeanTraveler.com recently discovered a new hotel chain that is in the works form IHG, which will cater to the health conscious traveler. The new chain, EVEN Hotels, will cater to travelers who want to exercise, eat well, rest well and work while on-the-go. LeanTraveler.com interviewed representatives from the progressive hotel chain to find out more.

What factors led you to develop the new chain of EVEN Hotels?
Over a span of 18 months, IHG closely analyzed emerging trends, conducted robust quantitative and qualitative studies, and talked to over 4,000 customers. What was found is that there are 17 million healthier-minded travelers out there who find it hard to stay active and eat right on the road, and often “fall off the wagon” when traveling. But these guests want healthier options when they travel around 4 priority areas – exercise, eat, work and rest.

The EVEN Hotels brand concept is deeply rooted in what these guests need, and the brand provides a solution for healthier-minded travelers. EVEN Hotels enables “travel life balance” for these travelers and will ensure guests have the services and experiences they need to gain more control and feel good about their travel experience.

EVEN Hotels is an industry first – and while other luxury hotel brands provide elements of this offer, no other brand in the U.S. provides a holistic wellness experience, under one roof, at a mainstream price.

Will EVEN Hotels cater to the working traveler?
EVEN Hotels will appeal to both business and leisure travelers, and focuses on providing solutions to healthier travel in 4 priority areas – Exercise, eat, work and rest:

EXERCISE - Guests will have access to a “Wellness Wall” which features information on wellness options offered in and near the hotel, as well as healthier restaurant choices, workout guides and additional exercise equipment for in-room use. If guests want a more complete work out, EVEN Hotels will offer a best in class gym and group exercise activities, as well as a private yoga and exercise studio. There’s even cleared space for in-room workouts with multi-functional room amenities (e.g. coat rack that doubles as a pull up bar) and a yoga mat.

EAT - In the open air café and bar, guests will notice that food plays an important role in the EVEN Hotels experience. Its nutritionally designed menus focus on natural, fresh, fit and energizing meals. Think steal-cut oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies and fresh juices in the morning for breakfast. For lunch, guests can choose from the grab and go market which is perfect when rushing to a busy meeting.

WORK - For those who need to get work done, guest rooms will feature high speed Wi-Fi, multimedia ports, easy access to outlets, ample desk space; and communal tables in the bar and lobby will feature built-in power access and Wi-Fi.

REST - Finally, the entire experience should culminate in a great night’s rest, which is why guest rooms will offer a revitalizing and relaxing experience, including hypoallergenic linens, powerful showerheads, natural lighting and LED dimmers.

When will the new EVEN Hotels open?
IHG expects to sign 100 EVEN Hotels in the U.S. in the next 5 years in key markets such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, Boston, New York and Washington D.C. The first location will be announced in Q2 of this year and the first hotel will open in the first part of 2013.