What’s in a Hotel Gym & How Big Should It Be? A Guide to Designing the Perfect Hotel Fitness Space

Whether you manage a boutique hotel, a luxury resort, or a city-based business property, one thing is clear: today’s guests expect more than just a bed and breakfast — they want wellness amenities that fit their lifestyle.

And the hotel gym? It’s no longer optional. It’s a value-add, a marketing point, and often a deal-breaker.

In this guide, we’ll waalk you through:

• What a hotel gym should include
• How much space you really need
• The most efficient equipment to invest in
• And how to design a space that fits your guests' expectations — without blowing your budget
  

Let’s get into it.

Why Every Hotel Needs a Functional Gym

Wellness tourism is booming, and even casual travelers are seeking ways to stay active. A well-designed hotel fitness studio can:

• Increase guest satisfaction and reviews
• Help differentiate your property from competitors
• Justify premium pricing or loyalty
  

Whether it’s a business traveler fitting in a morning jog or a digital nomad sticking to a weekly routine, hotel gyms signal quality — even if they’re compact.

How Big Should a Hotel Gym Be?

There’s no universal rule, but here are quick guidelines based on hotel size:

Pro Tip:

If space is tight, go vertical and multi-purpose. Think wall-mounted racks, adjustable benches, and compact cardio gear.

Explore our Build Your Bundle tool to tailor equipment to your exact floorplan.

Hotel Gym Equipment List: Must-Haves & Smart Picks

Whether you're designing a small hotel gym or upgrading an existing space, here’s the baseline hotel gym equipment list to consider:

Cardio Equipment

• 1–2 treadmills
• 1 upright bike or gym cycle
• 1 compact elliptical or stair climber
  

For small spaces, prioritise one space-saving treadmill and one low-impact cardio machine.

Strength Training

• Adjustable dumbbells (space-saving, beginner-friendly)
• Adjustable bench
• Resistance bands and kettlebells
• Multi-function cable station (if space allows)
  

Recovery & Mobility

• Mats
• Foam rollers
• Mirror wall for form and stretching
  

Looking for a complete setup? Check out our Product Bundles — ideal for hotel gyms with limited space but high expectations.

Treadmill vs Bike vs Elliptical: What Works Best in a Hotel Gym?

Your guests will vary — so your machines should too.

 

If you’re tight on budget, 1 treadmill + 1 bike is a safe, balanced combo for a hotel gym.

Layout & Design: Make It Feel Bigger (Even If It’s Not)

Here’s how to make a smaller hotel gym feel premium:

• Use mirrors to open up space visually
• Add natural lighting where possible
• Install TVs or touch displays on cardio machines
• Offer towels, water station, and Wi-Fi for added comfort
  

Also, opt for commercial-grade, low-maintenance flooring. Don’t forget ventilation and A/C — no one wants to work out in a sauna (unless it’s actually a sauna).

Hotel ROI: Why Fitness Amenities Pay Off

According to recent industry studies:

• Travellers say access to a hotel gym impacts their booking decision
• Guests who use wellness amenities are more likely to leave positive reviews
• A good gym setup can justify a nightly rate increase of 5–10%
  

"48% of business travelers consider their physical health when making travel decisions, highlighting the importance of wellness facilities in hotels."

35% of business travelers value access to a gym during their stays, indicating that fitness amenities can be a decisive factor in hotel selection." - Source

In short? You’re not just investing in equipment. You’re investing in guest satisfaction, repeat bookings, and brand perception.

Where to Buy Hotel Gym Equipment

You don’t need to guess or overpay. At BrainGain, we offer:

• Curated Product Bundles for small and large hotel gyms
• Flexible solutions with Adjustable Dumbbells & Kettlebells
• Custom setups using our Build Your Bundle tool
  

We’ll help you build a modern, reliable gym — with gear that fits your space and your guest needs.

Final Thoughts: Hotel Gym Design That Works

A hotel gym doesn’t need to be massive — but it does need to be smart.
Guests notice when thought and care go into your fitness offerings. And in a world where wellness sells, the right gym setup can boost your bottom line.

Whether you’re fitting out a luxury hotel or launching a new boutique property, let’s make fitness a feature, not an afterthought.