Dive Brief:
- Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio, unveiled a wellness-focused hotel in downtown Washington, D.C., Thursday following a nearly $80 million investment by ownership group Sunstone Hotel Investors, Marriott International announced in a release.
- The 807-key Westin Washington, DC Downtown — which features the largest hotel fitness studio in the city — was designed to offer leisure and business guests alike well-being experiences that help them maintain their wellness routines while on the road, according to Marriott.
- The hotel is the latest in a slew of wellness-focused projects to open this year as brands look to cater to guests who prioritize health and well-being, as well as rest and relaxation, while traveling.
Dive Insight:
Marriott designed the Westin Washington, DC Downtown “to become a hospitality wellness leader” in the space.
The property was designed to offer guests amenities and experiences that help them sleep, eat, move, feel, work and play well — what property General Manager Kori Johnson calls the “six pillars” of well-being.
Amenities at the hotel include the Westin brand’s signature Heavenly Bed mattress, Heavenly Bath rain showers and plush robes in each room; health food items, including a restaurant with locally sourced ingredients and a grab-and-go market; and a fitness facility with an Olympic weight room, yoga room, Peloton bikes and studio space.
The Westin Washington, DC Downtown also features “a nourishing dispensary” with sparkling and alkaline water options to keep guests hydrated.
The hotel launches at a time when travelers are increasingly prioritizing relaxation, health and wellness, and are willing to spend more to maintain their sleep and exercise habits.
Other hotel companies getting in on the action include IHG Hotels & Resorts, whose Even brand features guest rooms with in-room exercise amenities like yoga mats and Peloton bikes, a community athletic studio and “health-conscious” menu items at its on-site restaurant.
Similarly, Choice Hotels International’s Sleep Inn brand prototype includes a fitness center and water refill stations. The brand recently partnered with outdoors app AllTrails to help connect guests with outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking and biking.
