Summary in Plain Language
This article exposes a long-hidden problem in domestic mid-range chain hotels: the gyms that hotels invest a lot of money in are mostly just for show, with 90% of the equipment being nothing more than decorative items for guests to take photos with. These gyms are incapable of providing any proper training. However, as more and more people develop regular fitness habits, this once-ignored feature could become a new competitive advantage for mid-range hotels. And it doesn’t even require much additional investment—simply reallocate the existing budget.
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Detailed Explanation
1. The “formal” gyms you’ve stayed at are actually just decorative amenities to meet hotel requirements
When you stay at mid-range hotels like Quanji, Yado, or Juzi Crystal, which cost around 300-500 yuan per night, you’ve probably encountered these gyms: bright lights, neatly laid-out flooring, and motivational slogans like “Self-discipline gives me freedom.” There might be a few expensive imported treadmills, but the heaviest dumbbell might only weigh 10 kilograms, and there might not even be adjustable exercise benches. It’s impossible to do proper exercises like back exercises or leg stretches; at best, you can walk around for a few minutes on the treadmill. In other words, these gyms are like hotels claiming to offer “full breakfast,” but when you open the door, there’s only a bottle of mineral water and no bread. They fulfill the visual requirement of looking like a gym but fail to serve their purpose of allowing guests to exercise.
2. It’s not that hotels don’t know how to provide a good experience; the franchise model has turned gyms into neglected amenities
Many people wonder why hotels, which pay so much attention to details like pillow comfort, shower water pressure, and bread temperature, can’t manage the gym well. The problem lies in the flawed business logic. Over 95% of Huazhu and Yado’s hotels are franchises. The brand sets rules requiring gyms to be included, but the franchise owners have to pay for all the equipment, space, and maintenance costs. It’s more profitable to convert that 30-square-meter space into two guest rooms that can generate hundreds of yuan per night. Therefore, the optimal solution for owners is to spend as little as possible to meet the brand’s standards: place a few well-known treadmills that look good in photos for the reservation page, without caring whether guests can actually use them. Ironically, the brand inspectors, who rarely exercise themselves, only check if the equipment is working and the floor is clean, without understanding what a proper workout should look like. This creates a vicious cycle: guests stop using the gym, hotels invest less in renovations, and they claim there’s no demand for exercise.
3. The demand has changed; fitness enthusiasts are now a significant customer group
In the past, few people in China had regular fitness habits, so hotels could get away with mediocre gyms. But now, one in three people exercises regularly, especially young professionals aged 20-40 who often travel for work. They find it frustrating to travel for half an hour just to use a commercial gym outside, spending money on a membership. This group has become a crucial customer group for hotels. When booking, they now consider whether the gym is usable. For the same price, they’ll choose a hotel with proper facilities. Many companies even include gym availability as a criterion when selecting travel accommodations. Young people now ask about gym facilities when looking for jobs, so hotels must meet this need.
4. Creating a functional gym doesn’t require extra spending
Hotel owners often worry about upgrading gyms, thinking it means buying expensive equipment and large spaces. However, the example in the article shows that a small, unpretentious gym in the US (just over 30 square meters) can provide all the necessary facilities. The key is to spend the budget wisely: remove unnecessary duplicate equipment, buy a multi-functional training device, and a set of dumbbells with varying weights. With a few extra square meters for yoga mats and elastic bands, you can create a fully functional gym. The total cost might be lower than buying three imported treadmills. Guests can perform a full range of exercises, and you don’t even need to hire personal trainers. Just provide workout videos and clearly state the gym’s facilities on the reservation page. You don’t need to exaggerate by claiming “high-end equipment”; simply mention the weights of the dumbbells and the multi-functional device, and fitness enthusiasts will be attracted.
5. Gyms can generate significant profits without relying on membership fees
Some owners worry that gyms won’t be profitable because they can’t charge for membership. But consider this: frequent travelers stay at hotels hundreds of nights a year. If they find a gym that meets their needs, they’ll book there directly, increasing repeat business significantly. A good gym reputation also gives your hotel a unique advantage in the market. Even if the price is slightly higher, guests are willing to pay. You can also partner with local fitness brands to offer their services to residents, generating additional income. This approach can quickly recoup the investment in equipment. Just like Yado turned its free pillows into a profitable retail business, gyms represent another untapped opportunity for hotels.