This Hotel Brand Wants To Help You Lose The “Covid-15”

Throughout 2020, hotel companies have made drastic changes to their business to keep up with the ever-changing protocols and consumer demand due to Covid-19. EVEN Hotels, however, has stayed true to its core message of balanced, healthy living. The growing brand from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) sees that message as more important now than ever.

EVEN wants to help travelers, whenever they are comfortable to get back out there, lose the “Covid-15” (a cheeky reference to weight gain put on while working remotely and off one’s usual routine). EVEN hotels feature guest rooms equipped with workout equipment, dining menus designed around healthy eating habits, and fitness centers larger than most hotels.

According to NCBI, “Roughly 22 percent of adults report having gained weight during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lack of sleep, decreased physical activity, snacking after dinner, eating in response to stress, and eating because of the appearance and smell of food are behaviors linked to weight gain during self-quarantine.”

Raul Ortiz, vice president, global Holiday Inn & EVEN Hotels brand management, explains how a brand like EVEN is well-positioned for these uncertain times, especially when it comes to managing work-life balance.

IHG launched something entirely different in the wellness space with the EVEN brand. What led to this industry-leading concept?

Almost a decade ago, IHG noticed there was a paradigm shift in wellness – it was moving from being a niche trend to a lifestyle. According to the Global Wellness Economy, the wellness industry was valued at $4.2 trillion in 2017, and, since then, it has continued to experience rapid growth.

After recognizing this white space in the market, EVEN Hotels launched in 2014. EVEN Hotels empower travelers to maintain control of their wellness routines while on the road, with the ability to choose what wellness means to them, whether that is keeping active, resting easy, maximizing productivity, or eating well.

Several hotels have guest rooms with fitness equipment. What makes EVEN different?

EVEN Hotels is the only franchised hotel brand that incorporates wellness into every aspect of the on-property experience with in-room exercise zones in every room (not just a subset of rooms) featuring exercise equipment and on-demand fitness videos.

Additionally, each EVEN Hotels property features a separate “athletic studio,” a gym that’s three times the size of a standard hotel gym with best-in-class fitness equipment.

As of 2019, according to travel management company CWT, more than a quarter of travelers work out more while on the road, while about half of travelers use hotel exercise room/equipment and nearly 30 percent use in-room exercise equipment.

In-room and athletic studio equipment are thoroughly sanitized as part of the larger IHG Clean Promise, which uses hospital-grade disinfectant. EVEN makes working out easier no matter where a guest chooses to do so.

With the focus on work-life balance, is EVEN offering “work from hotel” rates that give people the chance to work without distractions?

While most of America’s workforce has been spending time working from the confines of their homes since March, many are feeling the pain that comes with living where you work. Several IHG Hotels & Resorts are offering day-use rates for those looking to change their scenery, or to get together for a small, socially distanced meeting instead of combating the daily Zoom fatigue and other virtual platforms.

Several EVEN hotels are participating, and of course, they come with the added benefit of in-room exercise zones plus other perks that vary by property. They can include free printing, parking, and the option to order pre-packaged meals. With many gyms and health clubs closed or operating at reduced capacity, EVEN guest rooms provide a safe alternative for working out.

EVEN is part of the IHG Rewards Club program. Are there any promotions for members at the moment?

IHG Rewards Club members can earn and redeem points when they stay at EVEN properties; this also includes when booking “work-from-hotel” rates. They can also take advantage of the Unlimited Double Points offer available for stays through Dec. 15. Guests that pay with the IHG Rewards Club Credit Card get an additional 10,000 bonus points.

Where are EVEN properties and are there more in the pipeline?

EVEN hotels are available across North America and within the Asia Pacific region. There are 31 properties in the global pipeline with 17 being developed in the Americas and 14 in greater China.