WALT DEBEERS

Vacations are designed for relaxation, but the result is more often debauchery—with little room for the fit lifestyle you lead back home. But having the best of both worlds is possible if you’re in on a little secret: choose your destination hotel based on the size of its dumbbells. This month, so you can sweat out the booze and shed the pounds while relaxing in paradise, Genre rounds up the fittest hotels in America.


Chicago
THE FAIRMONT ($289-$1,619 a night)
The hotel sits on Grant Park (a mecca for runners) and adjoins the Lakeshore Athletic Club Illinois Center—one of the best-equipped clubs in the Windy City ($20 entry fee).


Houston
THE HOUSTON MAGNOLIA  ($129-$339 a night)
Formerly the Houston Post Dispatch newspaper building and the original corporate headquarters for Shell Oil, the Houston Magnolia houses a sleek 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor rooftop pool. The design alone of this hotel makes it a must stay, and the service, including complimentary cookies and milk at night, makes you feel right at home.


Atlanta
HILTON ATLANTA ($119-$194)
Like most Hiltons, the Hilton Atlanta is one of America’s finest, and their gym is the most extensive fitness center in Downtown Atlanta, which means you can overindulge in the local soul food consequence-free after hitting it hard in this enormous facility of free weights, machines, and even an outdoor pool where you can cool down and enjoy the “view.”


Miami
THE DELANO ($365-$850)
Located in the heart of South Beach directly on the ocean, the Delano is an art-filled treat for both the eyes and the body. With a gym that features state-of-the-art equipment, the sexiest private trainers in America, and fitness classes both in and out of doors, breaking a sweat here is a rite of passage.


Ft. Lauderdale
THE PINEAPPLE POINT ($279-$679)
This peaceful hotel deserves five stars for comfort, hospitality, design—and fitness. On sunny afternoons, shaded by gloriously landscaped grounds, taking a break from the pool can mean walking a few yards to a fully equipped, clean, and modern gym. The always-polite staff will pamper you with a menu that will support any fitness regimen. And you’ll want to keep your body looking sharp here, given that it’s both clothing optional and often filled with some of the hottest men in South Florida.


Boston
THE RITZ-CARLTON, BOSTON COMMON
($295-$495)
The Ritz is located on beautiful Boston Common and sits next to The Sports Club/LA, a 100,000-square-foot super-gym offering everything from boxing to squash, along with an amazing workout facility that is free to every fabulous guest.


New York City
LE PARKER MERIDIEN ($295)
Its swank digs are atop the 17,000-square foot Gravity Fitness and Spa in midtown. Admission is complimentary for hotel guests, giving you easy access to a gym, racquetball court, and rooftop lap pool. The boys here will make you melt.


Los Angeles
SUNSET MARQUIS ($299)
The luxury suites and private villas are near a very unusual Equinox Gym decked out in 1950s-nightclub decor that will make you feel as though you are still dancing the night away. Guest passes are available at the hotel and are offered based on availability. Ask for yours at check-in.


San Francisco
COURTYARD MARIOTT, IN NEARBY LARKSPUR ($139-$189)
The newly renovated hotel is across the street from 24 Hour Fitness ($7 a visit). It’s a great value when you don’t want to pay premium San Fran hotel rates which can easily range from $250-$400 a night.


Washington, D.C.
Doubletree Hotel ($249-$368)
The Capital’s best hotel and it’s only a jog away from Dupont Circle, DC’s gay ‘hood. And when your fitness program cannot be interrupted, the Doubletree Hotel offers a state of the art fitness center equipped with glistening modern freeweights and high tech treadmills that will help you sweat out the late nights at J.R.’s.


Dallas
WYNDHAM ANATOLE ($129-$299)
Everything really is bigger in Texas, but let’s stay focused on the hotel—it’s one of the largest convention centers in the Southwest. The nearby Verandah Club and Spa is equally huge and fully equipped. Full access costs $15. But it’s worth every sweaty penny.
Vancouver

COAST PLAZA HOTEL & SUITES ($190)
You’ll be staying on top of the Denman Fitness Center
(a full-on gym with complimentary admission for guests).

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