You know that feeling when you check into a hotel and the "fitness center" is basically a windowless closet with a broken treadmill from 1994? It's depressing. Honestly, if you're trying to stay healthy on the road, New York City usually makes it impossible. You're surrounded by $15 pizza slices and bagels the size of your head. But Even Hotels New York actually tries to solve this. It’s not just a place to sleep. It is a hotel built by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) specifically for people who don't want to feel like garbage when they fly home.
The concept is simple: wellness shouldn't be an afterthought.
Most hotels treat "wellness" as a spa you'll never visit or a bowl of dusty apples in the lobby. Even Hotels flipped the script. They put the gym inside your actual room. Well, sort of. Every room has a "Training Zone" with resistance bands, an exercise ball, a yoga mat, and a foam roller. There’s even a mounting pole for the bands. It sounds gimmicky until you’re at the Even Hotel New York - Times Square South at 11:00 PM and realize you can do a full core workout in your pajamas without making eye contact with a stranger in a communal gym.
The Reality of Staying at Even Hotels New York
There are a few locations to choose from. You’ve got the one near Times Square (321 West 35th Street) and the one in Midtown East (221 East 44th Street). Both are positioned perfectly for business travelers who need to be near the action but want to escape the chaos once the door shuts.
The vibe is very different from your standard Marriott or Hilton. It feels... green. Not just literally, though there is a lot of green decor. It feels clean. The air smells better. Maybe that’s the eucalyptus or the fact that they use high-end air filtration systems.
Why the "Training Zone" actually works
I’ve seen plenty of "fitness hotels," but most fail because they assume you're an Olympic athlete. Even Hotels assumes you're a busy person with twenty minutes to spare. On the TV, there are pre-loaded workout videos. You don't have to think. You just grab the bands and follow along.
The lighting is another thing. They call it "mood lighting." It’s basically LED strips you can change to blue for focus or red for relaxing. It sounds like a disco, but it actually helps with jet lag. Circadian rhythm is a big deal here. They want you to sleep. The beds are premium, natural fiber setups that are surprisingly firm but comfortable.
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Eating healthy in the city that never sleeps
Finding a salad in Midtown shouldn't be hard, but finding a good one is a nightmare. The on-site restaurant, Cork & Kale, is where things get interesting. Most hotel bars are all about club sandwiches and fries. Here, the menu is clearly labeled with heart-healthy and gluten-free options.
But it's not a cult. They have wine. They have craft beers. They have burgers.
The difference is quality. They use fresh ingredients. You can get a kale salad that doesn't taste like lawn clippings, or a protein bowl that actually keeps you full until your next meeting at Hudson Yards.
Comparing the NYC Locations
If you’re trying to decide between the locations, here is the breakdown of what you actually need to know:
The Times Square South location is surprisingly quiet. Even though it's near the Port Authority and Penn Station, the soundproofing is legit. You’re steps away from the A/C/E subway lines. If you're heading to the Javits Center for a convention, this is your spot.
Even Hotel New York - Midtown East is closer to Grand Central. It feels a bit more "corporate" in a good way. The rooms are a bit more streamlined. It’s perfect if you have meetings at the UN or in the Chrysler Building area.
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One thing people often miss is the "Athletic Studio." Yes, you have gear in your room, but the main gym is actually impressive. It’s not a dungeon. It’s bright, has Woodway treadmills (the gold standard), and plenty of space for functional training. Most guests actually use it. You’ll see people in the elevator in Lululemon instead of suits. It’s a specific kind of energy.
The Nuance of the Wellness Experience
Let’s be real for a second. Is it perfect?
If you’re looking for a marble-clad luxury experience like the Ritz, you’ll be disappointed. This is a mid-scale brand. The bathrooms are functional and clean, but they aren't spas. The focus is on utility. You are paying for the ability to maintain your routine.
Some people find the "wellness everywhere" messaging a bit much. There are motivational quotes on the stairs. The carpet has designs that look like running tracks. If you just want to drink a soda and smoke a cigar, you’re going to feel very out of place here.
Also, the rooms can feel a bit snug. It's New York. Space is a luxury. Because they’ve dedicated a portion of the floor space to the exercise area, the "sitting" area is sometimes relegated to a standing desk or a small chair.
Expert Insight: The Sleep Factor
Sleep is the most underrated part of fitness. Even Hotels uses "EO" brand bath products—lots of eucalyptus and menthol. It helps clear the sinuses and relax the muscles before bed. When you combine that with the blackout shades and the cooling sheets, you actually get a deep sleep.
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In a city that honks at 3:00 AM, that’s the real luxury.
What you should do next
If you're planning a trip to the city and want to avoid the "travel bloat," here is how to handle your stay at an Even Hotel:
- Book a higher floor. While the soundproofing is good, the street-level noise of NYC is undefeated. The 15th floor and above is usually the "quiet zone."
- Use the hydration station. They have filtered water stations on every floor. Bring a reusable bottle. Don't pay $9 for a plastic bottle in the minibar.
- Check the "Wellness Wall." In the lobby, they usually have a map of local running routes. Running in NYC can be intimidating, but they have paths mapped out that avoid the heaviest tourist crowds.
- Don't skip the breakfast. Most NYC hotels charge $40 for a buffet. Cork & Kale has made-to-order options that are cheaper and significantly better for your blood sugar levels.
Staying healthy while traveling isn't just about willpower; it's about environment. Even Hotels New York provides the environment. You just have to show up. Whether you’re there for a week of meetings or a weekend of sightseeing, having a foam roller waiting for you at the end of the day is a game changer for your back.
Pack your sneakers. You'll actually use them.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip:
- Download the IHG One Rewards App: You can often find member-exclusive "Wellness Packages" that include breakfast or extra points for choosing the Even brand over others.
- Request a "Quiet Room": When checking in, ask for a room away from the elevators. The fitness-focused crowd can be early risers, and the chime of the elevator might wake you up at 5:30 AM.
- Explore the neighborhood on foot: The Times Square South location is a 10-minute walk from the High Line. Instead of the gym one morning, walk the High Line at sunrise. It’s the best "wellness" experience in the city.
- Try the infused water: The lobby always has a different infused water (cucumber, lemon, mint). It’s a small detail, but it keeps you from reaching for a soda when you walk through the door.