Marriott has risen above all other hotel chains when it comes to hotel gyms.

I review a lot of hotel gyms and among the many things I’ve noticed over the years is that Marriott consistently provides the best hotel gym experience.

I say consistently because if you travel a lot, consistency is important when choosing a hotel for a specific reason. If you’re like me, that specific reason is the quality of the gym.

I choose my hotels based on how good the gym is. I want certain equipment available for me to train and I want to have access to the gym anytime, day or night.

Here’s why Marriott is my top choice for the hotel chain with the best gyms.

The Marriott Bonvoy App

It all starts with looking for hotels where you’re going and then checking the quality of the gym.

I’m very particular about what I look for in a hotel gym and want to see multiple photos of the gym so I see what equipment it has.

The Marriott Bonvoy app has made this process far more convenient than other hotel brands, with every Marriott property listing their gym hours and, at least, one photo of the gym (usually 2-3 photos).

This is where Marriott has taken a huge lead in the competition against other hotel chains.

Hilton, for example, often has decent gyms but rarely lists the hours and it can be hard to find good photos of their gyms.

Similarly, Hyatt and IHG Hotels tend to have good gyms but have not kept pace with Marriott in showing what the fitness center has for equipment. Most of the time you’ll only find a photo of a row of treadmills.

Fitness Center Hours

Getting to the gym can be tough due to a tight schedule, especially when traveling for business, so having 24/7 access to the hotel gym is a big factor for me.

Most Marriott hotel gyms are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (there are exceptions).

This isn’t the case in every single Marriott hotel but the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor if you’re staying at a Marriott and want to hit the gym at 2 am.

And there’s no confusion because Marriott lists the gym hours on every hotel’s website and in the Marriott Bonvoy app.

Equipment Options

I like to lift weights, so I’m not looking for hotel gyms with treadmills and Peloton bikes.

I want dumbbells, barbells, and even a squat rack and I know that Marriott hotels are the most likely to offer me these.

The average Marriott hotel gym has a dumbbell rack with dumbbells up to 50 pounds, a cable machine, and some cardio machines - which is enough for anyone to get a good workout in and I can easily adapt my routine to this.

When possible, I prefer to choose hotel gyms with barbells and Marriott is the most likely hotel chain to have these.

There are many Marriott properties around the world that offer gyms with heavy dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, squat racks, and weight machines.

JW Marriott is the best Marriott brand to book with if you’re looking for hotel gyms with barbells.

See more: Hotel Gyms with Squat Racks

Marriott Bonvoy Brands with the Best Gyms

Marriott Bonvoy has over 30 different hotel brands and over 7,000 properties worldwide.

The quality of the gym in these different hotels varies by brand and, as expected, the more expensive luxury brands tend to have better gyms.

JW Marriott

JW Marriott hotels are considered luxury-tier hotels and have some of the best hotel gyms you’ll find in the world.

Most JW Marriott properties have a fitness center with a range of cardio machines and weight machines, but you’re also likely to find dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and even a squat rack in many of their properties.

Westin

There are over 200 Westin properties worldwide and these premium hotels offer the best consistent experience for anyone who loves cardio.

Most Westin hotels have Peloton bikes, a TRX training zone (with TRX, pull-up bars, kettlebells, battle ropes, and medicine balls), and a larger-than-normal hotel gym.

Westin also offers a New Balance gear lending program, so if you forget your workout clothes or shoes, they have you covered.

See more: Westin Hotels with Peloton Bikes

Ritz-Carlton

Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton properties usually have well-maintained weight machines (usually TechnoGym) in their hotel gyms.

You’re also likely to find a Smith machine, dumbbells, and Peloton bikes.

Many Ritz-Carlton properties have barbells and kettlebells and a few have exceptional gyms or even partner with local gyms that are located either in the same building or right next door.

Marriott Marquis

With over 600 properties worldwide, Marriott Marquis is a flagship brand for Marriott International, and many of these gyms are beyond what you would expect in a hotel gym.

Many Marriott Marquis fitness centers are spacious and contain incredible equipment selections, often including weight machines, cardio machines, Peloton bikes, heavy dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells.

Marriott Gym Memberships

Marriott properties do offer memberships to their fitness centers on a case-by-case basis but expect to spend big money.

These memberships are typically for only one location, so if you’re looking for a membership that gives you access across multiple Marriott properties, you’re probably out of luck.

The good news is that hotel gym access is complimentary for guests at most Marriott properties.

Call the property directly if you’re looking to get a membership and ask.

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott’s loyalty program is Marriott Bonvoy and you should take advantage of it. Sticking with one brand allows you to build status and reap the benefits of loyalty.

Use Marriott Bonvoy’s credit cards for points and other perks, stay at Marriott hotels, and use their above-average gyms to maintain your physical fitness and health while on the road.