Athletic-Minded Traveler

Recently, I had an opportunity to spend a night at the Renaissance ClubSport in Walnut Creek, California.  (Full disclosure:  The stay was on their “dime”.)  To say that I came away “impressed” would be like describing Usain Bolt as “kinda quick”.  

Conceptually, I cannot think of a better business trip hotel for athletic-minded travelers.  Renaissance Clubsport combines an upscale accommodation with a luxury health club under one roof.  And, the property/building layout is divided in such a way that hotel guests don’t feel intruded upon by sweaty locals in exercise gear and health club members don’t feel as if they’re showing up at a hotel for a workout. At the time of this writing, there are two such Marriott-branded hotels:  Walnut Creek, CA and Aliso Viejo, CA. 

Located about 15 highway minutes east of Oakland and Berkeley, Walnut Creek has a population of 65K and is home to a variety of companies, including the Pac-12 Conference Headquarters.  An appealing/upscale shopping district also lines a few blocks of its downtown heart.  Walnut Creek business may bring you to this part of the Bay area, but you should also consider a stay at Renaissance ClubSport Walnut Creek if coming for meetings in nearby Pleasant Hill, or even for a visit to Berkeley, Emeryville, or Oakland.  Why?

Click through to read our full review of the property.  Here are a few highlights:

*  85,000 square-foot on-site health club complimentary for hotel guests

*  6-lane x 25-yard outdoor lap pool

*  Quiet and comfortable accommodations

*  Friendly and attentive service

*  Tasty and convenient eating options

Hopefully, more of these combined hotel + health club properties are on the way.