Munich, Germany— On Wednesday I had the chance to attend an event at the Westin Grand Hotel in Munich. The morning started off with a healthy breakfast from the new SuperFoodsRx menu. Starwood Hotels have started to make their hotel restaurants healthier for travelers by offering more nutritional meals. As someone who’s always on the go and often eats fast and cheap food, having a hotel that offers local, fresh and healthy foods is a big plus. I’ve gotten so tired of fast food, in fact, that I’ve sworn off the legendary döner kebab here in Germany. Yes, it’s true!
Healthier eating is just one part of the revamped Adam, though. I’ve also taken it upon myself to get outside more. Like I did years ago when I was feeling complacent and boring in Boston, I’ve made some changes in my habit and lifestyle. I’ve found one of the best ways to move forward is to push yourself and set goals within a timeline. And so I’ve started pushing myself away from the computer screen and out there on the pavement! Running or walking, it’s nice to be outside more. Even though it may be cold out there…
Westin hotels realized there are lots of other travelers out there like myself—ones interested in a healthier travel lifestyle. That’s why they’ve recently launched a partnership with New Balance to allow hotel guests to rent exercise shoes and clothing. The New Balance Gear Lending program is easy and efficient (so long as they’ve got your shoe size!). And it only costs $5 to borrow the gear during your stay!
I tested the service at the Westin in Münich. Not only do they offer all the exercise clothing you’d need (shoes, running shorts, a breathable shirt and new socks), but some hotels even provide a running map with suggested routes. Plenty of travelers out there recommend learning a city by running through it—something I’ve tried to do on occasion.
Nothing better than combining travel with healthy foods and healthy living! Living in hotels can be a tiring and unhealthy way of life. I should know! I just spent two months traveling through the USA and Canada staying mostly in boutique hotels. Staying healthy on that trip was always a bit of a challenge but I did manage to avoid most unhealthy foods. Exercise, though? Impossible. I just didn’t have the space in my luggage because it wasn’t a high enough priority.
Very interesting concept, haven’t heard of it before, but like you, I rarely bring my runners since they take up so much room in my luggage.
Shoes take up the most space in luggage!
That breakfast looks great. I’m wondering, do they offer any granola/musli/cereal?
Hey Sofie,
Yep they had granola and musli available for breakfast, too. They’ve got their breakfast menu online here: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/Media/Graphics/Microsites/Promotions/WI_SUPERFOODS/downloadable_menu.pdf
Sigh. I’ve been travelling Asia all year, and it’s pretty hard to get a meal that’s not fried. This is a wonderful idea – hats off to the Westin Grand, I wish more hotels (and restaurants) did this!
Those smoothies look great!
I try and gorge myself on fresh fruit when I travel…and always try to have a snack of something healthy instead of chips, chocolate bars, etc. It doesn’t always work, but hey….I try!
It’s good to at least try! Fresh fruit is one of the best snacks in my opinion.
[…] to Munich? What do you think of the city’s atmosphere? My visit was just a short one with a healthy hotel breakfast, a brief jaunt through one of Munich’s parks and an afternoon exploring the Old City. I […]