Hotel and Fitness Center Review: Hyatt Regency Sacramento

This is a continuing series reviewing hotel fitness facilities.

I visited Sacramento, California in December 2013.  The purpose of my trip was to see Sacramento, visit friends and to run the California International Marathon (my 99th marathon!).  Although I had a really great time, this was not the “sunny California” I expected — there was an arctic blast and temperatures were in the 20’s.

I spent two nights at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento.  It’s a classic Hyatt Regency – beautiful and well maintained.  The hotel is across the street from the state Capitol.  (A bit of trivia: I was told that Arnold Schwarzenegger lived in a suite at the hotel during his tenure as the governor of California).   Since the marathon finishes at the Capitol, the Hyatt Regency is a very convenient hotel choice.

On to the fitness review: the employees at the front desk were cordial and accommodating.  When asked where the gym is, they told me that it is outside and around the corner.   I’ve never heard of this before!  They explained that there used to be a gym in the building, but it was too small.  Rather than expanding space within the parameters of the hotel, Hyatt decided to lease storefront space for the hotel fitness center and spa.  So, on Saturday morning, I went for a short run around the Capitol, and then went to the fitness center.

Inside the gym, there were a handful of people working out.  The space was  rather narrow, with workout areas to the left and the right of the walkway as well as a separate area for free weights and stretching.  The equipment was in working order.  There were windows and mirrors and sufficient light.

To me, the space was confusing, or maybe I was confused.  Was this a Hyatt Stay-Fit center, or was it a stand-alone gym?  It didn’t quite have the feel of a Hyatt, but there certainly was nothing wrong with it.  Unless, of course, you’re the kind of person that likes to go from your room to the hotel gym in your robe.  Then again, since no one really appreciates the-robed-guest-in-public-places anyway, maybe Hyatt did everyone a huge favor?

Below are some photos – I apologize because some of them are a bit fuzzy.

Entrance to the Hyatt Regency Sacramento Stay Fit Fitness Center

Front desk

Fitness circuit machines

Treadmills and exercise bikes

more equipment (I like this photo!)

free weight room

The back of the space was the spa, with small rooms set up for massages.

Massage oils

The Ladies’ Room was not large, but it had a shower and changing facilities. I assume the Mens’ Room was similar.

Ladies’ Room

Nice lotions and soap products

I hope you enjoyed reading this fitness center review.   This was my first visit to Sacramento, and I had a great time.