The most populous part of New York City, Brooklyn led the United States in the construction of new apartments in 2016 and has seen huge economic growth in recent years.

Long considered one of the coolest places in the country for Millennials to hang out, there has for years been an urgent need for places to stay, whether for business or pleasure.

InterContinental Hotels Group is stepping into the breach, opening the Holiday Inn - Brooklyn Downtown last year, with the EVEN Hotel Brooklyn now joining the portfolio.

Aimed squarely at the health conscience traveller, the new-build property is a temple to the body.

Arriving at the well-connected location earlier this month for a short stay, I was immediately concerned about the state of my health.

Usually when travelling it is possible to ignore the poor lifestyle choices one makes every day.

Indeed, for some, it is the main reason to travel.

But here at EVEN Hotel you are gently encouraged to improve your wellbeing, confronting any concerns head on.

Instead of being greeted with a fruity cocktail on arrival, for example, a choice of waters – lime, mint, or plain filtered – is on offer in the reception.

But that is merely the tip of the iceberg.

EVEN Hotel puts wellness at the very core of its offering, with the entire brand shaped to the health needs of its guests.

Behind reception is a best-in-class, three-floor Athletic Studio, featuring all the latest workout equipment and open all day to guests.

On offer are the expected cardio machines, free weights and exercise balls, while workout classes trained members of hotel staff.

In case you want to leave the property, there are neighbourhood maps with suggested running routes on offer at the reception desk.

EVEN Hotels are truly for travellers who are tired of having their wellness routine disrupted when on the road.

Up in the rooms - which have a bright, airy feel and great views over the borough – gym equipment is neatly laid out ready for your arrival.

These in-room training zones are loaded with foam rollers, yoga mats, core exercise balls and a host of resistance bands.

Turn on the television and instead of the usual bland, soft-focus corporate video detailing what is on offer in the hotel, you are greeted with a series of strenuous work out videos.

Each short video offers guidance on how to best employ the equipment dotted around the room.

Everything is designed to make sure you keep active: EVEN Hotel Brooklyn is essentially a gym with rooms attached.

Away from the exercise equipment, rooms are large, at least by New York standards, and have great showers, a nifty table & chairs and a large television on which to enjoy those exercise videos.

For the seriously healthy conscience, the mini-bar is even left empty!

British guests might find the inspirational slogans painted on every surface a touch wearing, but motivation is key here.

Jason Moskal, vice president, lifestyle brands, Americas, IHG explains: “The huge success behind the opening of our first NYC hotel in November 2015 demonstrated the high-demand for wellness focused travel experiences; and as the only holistic wellness brand in the hotel industry, we are continually dedicated to helping guests find their balance wherever the wellness-minded traveller both lives and travels to.”

The wellness theme also continues to the food and beverage offering, with most items on the menu offering a healthy alternative to the more usual club sandwiches found in most hotels.

A Cork & Kale restaurant is focused on simple, natural and good ingredients, and is dedicated to a offering a variety of healthy menu options.

This is more of an advantage in the United States than it might be elsewhere, as snacks here tend to be gargantuan and loaded with calories.

Cork & Kale is upscale, featuring freshly prepared food and pre-packaged grab-and-go items, as well as retail-style products – a useful edition to the hotel and a great place to relax after a hard day in the gym.

Outside, the 222-room hotel is at the epicentre of Brooklyn, the third largest central business district in New York City. 

The bustling neighbourhood includes the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower, the Barclays Centre and the MetroTech Centre office complex.

Visitors can now look to maintain their wellness routines when they stay at the hotel, while also being in close proximity to culturally local experiences that Brooklyn is known for.

Getting to New York:

Wondering how to get to New York?

For travellers from the UK, the Delta and Virgin Atlantic partnership offers nine flights a day between London Heathrow and New York.

Eight of these are to New York-JFK with one to Newark.

These flights are timed for business passengers, with regular morning flights from Heathrow and evening flights departing every 30 to 60 minutes.

Fares start at £397 for seats in the Main Cabin, while starting at £2,092 for Delta One, inclusive of all taxes.

Customers can book via the official website.

For more information on visiting the city head over to the official NYC & Company website.

Even Hotels

EVEN sets out to defy the idea that travel needs to be a total disruption to your routine.

While travel is always a departure from the ordinary, EVEN Hotels helps you embrace wellness and even renew your motivation by giving you choices designed to help you stay on track.

Whether dropping in for a short stopover or longer stay, keep active, rest easy, eat well and accomplish more every day.

Find out more on the official website.

Chris O’Toole