Resorts and lodging brands are increasingly integrating pickleball facilities to enhance guest experiences, attract diverse demographics, and boost revenue. This sport’s rapid growth offers properties a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. ​thehospitalitymentor.com

• Increased Engagement: Destination Kohler, a luxury resort in Wisconsin, reported a remarkable 700% increase in engagement with its pickleball courts, underscoring the sport’s appeal to guests. ​parkrecord.com
• Club Med: Experiencing a 70% increase in pickleball bookings at their North American resorts, Club Med has expanded its facilities, with plans to increase the number of courts at Club Med Cancun from four to ten by 2024. ​parkrecord.com
• Margaritaville: The brand has become the title sponsor of Major League Pickleball and the USA Pickleball National Championships. Many Margaritaville properties, including luxury RV resorts, have incorporated pickleball facilities to cater to the growing demand. ​travelweekly.com

By embracing pickleball, resorts can enhance guest satisfaction, attract a wider clientele, and create new revenue streams, solidifying their position in the evolving hospitality landscape.

The surge in pickleball’s popularity has prompted major hotel and lodging brands to incorporate the sport into their amenities, aiming to enhance guest experiences and boost occupancy rates. Here’s an overview of how some prominent establishments are leveraging pickleball to attract and retain guests:​

1. Hilton Hotels & Resorts

• Hilton New Orleans Riverside: This property features six indoor pickleball courts within its 100,000-square-foot health club. The courts have become a significant revenue driver, attracting both local enthusiasts and travelers. The facility hosts tournaments, corporate team-building events, and even birthday parties, leading to increased ancillary revenues from court rentals, food and beverage services, and room bookings associated with these events. ​costar.com
  
• The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton: Located in Texas, this resort boasts over 21 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts and employs two certified pickleball instructors. The resort has observed a growing interest in pickleball, particularly among group travelers who organize their own tournaments, enhancing the guest experience and adding value to their stays. ​costar.com

2. Hyatt Hotels Corporation

• Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa: Situated in Palm Springs, California, this resort converted one of its tennis courts into four pickleball courts in October 2021. Since then, these courts have become one of the resort’s most popular amenities, experiencing increased usage year-round. Guests have unlimited access to pickleball equipment, and the resort has capitalized on the sport’s popularity by selling pickleball kits in its retail space. ​travelweekly.com+1costar.com+1travelweekly.com+1

3. Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts

• Margaritaville Resort Times Square: Opened in 2021 in Manhattan, this resort plans to add an indoor pickleball court on its ground floor, with a glass window facing 40th Street, allowing passersby to observe the games. Margaritaville’s chief marketing officer highlighted the brand’s alignment with pickleball’s inclusive and fun nature, leading to the integration of pickleball facilities across many of its properties, including luxury RV resorts. ​travelweekly.com

4. The Plaza Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

• In 2016, The Plaza invested in 12 dedicated pickleball courts during a pool deck renovation. The property hosted its inaugural Las Vegas Pickleball Open in 2018, attracting over 400 players. The event’s success led to plans for subsequent tournaments, with expectations of drawing between 600 and 700 players, thereby increasing room bookings and on-site spending. ​travelweekly.com

5. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

• Located in Palm Springs, California, this resort converted two tennis courts into pickleball courts due to the sport’s rising popularity among guests of all age groups. The demand led to the addition of two more pickleball courts, highlighting the sport’s appeal and its role in enhancing guest satisfaction. ​travelweekly.com

6. Cruise Lines

• Holland America Line (HAL): HAL has incorporated pickleball courts across its entire fleet and partnered with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) to enhance guest experiences. This collaboration includes offering instructional videos, expert advice on court setups, and plans to host professional players on board. Such amenities cater to the growing number of pickleball enthusiasts, potentially influencing travelers’ choice of cruise lines. ​travelweekly.com

The integration of pickleball facilities by these hotel and lodging brands reflects a strategic response to the sport’s rapid growth. By offering pickleball amenities, these establishments not only enhance guest experiences but also tap into new revenue streams through increased bookings, on-site spending, and hosting events, thereby boosting their overall competitiveness in the hospitality market.