Two-Wheel Quests

More and more travelers are discovering the joy of the journey on their hotel bicycles.

- Michael Alpiner

When one selects a hotel, whether, for business, leisure or leisure, one of the underrated factors for travelers is getting in touch with their surroundings. In real estate, it’s referred to as “location, location, location.” Hiking trails, walking tours, and even the conspicuous bus tour through the city around the hotel may be enjoyable – but often do not hold a candle to the experience of bicycling along the winding roads of new discoveries.

Besides the cardiovascular benefits of riding a bicycle, two-wheelers allow travelers to encounter their destination in much more personal interaction. Experiential travel is the buzzword right now, so a shoulder-eye view of the people and places you’ve only seen in 2D on an itinerary would make for a truly memorable adventure.

The bike ride-seeking tourist and business traveler need to consider certain factors before they decide to hop on and pedal off:

How challenging are the biking trails (single lane, paved, length, slope, elevation, terrain)?

What safety measures must be taken in unfamiliar locations?

What are the costs of the rental? Is it by the hour? The day? Does it include a helmet?

What’s interesting along the routes (shopping, sites, scenery, water)? We’ve discovered a few hotels, both at home and abroad, that provide unique bike rental experiences.

ROYAL PARK HOTEL, ROCHESTER, MI