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Need to Work While On The Treadmill? JW Marriott's Got You Covered

Where: 235 Louis Campau Promenade Nw [map], Grand Rapids, MI, United States, 49503

Question: What do you get when you marry an Internet-enabled computer workstation with a treadmill?

Answer: A complete nightmare for lazy people, poor typers and excessively sweaty individuals — and your newest hotel amenity, apparently.

It is with equal parts horror and glee that we announce the arrival of the Steelcase Walkstation onto the hotel scene, with the introduction of the very first hotel desk-meets-treadmill spawn at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids in Michigan. The Walkstations, which are essentially treadmills attached to height-adjustable, flexible desks with computers, will be available for the ambitious, multitasking guest to use in the 24-hour business center:

At a maximum speed of two miles per hour, Walkstations let guests comfortably walk, feel healthier and more energized – all while accomplishing the work they’d normally do while seated. The maximum speed prevents users of the Walkstations from escalating to sweat-induced tempo, so travelers can easily finish a report while wearing their business suit.

Yeah, girl: you can do it in heels, like the chick up top. And you won't sweat into your suit! No pit stains!

Okay, we are sort of making fun of this, but we all know that the guy in your office — the one with the barrel of Whey protein powder on his desk — will be all over this. Plus, since the computers are Internet-enabled, you could walk on the treadmill while watching streaming TV shows while your colleagues finish up that presentation at other workstations in the business center.

Tags: Hotel Openings / Hotel Staff / Michigan Hotel Reviews / Marriott Hotels / → All Tags

The JW Marriott Grand Rapids Wants To Know What You Think

Where: 235 Louis St. NW [map], Grand Rapids, MI, United States, 49503

The JW Marriott Grand Rapids will officially open on September 19* and the hotel is eager to get feedback from its first guests.

Through the end of the year, travelers are invited set up a time to meet with General Manager George Aquino during their visit to share their candid thoughts on the property, the first JW Marriott in the Midwest. To say thank-you to visitors who share their valuable feedback hotel's programs, service and amenities, participants in this program will enjoy two complimentary drinks in Mixology Lounge at the JW.

This JW is already trying to be hipper and friendlier than its Marriott counterparts. Notice the Mixology lounge and what about the hotel's website URL which is http://www.ilovethejw.com/?

The hotel will also be one of the area's only luxury accommodations with 37" flat screen TVs, gourmet goodies in the minibars, Nirvae toiletries, a 24-hour concierge service, an indoor heated pool, a Starbucks, a Six.One.Six restaurant and helipad access.

What's interesting about the design of this hotel is that it has incorporated art from five of Grand Rapids' sister cities into the guestrooms and meeting rooms. FYI, those cities are Omihachiman, Japan; Perugia, Italy; Bielsko-Biala,Poland; Ga District, Ghana; and Zapopan, Mexico. That should help you forget you're in Michigan at least for a little bit. Room rates for a standard guest room start at $189 on the weekends and $229 during the week.

*The hotel's grand opening is September 19th. Guests can call the hotel directly to book rooms for travel beginning September 21. Online bookings can be made at the hotel website for travel beginning October 1.