Westin Adds Wii to Hotel Fitness Programs

Westin Hotels and Resorts has announced a new partnership with Nintendo that will see specially-designed Wii consoles used as part of its WestinWORKOUT program at ten hotels across the U.S.

The customized consoles come preloaded with many of Nintendo's most popular games, including the hit Wii Sports, Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree and Wii Play, and will automatically be updated with new releases as they become available. No game discs will be required, and a simplified game menu system will make it easy to use and give each hotel control over what games are offered. As a result of the deal, Westin hotels will be among the first to receive Nintendo's upcoming Wii Fit, the popular interactive fitness game that launches in North America on May 19.

"We jumped at the chance to be the first hotel to partner with Nintendo and add interactive entertainment to our successful WestinWORKOUT program," said Westin Senior Vice President Sue Brush. "We think our guests will be eager to make Wii a part of their workouts during their stay with us."

"Delivering an active entertainment experience is what Wii is all about," added Cammie Dunaway, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Nintendo of America. "Games like Wii Sports and the upcoming Wii Fit are ideal for business travelers and families who want to stay energized while on the road."

The new Wii program debuts today at the Westin Times Square in New York City and the Westin Bellevue in Washington State, with eight more hotels scheduled to join the program throughout the month of May. Westin said it plans to add additional Wii systems to its hotels based on feedback from its guests on the initial launch.