In the world of luxury hospitality, a new sport is taking center stage: padel. This fast-growing racket sport has become an unlikely favorite among hotel-goers, particularly in Europe and beyond. What was once considered a niche activity is now being incorporated into high-end hotels as a standard amenity.
Adare Manor in Ireland, for example, built two custom indoor padel courts as part of its luxury offerings. The hotel's general manager, Brendan O'Connor, explains that cost wasn't a factor in adding padel, but rather the desire to offer guests something they would enjoy. Initially, there was zero interest in padel, but over time, it has become increasingly popular, with many visitors booking courts by the hour or taking lessons.
One of the reasons for padel's appeal is its social aspect. The compact court size makes it easy to chat and get to know people while playing, unlike tennis, which can be a solitary activity. Padel also requires less running than tennis, making it more accessible to older players or those who are less athletic.
As the sport gains popularity, hotels are converting existing tennis courts into padel facilities or building new ones. The Parker Palm Springs in California, for instance, has removed its red clay tennis courts to make room for padel, citing a demand that is "incredibly popular."
Padel's advantages include being family-friendly and requiring less space than tennis courts. However, it can be expensive if not included in the hotel stay, and some properties only provide courts at an additional upcharge.
Despite concerns that padel might be just another fad, hotels and clubs seem to think otherwise. Even tennis players like Andy Murray are investing in padel court operators. The real appeal of padel lies in its modernity and flexibility, allowing for more behavior freedom than other racket sports.
As the trend continues, it's clear that padel has become a staple of luxury hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, padel offers an enjoyable and social experience that is hard to resist.
Adare Manor in Ireland, for example, built two custom indoor padel courts as part of its luxury offerings. The hotel's general manager, Brendan O'Connor, explains that cost wasn't a factor in adding padel, but rather the desire to offer guests something they would enjoy. Initially, there was zero interest in padel, but over time, it has become increasingly popular, with many visitors booking courts by the hour or taking lessons.
One of the reasons for padel's appeal is its social aspect. The compact court size makes it easy to chat and get to know people while playing, unlike tennis, which can be a solitary activity. Padel also requires less running than tennis, making it more accessible to older players or those who are less athletic.
As the sport gains popularity, hotels are converting existing tennis courts into padel facilities or building new ones. The Parker Palm Springs in California, for instance, has removed its red clay tennis courts to make room for padel, citing a demand that is "incredibly popular."
Padel's advantages include being family-friendly and requiring less space than tennis courts. However, it can be expensive if not included in the hotel stay, and some properties only provide courts at an additional upcharge.
Despite concerns that padel might be just another fad, hotels and clubs seem to think otherwise. Even tennis players like Andy Murray are investing in padel court operators. The real appeal of padel lies in its modernity and flexibility, allowing for more behavior freedom than other racket sports.
As the trend continues, it's clear that padel has become a staple of luxury hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to try something new, padel offers an enjoyable and social experience that is hard to resist.
Padel's rise in popularity among hotel-goers is a great example of how people are reacting positively to new experiences and activities, even if they were initially considered niche. It just goes to show that with the right approach, something that was once seen as unusual can become a staple amenity for luxury hospitality. 
Padelpocalypse 
Padel is taking over hotels! Who needs tennis when you can play padel with your hotel friends? 
The Parker Palm Springs just sacrificed its clay courts for padel – talk about a serve 
Hotel general managers are just trying to be cool and say "we're not just hotels, we're entertainment hubs" 
They didn't even care about the cost, because let's face it, money grows on trees (or in this case, in hotel lobbies 
)
. I mean who doesn't love playing a sport indoors while still getting some exercise? And its not just about playing, its also about socializing and having a good time on court 
. Plus, it seems pretty eco-friendly too since its played on indoor courts so we dont have to worry about damaging the environment.
. And yeah, I can understand why it might seem like a fad at first, but its definitely here to stay. Even tennis stars like Andy Murray are investing in padel court operators, so thats gotta count for something!
I'm not surprised tennis courts are being converted to padel facilities, hotels know their guests. And let's be real, Andy Murray investing in padel operators? That's some serious endorsement right there! 
. And I love that hotels are making space for it, even if it means replacing old tennis courts or something! It's all about adapting to what people want, right?