In 1965, three dads at a resort on Bainbridge Island, Washington, near Seattle, wanted to play badminton on its court but couldn’t find rackets or a shuttlecock. They did, however, find table tennis paddles and a perforated plastic ball and what followed was the creation of pickleball. Quickly growing across the Pacific Northwest, the sport began spreading across the U.S., so much so that by 2022, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association declared it the fastest-growing sport in the country. In fact, 4.8 million people are playing pickleball, and to accommodate the growing popularity, 35,000 pickleball courts are available nationwide.
According to the 2023 Hilton trends report, wellness remains a priority for travelers, with over a quarter of survey respondents reporting that fitness amenities like centers or activities will be top of mind for them while traveling this year. If playing pickleball is on your list for 2023, whether you shoot an Erne or a Bert, a Falafel or a Flapjack, or a Dink or a Volley, you can get your pickle on during your travels at these Hilton pickleball courts.
The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Woodlands, Texas
Stretching across 350 lush acres just 30 miles outside Houston, The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is an all-encompassing Texas escape within easy reach. Guests can try their hand at pickleball at the Woodlands Resort Tennis Center, which features over 21 first-rate courts dedicated to pickleball for indoor and outdoor play. Two certified pickleball instructors are on staff for those looking to learn the latest court trend, or grab some friends and start your very own pickleball tournament. After a day of play with friends, unwind with a mimosa bar featuring a variety of flavors from mango and passionfruit to blood orange and cranberry, or try the resort’s new Smokin’ Hot Wife cocktail made from a house-made gin-infused pickle – a perfect pairing! The property also has a Forest Oasis waterpark, golf courses, on-site dining and more.
La Quinta Resort & Club, Curio Collection by Hilton
La Quinta, California
La Quinta Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton has been voted one of the top tennis resorts in the world and is proud to offer eight pickleball courts for resort guests and members. The hotel’s staff of certified IPTPA professionals are available to introduce guests to the game with lessons, clinics and open play time. Guests of the resort will also find five championship golf courses, world-class tennis, an award-winning spa, 41 climate-controlled pools and three unique restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients. After a recreation-filled day, retire to one of the resort’s luxury suites or Spanish-style casitas.
Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Phoenix, Arizona
The elegant grand dame Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort has long welcomed racket lovers to its courts, where Piestewa Peak provides a picture-perfect backdrop. The newly transformed resort’s three tennis and four pickleball courts opened in 2022, providing enjoyable open-court play, group instruction or private lessons with PBI professionals. Guests can even take their game to the next level with weekly pickleball round robin match play for enjoyable, yet challenging matches organized by PBI professionals who provide helpful strategies and offer advice for improving your game.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
New Orleans, Louisiana
The 100,000 square foot Health Club by Hilton at Hilton New Orleans Riverside is a fully equipped athletic center complete with three indoor pickleball courts for guests to enjoy a game of pickleball while visiting The Big Easy. The Health Club by Hilton features NOLA’s only indoor tennis courts, racquetball, squash, volleyball and basketball courts; access to two outdoor pools; whirlpool spas and yoga and certified personal trainers to ensure guests on the go can stay fit during their stay. Plus, the hotel features views of the Mississippi River and is steps away from the city’s renowned nightlife.
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Discover historic charm and modern comforts at Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, which was once ranked “one of the 10 finest hotels in America” during the height of the Golden Twenties in 1925 – and hasn’t lost its charm since. Set along the Grand River, the hotel features unique pickleball courts on the 4th-floor rooftop set against the picturesque background of the bustling Grand Rapids cityscape. Guests can arrange a team-bonding pickleball experience at the hotel featuring food, drinks and entertainment. The hotel also features a stunning design, nine on-site restaurants and bars, an indoor pool, spa, and ample event space, including four ballrooms and 42 versatile meeting rooms, and skywalk access to Van Andel Arena and downtown hot spots.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Miramar Beach, Florida
Serving up the best tennis experience in Northwest Florida, Hilton Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort has six pickleball courts as well as 12 world-class HydroGrid clay and three hard tennis courts, a highly ranked Junior Tennis program, and fun Round Robin tournaments. Guests of Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, located within the expansive Sandestin resort along on the Florida Panhandle near the charming beach towns of 30A, have full access to the courts during their stay. When families aren’t hitting the courts, they can relax poolside overlooking the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise water, take a swing at one of four award-winning championship golf courses, and sample fare from more than a half-dozen eateries, with both casual and fine dining options available onsite.
