Global lodging giant InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) said its research has uncovered a large and growing market of travelers who have trouble following their usual health and fitness routines on the road – and it is planning a whole new brand of hotels to meet their needs.

IHG — whose existing brands include InterContinental, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Indigo and others – said the new brand will be called EVEN Hotels, and it expects to sign 100 contracts for EVEN properties in key U.S. markets over the next five years.

The company said EVEN guest rooms will be “designed for in-room workouts with multi-functional room amenities (e.g., coat rack that doubles as a pull-up bar).” Hotels will offer fitness areas with top-of-the-line equipment and group exercise activities, and will advise guests about local walking and running routes, equipment rental and so on.

The new brand’s hotels will provide “nutritionally designed menus with a particular focus on natural, fresh, fit and energizing meals” available any time, the company said, as well as free flavored, filtered water with glass bottles that can be filled and taken to the room; and free coffee and smoothies in the morning.

Rooms will have high-speed Wi-Fi, multimedia ports, and ample desk space, and hotels will feature “social spaces in the bar and lobby.” Guest rooms will offer hypoallergenic linens, strong showerheads, natural lighting, LED dimmers and antibacterial wipes, IHG said.

The company said rooms in the EVEN hotels will be available at “a mainstream price.” Although the first hotel isn’t expected to open until 2013, the new brand already has a website at www.EVENHotels.com.

IHG said it spent 18 months researching the concept and the market for the new brand, including interviews with more than 4,000 travelers.

“The research showed a demand shift to a holistic wellness travel experience, and confirmed an unmet need among customers – staying healthy while they travel,” the company said. “There are 17 million healthier-minded travelers who find it hard to stay active and eat right, and often ‘fall off the wagon’ when they travel…EVEN Hotels will ensure guests have the services and experiences they need to gain more control and feel good about their travel experience.”