Sometimes the best way to explore a new destination is on two wheels. Book into one of these hotels that offer bicycles on site.
Not only are there racks in each room to mount a bike, the new Hotel Cycle is designed so you can pedal through to check-in and buy pastry treats at their Butti Bakery. There's also a Giant brand store on site in the converted maritime warehouse for bike hire and just outside is the start of a 70-kilometre Shimanami Kaido cycle path connecting the mainland, Honshu, with seven islands in the Seto Inland Sea. See onomichi-u2.com/en.
Sunset is the best time to cruise the flat terrain of the hot desert city of Palm Springs. The rest of the day is strictly reserved for poolside paddling at the mid-century modern Del Marcos Hotel. They offer free bike hire to discover some of the city's dazzling history and architecture; those who are fitter should pedal up the hill to take a look at Bob Hope's spaceship abode, on the market for $34 million. See delmarcoshotel.com.
Hotel Hotel is already a destination in itself featuring reclaimed oak, wallpapers made from natural fibres and clay rendered walls. Flat terrain makes Canberra the perfect cycling city. There are many urban trails as well as cycle paths surrounding the hills. The hotel has 10 complimentary Goodspeed bikes that come with a lock, helmet and safety explanation. See hotel-hotel.com.au.
In recent years it has been easy to ride anywhere in Paris with their handy Velib hire scheme. It has now become even simpler when staying at the new Peninsula Paris. They have complimentary BMW electric bikes for guests. The hotel is right near the Arc de Triomphe in the 16th arrondissement and was opened in August last year after a six-year overhaul. See paris.peninsula.com.
Weaving a retro cruiser pushbike along the foreshore of Surfers Paradise is the best way to experience the Gold Coast. At QT they offer complimentary use of bicycles complete with wicker basket. Reward your efforts with an ice-cream topped with childhood favourites at QT's Bazaar buffet. See qtgoldcoast.com.au.
Not only do you get a free bike to explore Vancouver, the Fairmont Pacific Rim has a bike butler who can tune the bikes and offer cycling maps and tips. The butler will no doubt tell you to point the treadley in the direction of nearby Stanley Park, an oasis of hemlock and cedar. The 10-kilometre Seawall route where the park borders the Pacific Ocean is a highlight. See fairmont.com/pacific-rim-vancouver.
See Singapore on two wheels framed with bamboo when staying at the Ibis on Bencoolen. You can map your ride by using the preloaded maps of Singapore on the free smartphones the hotel offers. A popular choice is to cycle to Orchard Road placing purchases in the wicker basket. See ibis.com/SingaporeBencoolen.
When you stay at Reef House MGallery Collection, Palm Cove you can pedal among the melaleuca trees that line the esplanade using their free bike service. Many locals cycle here and it's customary to say "hi" along the way. The colonial-style hotel is on the beachfront, so offers a good platform to explore the area. See reefhouse.com.au.
The elegant Belmond El Encanto resort is set high above Santa Barbara so while the ride out of the resort is a delight, coming back is an uphill battle. But the good news is the free bikes at the resort are electric, so you can choose to pedal and put the power on only when you really need it. Cycle down to the sea, and stop in at the Lark restaurant in Santa Barbara's "funk zone". See belmond.com/el-encanto-santa-barbara.
Forget tourist buses, there's a fleet of bicycles available to discover at every port when you cruise on APT's 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise. You can discover stop-offs in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary by meandering through their streets on two wheels. It's a great way to stay fit and discover nooks and crannies of a city that otherwise may be overlooked. See aptouring.com.au.
