Before You Book: 7 Questions to Ask Any Hotel Claiming to Have Pickleball
Avoid vacation disappointment, make sure the courts match the promise
Pickleball is the new hotel infinity pool,everyone says they’ve got it, but what you actually find when you arrive can be… underwhelming. Maybe it’s one cracked court squeezed between the dumpsters and the staff parking lot. Maybe it’s a couple of faded lines painted over a tennis court with a net that looks like it’s been through a hurricane. Or maybe it’s perfect, but how do you know before you click book now?
Here are seven questions to ask any hotel that claims to have pickleball, so you don’t waste vacation time chasing down tape lines and missing paddles.
1. Are They Dedicated Courts or Just Painted Lines?
Some hotels proudly advertise “pickleball courts,” only for guests to discover a sad set of faded lines on a tennis court. Dedicated courts usually mean proper dimensions, portable or permanent pickleball nets, and a real playing surface, not cracked asphalt in disguise.
2. How Many Courts Are Available?
One court for a 300-room resort? That’s not a feature, it’s a bottleneck. Ask how many courts the property has and whether you’ll need to reserve time. The sweet spot: at least two courts per 100 rooms.
3. What’s the Surface Like?
Resurfaced pickleball courts feel worlds different than a tennis court painted with extra lines. A true pickleball court will have a textured acrylic surface that’s kind to knees and ankles, not slippery concrete or gritty parking-lot asphalt.
4. Do They Provide Equipment?
If you’re traveling light, this one matters. Some hotels hand out quality paddles and balls; others toss you a warped paddle and a single cracked ball. Confirm what’s available or pack your own trusted gear.
5. Are There Organized Games or Clinics?
Big bonus: resorts that run daily round robins, socials, or even clinics with a teaching pro. It’s an easy way to guarantee play, especially if you’re traveling solo or your partner prefers the spa. Without organized play, you’re left hoping someone else is around when you are.
6. What’s the Scene Like?
A hotel pickleball court can be dead quiet or the heart of the social calendar. Ask about the vibe: do they host fun mixers? Is there shade, water, music? A court that doubles as a gathering spot will make your stay feel more like a pickleball getaway, not just a game squeezed in between excursions.
7. Do They Charge Extra?
Some resorts treat pickleball as an included amenity; others tack on “court fees” or pricey clinics. Make sure you know the costs upfront, because no one likes being surprised with a $40 court rental fee after check-in.
The Takeaway
Hotels are rushing to plaster “pickleball” across their brochures, but not all courts (or programs) are created equal. A little detective work before booking ensures you’re signing up for actual pickleball, not a vacation of disappointment. Because when you pack your paddle, you deserve a proper game, not just lines on a tennis court.
