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Cashing in on the great outdoors

Alfresco areas - a real drawcard for any property

Originating from an Italian term which translates to fresh and in the fresh air, Alfresco areas have become more important than ever during the bleak times of COVID-19 as hotel guests seek an inviting space to wine, dine and unwind.

Dennis Clark, Founder of Hotel Interiors, is one of Australia’s leading hotel designers, says with a creative imagination just about any space can be transformed into a real drawcard for a property.

Dennis Clark
Dennis Clark

He said: “People will often recommend a hotel or resort based on the alfresco space. If it’s done well, it will generate more happy guests and increase the visibility of the brand.”

Mr Clark, who has been in the hotel design business for close to 40 years, points to the raging success of the rooftop bar at the Rydges Airport Hotel on the Gold Coast which he helped design for John “Foxy” Robinson.

“Foxy’s rooftop bar is already an icon after just a short time,” Mr Clark said. “The sunset views are magnificent. You can watch planes take off and there are amazing views of the surf and the Gold Coast skyline.

“Now if you mention the Airport Hotel on the Gold Coast, people will automatically say that’s the one with the rooftop bar. So many places are being developed now with rooftop bars because people love to get up there into the fresh air.”

“Guests will always enjoy outdoor spaces at a property,” he said, “and more so since COVID arrived. There are so many ways to make these spaces attractive and exciting, but it’s important that the design of the alfresco space suits the overall aesthetics of the property and its surroundings.

“What works for one hotel might not be the right fit for another. I know of people who have seen an alfresco area and then tried to duplicate it in their own hotel, but it just hasn’t worked because of the changed surroundings.”

Mr Clark said it was essential to work with specialist suppliers when furnishing and equipping an alfresco space.

“You need attractive comfortable outdoor seating,” he said. “You can get a lot of outdoor furniture that’s made out of steel, and it may look great but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is comfortable.

“If your guests are sitting there having drinks for half an hour then half an hour might be all they can take. They might not want to come back.”

Mr Clark said whether it was table settings, bar tables and stools or lounges, they all had to be made of a solid, heavy construction and be durable for a life in the great outdoors.

Alfresco lounge suites will suit most outdoor spaces and are perfect for reading a book. It’s best to buy premium products that don’t absorb water or move about in the wind.

A set of elegant bar stools can create a cosy environment, but again they must be strong and stable.

“You really need heavy furniture and equipment because in alfresco areas there will often be a lot of wind so the furniture and the equipment has to be specifically designed for that,” Mr Clark said.

“Lightweight stuff that can blow around will only put you in a world of trouble.

“The furniture has to be waterproof too, and you have to choose fabrics that are mildew and mould resistant with a UV stabiliser in there.

“The cushions should have a flow-through foam, so the water just flows straight through rather than sinking into the upholstery.”

Rydges Gold Coast Airport

Mr Clark said no matter what climate was involved, property owners could consider umbrellas and even cabanas so that guests could stay dry or be protected from harsh sunlight.

Outdoor umbrellas are the best way to shade and protect guests and can be easily moved as the conditions change. Using strong, premium umbrellas can reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

“If it’s a colder climate you can add additional pieces outside such as a fire pit which can be a great drawcard for a property or even install really nice heat lamps,” Mr Clark said.

“If you’re using heat lamps you should pay that little extra and get good quality sturdy, durable ones. I’ve seen some pretty flimsy heat lamps at different properties and they’re no good if kids can knock them over.

“Lighting is an important thing too, as it creates atmosphere when matched with the furniture. String lights can be an inexpensive but memorable touch.”

Hotel designers are increasingly blending interior and exterior spaces, with vertical hydroponic gardens and rustic wooden furnishings.

Living green walls such as the one at The Hilton Sydney have become a key part of exterior and lobby design and there is greater emphasis on using natural lighting.

The West Hotel Sydney includes a central open-air garden atrium with luscious foliage and sparkling lights to create a relaxed urban oasis.

“Foxy Robinson has done a vertical garden too, and I just love them,” Mr Clark said. “They’re not cheap but certainly they’re an eye-opener and people will stop to have a look at them if they’re done well.”

Mr Clark also recommended that if there was room, a water feature such as a fountain or waterfall could make a wonderful focal point for guests.

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