Outstanding outdoor areas: How these spaces boost guest enjoyment

Accommodation providers spend a lot of time getting the interiors of guestrooms just right. If you focus solely on the guestroom, however, you’re missing a key opportunity to impress guests.

Outdoor spaces are essential to enhance guest enjoyment, and help to extend the functional areas of your property.

First published in the Spring edition of AccomNews read it HERE

Whether it’s poolside comfort, an inviting dining terrace, or a lush vertical garden feature wall, well-designed alfresco areas can elevate a property’s appeal and boost guest satisfaction.

First impressions matter

Outdoor spaces are often the first point of contact guests have with your property. Poorly maintained gardens, shabby furniture and damaged shade structures could put guests off before they’ve even entered the building.

On the other hand, well-designed, photogenic outdoor spaces can set the tone for your guests’ entire stay. Good looking spaces encourage guests to share on social media platforms, helping to market your property and bring in more bookings.

For longevity of outdoor furniture and to ensure your outdoor spaces are always picture perfect, Dean Gesterkamp, Director at Kudos Premium Outdoor Furniture, recommends regular cleaning and maintenance checks. “Ensure staff are trained on proper handling, for example, don’t drag the furniture. Assign someone to inspect and maintain furniture on a set schedule, and log damage reports early to prevent escalation.”

Outdoor furniture

Whether its poolside recliners, tables and chairs for a barbecue area, or shaded bench seating alongside the playground, your choice of outdoor furniture matters.

Mr Gesterkamp said accommodation operators should opt for outdoor furniture specifically designed for hospitality, and for the outdoors. “Hospitality-grade outdoor furniture is designed to withstand harsh elements—sun, rain, wind, salt air, and humidity.

“These pieces use marine-grade aluminium, UV-resistant wicker, outdoor-rated and anti-rust coatings that outperform residential-grade or indoor furniture. Though the upfront cost is higher, the long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, lowering total cost of ownership.”

Safety and compliance are also better assured with commercial furniture options. “Outdoor hospitality furniture meets safety codes and standards for commercial use, for example, weight capacity, stability, and fire resistance,” Mr Gesterkamp said. “Commercial outdoor furniture often comes with longer warranties and better customer support, which is essential for hospitality operations.

“Professional suppliers understand the specific needs of hotels and often offer design consultations, volume pricing, and logistics support.”

To get the most out of your outdoor furniture, Mr Gesterkamp recommends looking for integrated features. “Built-in lighting or charging stations are useful for poolside lounges or rooftop bars. Umbrellas, pergolas, or sun canopies increase guest comfort, extend outdoor use, and protect your outdoor furniture from the elements.”

Related AccomNews article: A cut above: How great BBQ areas boost holiday park stays

Shade and style

Shade solutions will help to protect your outdoor furniture, and make your spaces more useable—after all, no one wants to sit poolside in the middle of summer, enduring the full force of the sun. Commercial-grade umbrellas, retractable awnings, and architectural shade structures offer comfort and UV protection.

Like outdoor furniture, shade solutions come in a variety of colours to suit your property. Some suppliers provide custom options designed to suit your particular space. Portable options like umbrellas provide flexibility to move shade to where it’s needed most, while fixed structures like shade sails and awnings provide continuous coverage.

Make sure shade structures are installed in consultation with a reputable supplier, checking for the best anchor points and considering the placement of the structure. If your property is in a high-wind area, or prone to unexpected, severe weather, ensure shade solutions don’t become a hazard. Staff should be trained in how and when to pack down shade structures safely and quickly.

Related AccomNews article: Not all umbrellas are created equal: Choose wisely

Luscious green spaces

Gardens and green spaces around your property can be stunning visual features, relaxing retreats for guests, and can help to promote sustainability and conservation.

Including vegetables and herb gardens could provide a garden-to-plate experience for guests—fresh produce can be used in the hotel kitchen or guests could be encouraged to take produce with them to use in their own cooking. Using recycled rainwater to irrigate gardens can also help your property achieve sustainability goals by reducing water consumption while keeping gardens looking good.

Various options are available to create low-maintenance gardens that look good year-round. Consult with a landscape professional for advice for the best plants to suit your conditions. Clever planting could help your gardens become a haven for local wildlife, providing visitors with something extra to talk about.

Creating lasting memories

For truly lasting memories, guests should be impressed by all facets of your property and all aspects of their stay—from when they first arrive on the grounds of your property, to when they leave through the gates at the end of their stay. Exceptional outdoor areas might mean the difference between a repeat customer, and a guest that forgets your property, and never returns.