Creating an inviting and functional outdoor space is about more than just visuals. It’s an opportunity to create a premium space in your hotel that can be used year-round to enhance the customer experience and boost your revenue. Guests have become far more discernible in recent times, spending more time deciding what they want from their holidays. They now seek authentic, experiential stays that create unique memories, so investing in outdoor spaces that differentiate your business is a wise investment.
Designing stunning outdoor spaces
Well-designed hotel exteriors should cater to a variety of guests, moods and activities. Segment this space into curated zones, each with its own distinct purpose and ambiance. For example, outfitting a tranquil lounge area with luxurious furnishings such as daybeds, hammocks, or swing chairs accented with soft lighting, greenery, and calming water features, will naturally promote relaxation.
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Nearby, a communal courtyard might feature a fire pit, modular seating, and background music—encouraging guests to mingle and create shared memories. A dedicated deluxe dining terrace can bring elegance with ambient lighting, and thoughtfully arranged tables for everything from casual bites to romantic dinners under the stars.
Use landscaping, elevation changes, or decorative dividers to subtly define each zone without disrupting flow. This approach allows guests to choose how they want to experience the outdoors, whether it’s a quiet morning coffee, a romantic dinner, or an evening under the stars with friends. Versatile, intentional zoning elevates the outdoor space from a simple patio to a dynamic destination.
Building brand value
Creating distinctive outdoor spaces help you differentiate your brand in what is a highly competitive market. They become integral components of your hotel’s brand narrative, transforming functional spaces into memorable experiences that guests associate with your unique identity.
Strategically using high-end furnishings and unique design elements directly communicates your brand positioning to guests. A luxury hotel’s sophisticated landscaping or structural pergolas signal quality and attention to detail that guests expect from high-end hospitality brands. These carefully curated choices create a lasting impression that influences guests’ perceptions of your brand and encourage repeat visits—all essential components of a strong brand image.
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By GlobalDataBeyond the guest-facing benefits, beautifully designed exteriors enhance your branding as an employer by creating appealing workplaces that attract and retain top talent. Staff members who take pride in their work become natural brand ambassadors, delivering higher standards of service that reflect their positive connection to the business.
Enhancing guest experiences
The foundation of successful outdoor spaces lies in creating those coveted “wow” moments that guests remember long after their stay. Aesthetically pleasing, comfortable environments serve as a natural backdrop for memorable experiences, whether it’s a morning coffee overlooking a beautifully landscaped garden or an evening conversation by a crackling fire pit.
Relaxation and wellness zones are particularly valuable parts of outdoor design, such as dedicated outdoor lounges that provide guests with serene spaces to unwind, or designated yoga areas that tap into the wellness travel market. These thoughtfully designed spaces encourage guests to slow down and fully engage with their surroundings.
Similarly, there’s experiential spaces that serve as a natural meeting point for social interaction and Insta-worthy moments. Beautifully crafted gardens, fire pits, and captivating water features enhance the immediate guest experience.
Driving direct revenue streams
Al fresco dining, from outdoor cafes and restaurants to bars, consistently command premium pricing while offering guests unique dining experiences. The ambiance of dining under the stars or enjoying breakfast with a garden view allows hotels to differentiate their culinary offerings and justify higher menu prices. It also gives you an opportunity to accommodate weddings, corporate gatherings or private parties far more easily, which often generate significantly higher per-guest revenue.
Premium amenities such as exclusive cabanas or shaded private areas with plush furnishings enhance the perceived value of your establishment, and the organic appeal of beautiful outdoor spaces contributes to lower marketing costs by generating natural interest and social media engagement. Hotels with distinctive features often find that guests become voluntary brand ambassadors, sharing experiences that reach potential customers more effectively than traditional advertising campaigns.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, hotels that recognise and capitalise on the revenue-generating potential of thoughtfully designed outdoor environments will find themselves well-positioned for sustained success. Maximising public spaces like terraces, courtyards and rooftops to create usable spaces, that elevate the guest experience even further, will help generate a natural marketing opportunity through user-generated content.
About the author: Annie Button is a freelance writer based in the UK. She specialises in business development, sustainability, digital trends, marketing, and HR.
