Creating Outdoor Spaces for Relaxation and Entertainment: Elevating Guest Experiences and Revenue

Outdoor spaces have become increasingly important in the hospitality industry, providing opportunities to enhance guest engagement, attract locals, and generate revenue. Thoughtfully designed outdoor areas not only elevate the guest experience but also position hotels as vibrant community hubs and event destinations.

This article explores key upgrades to outdoor spaces, including landscaped gardens, rooftop lounges, poolside enhancements, and versatile event spaces, with a case study to illustrate their financial impact.

Key Upgrades for Outdoor Spaces

1. Landscaped Gardens

Tranquil garden areas provide a serene environment for relaxation and wellness activities, attracting guests seeking peaceful retreats.

• Walking Paths and Seating Areas:

  • Develop landscaped gardens with meandering paths, shaded seating, and picturesque views.

  • Incorporate elements like gazebos or benches to create intimate spots for guests.

• Wellness Activities:

  • Host yoga classes, meditation sessions, or tai chi workshops in the gardens.

  • Partner with local wellness instructors to offer guided sessions, generating additional revenue.

• Water Features:

  • Install fountains, ponds, or waterfalls to enhance the ambiance and create a sense of calm.

2. Rooftop Lounges and Bars

A rooftop lounge or bar transforms an underutilized space into a destination for both guests and locals.

• Stylish Design:

  • Use modern furnishings, greenery, and mood lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.

  • Include elements like fire pits, cabanas, and open-air seating to enhance comfort and appeal.

• Curated Menus:

  • Offer craft cocktails, local wines, and small plates featuring regional ingredients.

  • Host themed nights, such as wine tastings or live music events, to attract repeat visitors.

• Scenic Views:

  • Highlight panoramic cityscapes, mountain ranges, or ocean views to set your venue apart.

3. Poolside Upgrades

A well-designed pool area can serve as both a relaxation zone and a venue for dynamic events.

• Cabanas and Personalized Service:

  • Add private cabanas with comfortable seating, charging stations, and customizable services.

  • Offer rentable cabanas for exclusive use, including food and drink packages.

• Entertainment:

  • Host movie nights, live music performances, or pool parties to attract guests and locals.

  • Use temporary staging and projectors for larger events.

• Luxury Touches:

  • Incorporate upscale features like a poolside bar, outdoor showers, or spa services.

4. Outdoor Event Spaces

Versatile outdoor spaces cater to a range of events, from weddings to corporate retreats, providing a significant revenue stream.

• Flexible Designs:

  • Use modular seating and staging arrangements to accommodate different event types and sizes.

  • Install retractable canopies or tents to allow for year-round use.

• High-Quality Amenities:

  • Invest in professional lighting, sound systems, and AV equipment to support events.

  • Offer decor packages or partner with local vendors for floral arrangements and custom setups.

• Community Engagement:

  • Host community markets, food festivals, or charity events to attract locals and build brand loyalty.

Revenue Impact of Enhanced Outdoor Spaces

Transforming outdoor areas can significantly boost revenue through:

• Event Rentals:

  • Weddings, corporate functions, and community events generate venue rental income and associated service fees.

• F&B Sales:

  • Rooftop bars, poolside dining, and event catering contribute to higher food and beverage revenue.

• Increased Occupancy:

  • Enhanced outdoor amenities attract leisure travelers, boosting bookings and ADR (Average Daily Rate).

Case Study: The Vista Luxe Hotel

Background:

The Vista Luxe Hotel, a 200-room upscale property in a coastal city, had underutilized outdoor spaces, including a plain rooftop and a pool area with limited amenities. Management decided to invest in transforming these areas to attract both guests and locals.

Renovation Plan:

• Landscaped Gardens:

  • Developed a 2-acre garden with walking paths, a koi pond, and seating areas.

  • Partnered with local yoga instructors to host weekly classes.

• Rooftop Lounge:

  • Converted the rooftop into a stylish bar with panoramic ocean views.

  • Added fire pits, cabanas, and a menu featuring craft cocktails and tapas.

• Poolside Enhancements:

  • Introduced private cabanas with personalized services.

  • Launched “Movies Under the Stars” and poolside live music events.

• Outdoor Event Space:

  • Created a 5,000 sq. ft. open-air venue with professional lighting and sound equipment.

  • Designed modular seating for weddings, corporate retreats, and community events.

Post-Renovation Results:

• Revenue Growth:

  • Rooftop bar: $500,000 annual revenue from F&B sales.

  • Poolside cabanas: $120,000 annual rental income.

  • Event space: $400,000 annual revenue from weddings and corporate events.

• Increased Occupancy and ADR:

  • Occupancy rose from 75% to 88%, driven by enhanced outdoor offerings.

  • ADR increased by 15%, from $250 to $287, due to higher perceived value.

• Guest Feedback:

  • Positive reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google increased by 45%, with frequent mentions of the rooftop bar and garden yoga classes.

  • The hotel’s star rating improved from 4.3 to 4.7.

Implementation Tips for Hotels

1. Maximize Underutilized Spaces:

   • Assess outdoor areas for opportunities to add functionality and appeal, such as converting a basic rooftop into a premium lounge.

2. Collaborate with Experts:

   • Partner with landscape designers, event planners, and F&B consultants to ensure high-quality execution.

3. Promote the Upgrades:

   • Use social media, email campaigns, and local partnerships to market new outdoor features.

   • Host launch events to generate buzz and attract the local community.

4. Track Performance:

   • Monitor revenue from F&B sales, event bookings, and cabana rentals.

   • Gather guest feedback to refine offerings and maximize ROI.

Conclusion

Creating outdoor spaces for relaxation and entertainment is a strategic investment that enhances guest satisfaction, attracts locals, and drives revenue growth. By integrating features like landscaped gardens, rooftop lounges, and versatile event spaces, hotels can position themselves as vibrant destinations for both leisure and events.

At Venture Sphere, we specialize in designing outdoor spaces that deliver exceptional guest experiences and measurable financial returns. Contact us today to explore how we can help transform your outdoor areas into profitable assets.

Your vision, our expertise—crafting outdoor spaces that inspire and thrive.