Create an Inviting Look for Your Hotel Exterior: Expert Tips

If you’re a hotel owner or manager, you know that first impressions are everything. When guests arrive at your hotel, the exterior is the first thing they see, and it can make or break their impression of your establishment. A beautiful and inviting hotel exterior can attract more guests, boost your reputation, and ultimately increase revenue.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to create an inviting look for your hotel exterior, from assessing your current design to working with a professional design team.

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1. Assess Your Hotel Exterior Design

When it comes to creating an inviting look for your hotel exterior, the first step is to assess your current design. This involves analyzing several factors, including your hotel’s location and surroundings, identifying your target audience, and evaluating the current state of your hotel exterior.

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Analyzing your hotel’s location and surroundings

Analyzing your hotel’s location and surroundings is crucial to understanding the unique aspects of your hotel’s exterior design. For example, if your hotel is located in a scenic area with stunning views, you might want to highlight those views by incorporating outdoor seating areas or balconies.

On the other hand, if your hotel is located in a busy urban area, you might want to focus on creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere by using landscaping and other design elements.

Identifying your target audience

Identifying your target audience is another important aspect of assessing your hotel exterior design. Different groups have different preferences when it comes to hotel design, so it’s important to consider the demographics of your target audience.

For example, families might appreciate a playground or kid-friendly outdoor activities, while business travelers might prefer outdoor workspaces or meeting areas. By identifying your target audience, you can create a design that appeals to their preferences and needs.

Evaluating the current state of your hotel exterior

Evaluating the current state of your hotel exterior is also crucial to creating an inviting look. Look for any areas that need improvement, such as worn-out paint, outdated signage, or damaged fixtures.

Make a list of these areas and prioritize them based on their impact on the overall look and feel of your hotel. Read all about how to get prepared to take hotel photos.

By evaluating the current state of your hotel exterior, you can identify areas that need improvement and develop a plan to address them.

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2. Establishing a Design Concept

Establishing a design concept is the next step in creating an inviting look for your hotel exterior. This involves developing a theme that aligns with your brand, creating a unique look that stands out from the competition, and incorporating elements that appeal to your target audience. If necessary create a photography style guide first.

Developing a theme that aligns with your brand

Developing a theme that aligns with your brand is an important aspect of establishing a design concept. Your brand is the identity of your hotel, and your exterior design should reflect that identity.

For example, if your hotel brand is focused on luxury and elegance, you might choose a design concept that includes sleek, modern lines and high-end finishes.

If your hotel brand is focused on eco-friendliness, you might choose a design concept that incorporates natural materials and sustainable features.

Creating a unique look

Creating a unique look that stands out from the competition is another important aspect of establishing a design concept. Your hotel exterior should be eye-catching and memorable, so that potential guests are drawn to your property.

Consider incorporating unique elements, such as a water feature, living wall, or custom-made outdoor furniture, to create a design that stands out.

Incorporating elements that appeal to your audience

Incorporating elements that appeal to your target audience is also crucial to establishing a design concept. Different groups have different preferences when it comes to hotel design, so it’s important to consider the demographics of your target audience.

For example, if your target audience is families, you might include a playground, splash pad, or other kid-friendly features. If your target audience is business travelers, you might include outdoor workspaces or meeting areas.

Overall, establishing a design concept is a key step in creating an inviting look for your hotel exterior. By developing a theme that aligns with your brand, creating a unique look that stands out from the competition, and incorporating elements that appeal to your target audience, you can create a design concept that sets your hotel apart and attracts more guests. 

Taking the time to establish a design concept will pay off in the long run, by boosting your reputation and ultimately increasing your revenue. It is also worth mentioning, that you must highlight the hotel’s unique selling points.

3. Design Elements to Enhance Your Hotel Exterior

Design elements are crucial in enhancing the appearance of your hotel exterior, and this includes landscaping and greenery, lighting, and outdoor furniture and fixtures.

Landscaping and greenery

Landscaping and greenery can create an inviting and visually appealing atmosphere for your hotel exterior. Incorporating native flowers, shrubs, and trees that are well-suited to your area’s climate can provide a natural and calming effect.

Furthermore, having a landscaped area around the hotel’s entrance can add an inviting touch to the overall design. For example, creating a pathway leading to the entrance with garden beds on each side can be a great way to add visual interest and make a great first impression.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your hotel. Consider installing lights along walkways, in outdoor seating areas, and in landscaped areas.

Lighting can also highlight key features of your hotel exterior, such as fountains or statues. Additionally, incorporating colored lights or lights with varying intensity can create a unique ambiance, especially for special events.

Outdoor furniture and fixtures

Outdoor furniture and fixtures can provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for your guests. High-quality outdoor seating, tables, and umbrellas can create a welcoming environment for guests to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Consider using materials such as wicker or metal, which are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

Also, fixtures such as fountains, statues, and outdoor artwork can add an artistic touch to the hotel’s exterior, making it more visually interesting and memorable.

Other design elements to consider include water features, such as fountains or ponds, which can create a calming and peaceful atmosphere, and murals or mosaics which can add color and character to your hotel’s exterior.

Additionally, using recycled materials or repurposing existing fixtures, such as turning old window frames into hanging planters or using reclaimed wood for outdoor furniture, can add an eco-friendly touch to your design while reducing waste.

List of Design Elements to Enhance Your Hotel Exterior:

• Landscaping and greenery
• Lighting
• Outdoor furniture and fixtures
• Water features
• Murals or mosaics
• Recycled materials and repurposed fixtures.

4. Budget Considerations

When planning to enhance the appearance of your hotel exterior, it’s essential to consider budget considerations. This includes setting a realistic budget, prioritizing design elements based on cost, and finding cost-effective alternatives. 

Setting a realistic budget

Setting a realistic budget is crucial to avoid overspending and financial difficulties. Determine how much money you can allocate to your exterior design project and consider other costs such as maintenance and upkeep. A realistic budget should allow for some flexibility and unforeseen expenses.

Prioritizing design elements based on cost

Prioritizing design elements based on cost is another important aspect of budget considerations. Identify the design elements that will have the greatest impact on the overall appearance of your hotel exterior, and prioritize those elements within your budget.

For example, if landscaping and greenery is a key design element that will attract more guests to your hotel, prioritize it over more expensive elements such as outdoor artwork or custom-made furniture.

Finding cost-effective alternatives

Finding cost-effective alternatives can also help reduce your overall budget without sacrificing the quality of your design. Consider using recycled or reclaimed materials, such as repurposing old furniture or using recycled pavers for walkways. Also, consider using pre-made furniture and fixtures instead of custom-made options.

Additionally, look for ways to save on labor costs. For example, if you have staff with landscaping or gardening experience, consider using their skills to create your landscaped areas. If you have maintenance staff, they may also be able to handle some of the upkeep of your hotel exterior, such as painting or pressure washing.

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5. Working with a Professional Design Team

Working with a professional design team can be a great way to ensure that your hotel exterior design achieves the desired look and feel, while reflecting your brand identity and attracting your target audience. Here are some key benefits of working with professionals:

Benefits of working with professionals:

• Expertise: Professional design teams have the expertise and knowledge needed to create a well-designed and cohesive hotel exterior. They have experience working with different materials, styles, and techniques, and can offer valuable insights and suggestions that you may not have considered.
• Creativity: Professional design teams can bring a fresh perspective to your design, creating unique and eye-catching elements that will make your hotel exterior stand out from the competition.
• Time-saving: By working with a professional design team, you can save time and energy by having a dedicated team of experts handle the design process. This can be especially beneficial if you have a busy schedule or limited design experience.

Before hiring a design team, there are several questions you should ask to ensure that they are the right fit for your hotel exterior design project. Some questions to consider include:

Questions to ask before hiring a design team:

• What is your design philosophy and approach?
• Can you provide examples of similar projects you have completed?
• What is your timeline for completing the project, and what is the cost?
• Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
• Will you provide a detailed contract outlining the scope of the project and the responsibilities of each party?

Collaborating with the design team is also an important aspect of ensuring that your hotel exterior design achieves your vision. When collaborating with a design team, be clear about your brand identity, target audience, and desired design elements.

Provide them with as much information as possible about your hotel and the surrounding area to help them create a design that fits with the overall theme.

Additionally, be open to suggestions and ideas from the design team, as they may have insights or solutions that you haven’t considered. Establish clear lines of communication and check in regularly to ensure that the design is progressing as planned.

Working with a professional design team can offer many benefits, including expertise, creativity, and time-saving. When hiring a design team, ask the right questions and establish clear communication channels to ensure that your vision is achieved.

By collaborating with a professional design team, you can create an inviting and visually appealing hotel exterior that will attract more guests and ultimately boost your revenue.

6. Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining and keeping up the appearance of your hotel exterior is just as important as the design itself. Regular maintenance can help ensure that your hotel’s exterior remains inviting and visually appealing to guests. Here are some tips for maintaining your hotel exterior:

Importance of ongoing maintenance:

• Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your hotel exterior stays looking clean and inviting.
• It can help prevent wear and tear and extend the lifespan of outdoor fixtures, furniture, and landscaping.
• Regular maintenance can help prevent safety hazards, such as uneven walkways or damaged lighting.

Tips for keeping your hotel exterior looking inviting:

• Keep the exterior of your hotel clean by regularly power washing, sweeping, and washing windows.
• Regularly inspect and repair any damage to outdoor fixtures, furniture, or landscaping.
• Keep landscaping well-maintained by trimming bushes and trees, and replacing dead plants.
• Ensure that outdoor lighting is working properly, and replace bulbs as needed.
• Keep walkways and outdoor seating areas clear of debris and obstacles.
• Regularly inspect and maintain any water features, such as fountains or ponds.
• Incorporate seasonal décor or plants to keep the exterior looking fresh and inviting throughout the year.

Incorporating maintenance into your budget:

1. Set aside a portion of your budget specifically for ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
2. Consider hiring a maintenance team to handle regular tasks such as cleaning, landscaping, and repairing outdoor fixtures.
3. Schedule regular maintenance tasks on a calendar to ensure that they are completed on time.
4. Prioritize maintenance tasks based on their importance and potential impact on the appearance and safety of your hotel exterior.

Maintaining your hotel exterior is just as important as the design itself. By regularly inspecting, cleaning, and repairing outdoor fixtures, furniture, and landscaping, you can ensure that your hotel exterior remains inviting and visually appealing to guests.

Incorporating maintenance into your budget, scheduling regular maintenance tasks, and prioritizing tasks based on importance can help ensure that your hotel exterior remains well-maintained and safe for guests to enjoy.

Tips for Maintaining Your Hotel Exterior

• Keep the exterior of your hotel clean
• Regularly inspect and repair any damage
• Keep landscaping well-maintained
• Ensure that outdoor lighting is working properly
• Keep walkways and outdoor seating areas clear of debris and obstacles
• Regularly inspect and maintain any water features
• Incorporate seasonal décor or plants
• Set aside a portion of your budget for maintenance
• Consider hiring a maintenance team
• Schedule regular maintenance tasks
• Prioritize maintenance tasks based on their importance.

7. Hotel Examples with an Inviting Look

• Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver – The iconic landmark hotel with a Georgian Revival exterior and contemporary interior combines history and modernity in the heart of Vancouver. 
• Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro – The historic 15th-century fortified village turned luxury resort with terracotta roofs and stunning Adriatic Sea views is a Mediterranean gem. 
• Hotel de Glace, Quebec City – The unique, ice-themed hotel made entirely of ice and snow offers a magical, immersive experience for guests seeking adventure and romance.

8. Conclusion

Creating an inviting look for your hotel exterior is an important aspect of attracting and retaining guests. By assessing your hotel’s location and surroundings, establishing a design concept, incorporating design elements, working with a professional design team, and prioritizing maintenance and upkeep, you can create an exterior design that reflects your brand identity, appeals to your target audience, and sets your hotel apart from the competition.

Some key points to remember when creating an inviting look for your hotel exterior include:

• Analyzing your hotel’s location and surroundings
• Developing a theme that aligns with your brand
• Incorporating elements that appeal to your target audience
• Prioritizing key design elements based on their impact and cost
• Regularly maintaining and updating your hotel exterior

Remember, a well-designed and maintained hotel exterior can help attract and retain guests, ultimately increasing your revenue and boosting your reputation.
In conclusion, creating an inviting look for your hotel exterior takes careful planning, consideration, and ongoing maintenance.

By implementing the tips outlined in this article and working with a professional design team, you can create an exterior design that reflects your brand identity, appeals to your target audience, and sets your hotel apart from the competition.