So much of attracting guests to your hotel can feel like it’s followed by a question mark. When will a prospective guest come across your hotel, and how? Will they be looking for price? Location? Style? How can your hotel put its best foot forward to every guest, every time? It’s one thing to get eyes on your property; it’s another to account for all of the factors that lead viewers to become guests. In our more-digital-by-the-day world, there’s no overestimating the power of the first impression when it comes to attracting your ideal guests – and making a good first impression starts with understanding what your prospective guests are looking for in the first place. Today, we’re going over what it is that guests look for when shopping for a hotel, how your St. Pete hotel’s outdoor furniture is a powerful decision-making factor, and how you can use it to bring in the perfect guests. Let’s get started.
Know What Guests Are Looking For
Incentivizing prospective guests to choose your hotel above the competition is simple: it’s all about showing them that your hotel has what they’re looking for. Of course, a family of five with young children will have different wants and needs than a college-age friend group on Spring Break or a pair of mid-thirties honeymooners. Nail down your ideal guest, then ask yourself what lifestyle amenities, relaxation features, and entertainment options they want out of their stay on the Suncoast. Here’s the thing: though the details may vary depending on your target demographic, one fact remains the same: staying in St. Pete means wanting to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. That’s where your exterior decor comes in.
First Impressions Make the Rules
Beautiful outdoor spaces are so much more than another design photo for guests to scroll past while looking through photos of your property; they have the potential to catch the eye and give guests a detailed idea of what they can expect from your property. St. Pete’s sunny climate is famous and sought-after; guests looking to book a hotel here are looking to take full advantage of it. This means that your outdoor spaces will be central to guests’ decision-making about whether to stay at your hotel. If your hotel’s target demographic is young couples, it’s a good idea to have plenty of lounge chairs and cozy nooks where guests can relax and enjoy each other’s company in the sunshine. On the other hand, attracting fun-loving Spring Breakers means having plenty of outdoor spaces that make it easy to socialize: durable sectionals that accommodate large groups surrounding tables for drinks and appetizers might be a good idea. From the first moment guests set eyes on your outdoor spaces, they begin to imagine how they’ll make use of these areas. It’s up to you – and your exterior design – to give them something to look forward to.
But Word-of-Mouth Can’t Be Beat
Great first impressions are critical, and customer reviews can either confirm or deconstruct them in a second. That’s why it’s crucial to have outdoor furniture that’s not only stylish, but that is made to the highest standards of quality. It’s not enough to promise a great outdoor experience to guests; it’s your hotel’s ability to deliver that determines whether those guests will recommend your property to their circle, or even go so far as to recommend it to the masses via an online review. Choose a furniture provider whose style you admire and whose product quality you can count on. You should seek materials that are hand-crafted, not produced; invest in pieces that are built to last, withstanding considerable wear-and-tear beautifully throughout the seasons. By choosing furniture that looks the part and is conducive to a great guest experience, you’ll live up to your own hype and incentivize guests not only to come back, but to bring others with them.
Social Media Rules
Don’t underestimate the power of social media in establishing your hotel’s reputation and attracting guests. Showcasing your outdoor spaces on social media means tapping into your hotel’s “Share” potential. Just one photo of a beautifully designed pool area can get your hotel in front of thousands of eyes with the click of a button. Social media capitalizes on the power of the first impression and the reliability of word of mouth. Showcasing your outdoor spaces will allow you to expand your reach and appeal to so many more potential guests – but that only works if your outdoor spaces are designed – and furnished – to have that “wow” factor.
Outdoor furniture is an instrumental part of attracting guests to sunny St. Pete. Use your St. Pete hotel’s outdoor furniture to display what guests can expect from your property, and invest in high-quality, beautifully made furniture that delivers on that promise. To explore your options for outdoor furniture that’s quality, stylish, and made in the USA, click here and view our hotel patio collections.
