.
.
Do you feel the outside look of your property is distracting from the experience you want to offer your guests?
Let me give you a few ideas that can improve their first impression.
Welcome to another edition of Hospitality Property School.
I am your instructor, Gerry MacPherson.
.
First impressions last and this is particularly true when it comes to the appearance of a hospitality property.
If the outside area of a property looks run-down or does not look inviting, this has the potential to turn off a large number of guests and discourage them from returning or even staying in the first place.
This can be turned around with some of the simple changes that I will share with you in this episode.
.
.
Paving and Parking Surfaces
The paving and parking surfaces outside a hospitality property can take up a large amount of space and these surfaces are often the first thing people notice when they visit. Potholes or dirt parking areas can be a major turnoff so it is why it’s vital to add new paving and parking surfaces if they are currently in a bad condition or don’t exist at all.
Many paving and granite companies have a wide range of different coloured surfaces to choose from. This simple change will dramatically improve the exterior of any property and make it a more welcoming place for visitors.
.
.
Property Entrances
Make sure your property entrance is well marked, easy to find and accessible.
.
.
All-Weather Paint
Unfortunately, a lot of properties look weather-beaten, but a coat or two of exterior paint can bring them back to life. Painting the walls, doors, windows and other external features will make it look a lot fresher and cleaner, and that will be very important as the guests begin to return.
.
.
Clean Windows and Signs
Dried on dirt, glue from old stickers or tape, old posters are very distracting. It doesn’t take a lot of effort if made part of your daily routine. Make sure all your signage is clean and in good shape. Do you feel comfortable dealing with a business that has broken or mouldy signage?
If you would like to hear four more ideas to spruce up your properties outside, I’ll tell you, right after a word from our sponsors.
Before the break, I said I would give you four more ideas to spruce up your properties outside.
.
.
.Make Your Property Greener
Adding a touch of nature is important. The more natural features that surround a property such as trees, bushes and flowers, the more pleasant your visitors stay will be. If you have space, planting more of these natural features is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add more character.
Make sure to stay on top of weeding, tree and hedge trimming.
.
.
Outdoor Lighting
After the sun goes down, many guests check-in or spends a large amount of their time in the property.
To impress guests after hours, it’s vital to invest in the appropriate outdoor lighting to light up your premises and surrounding areas.
So far, so good. Let me know in the comments.
.
.
Outdoor Furniture and Seating Areas
When guests stay at a hospitality property, there’s a good chance they won’t want to stay in their room all the time. Providing comfortable outdoor seating areas and places to relax is a feature that often sets the top properties apart from their competitors. Be creative with seating placement and if you have the room, design them so guests can enjoy outdoor privacy while on your grounds.
.
.
Water Features
The soothing and peaceful sounds of flowing water enhance the natural feel of the outside area even more.
Fountains, bird ponds and pools are just some of the water-related features you can add, that will make the gardens and lawns of your property magical places to spend time in.
.
.
In conclusion
If you’re a hospitality property owner or manager who wants to attract guests and encourage then to return, it has to be welcoming.
Making positive changes to the exterior of a property is not as difficult as it may seem and the tips above will go a long way towards making your property a more attractive and desirable place to stay in.
What have you done to enhance your properties outside? Let me know in the comments.
Have you ever wondered what makes highly effective people tick? In our next episode, I will share the behaviours of highly successful people.
.
That’s it for today’s episode,
Until next time, have a fun day.
.
.
PS. Have you been checking out the INNsider Tips episodes? Make sure you sign up in the notes section so you don’t miss any.
⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY CONSULTING:
https://keystonehpd.com/how-to-make-the-outside-of-your-hospitality-property-more-enticing-205
.
.
Get Your INNsider Tips
https://keystonehpd.com/Sign-up-for-INNsider-Tips
.
.
Join one of your private groups
https://keystonehpd.com/private-groups
.
.
Say hi on social:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneHDC
.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeystoneHDC
.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keystone-hospitality-development
.
.
Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here:
https://keystonehpd.com/itunes-podcast
.
https://www.spreaker.com/keystonehdc
.
.
YouTube
.
.
A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development
.
