Hotel landscaping...let nature too take centre stage
It’s not just the inside that counts. First impressions are formed by guests who see the exterior features of the property even before they pass through the hotel entrance door. A neatly laid out garden can be a positive signal, giving the guest a ‘feel good’ impression as he or she steps into hotel. Even the simplest building façade can be made interesting with charming curb appeal.
When done properly by leisure resort and hotel owners, investing in landscaping not only increases the property value in monetary terms, but also gives a competitive edge in the hospitality marketplace. A well-manicured lawn with neatly-trimmed hedges and shrubs with lush green vegetation would instantly capture the attention of visitors and leave them with warm memories of the hotel’s landscape, long after their departure.
While a lot of city / urban hotels do not have the luxury of garden space around them, doing some landscaping will significantly boost their exterior appeal and be a little green haven, especially for those properties that are located opposite a busy street. In hot climates, a solar powered water fountain with water plants, where jets of water sprout up at different heights, when lit at night, can instantly draw passersby’s attention … 24/7.
If you have a rooftop bar – why not design a rooftop garden, where your guests can enjoy their cocktails surrounded by green plants, whilst gazing at the sunset or skyline under the canopy of the open sky.
Clever use of raised flower beds, bearing attractive flowers (give careful thought to their water requirements by matching them to the local climate), together with hanging baskets and greenery and neatly paved garden paths will be the perfect setting for guests to stroll, exercise or relax.
Using a sustainable approach for the planning and maintenance of gardens and grounds will benefit wildlife, reduce your costs and show your commitment to operating responsibly to guests and visitors.
Watering the plants and grassed areas is critical to maintaining a well preserved landscaped area year-round. Obtaining a regular supply of water is getting to be difficult and expensive, and a method of using it efficiently can save costs on the long run. Selecting plants that thrive with the least amount of watering and ensuring that water is easily accessible from nearby is important. Plants thrive better when it rains than on tap / ground water. Rain harvesting and re-routing or diverting of rainwater from roofs and gutters to irrigate plants is another method worth considering.
Remember, landscaped hotels, built naturally and innovatively, with respect for the environment using sustainable methods and materials that adapt to the local topography will draw more customers towards your property, unlike those that disrupt nature and make the surroundings appear unfriendly.
Mehroon Wahab
Currently, Director Sales and Administration for ‘Hospitality Sri Lanka”, the writer is a former media representative for ‘Spa Asia’ and it was during her tenure that the Singapore based magazine published a 14-page feature on Sri Lankan Spas.
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