Trending Hospitality Amenities That Attract More Guests

In today’s increasingly competitive hospitality landscape, it’s not enough to offer a clean room, a comfortable bed, and a decent meal. Guests—whether business travelers, vacationing families, or local diners—are gravitating toward experiences that feel both personalized and memorable. The amenities you choose to invest in can help you stand out, transforming your property from a place to stay into a destination that guests want to return to time and time again.

But with so many trends circulating in the industry, how do you pick the right ones for your hotel, resort, or restaurant? Start with what’s making the biggest impression: inviting outdoor spaces, distinctive and functional shade solutions, and flexible areas that cater to a variety of guest needs. This is where custom aluminum pergolas and customizable umbrellas can really shine—literally and figuratively—helping you create an ambiance that encourages guests to linger, dine, socialize, and share their experience with others.

The Rise of Outdoor Experiences in Hospitality

First, let’s set the stage: Why are outdoor amenities trending right now? The answer is threefold.

Desire for Open-Air Settings: More and more guests are seeking fresh air and natural light. Whether it’s a business traveler breaking away from a stuffy meeting room for a moment of clarity or a couple enjoying a romantic meal under the stars, open-air settings leave a lasting impression.
Flexible Uses & Configurations: Outdoor spaces can be reimagined for morning coffees, afternoon poolside cocktails, and evening tastings. By investing in versatile amenities, you can maximize revenue throughout the day and across different seasons.
Visual & Social Appeal: We live in a visually driven world. Guests often choose their accommodations or dining venues based on what they see online. Picture an elegant patio with well-placed shade structures, lush greenery, and comfy seating—it’s an instant Instagram favorite, and that kind of “digital word of mouth” is priceless.

Meeting the Demand with Custom Aluminum Pergolas

The first trending amenity that’s catching the eye of decision-makers: custom aluminum pergolas. Think of a pergola as more than just a shade structure; it’s a design statement that can define an entire area of your property.

Why Aluminum Pergolas?

Durability & Maintenance: Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and built to last. Unlike wood, which may rot or warp, aluminum pergolas stand strong against harsh weather conditions and require minimal maintenance—ideal for busy hoteliers and restaurateurs who don’t want another headache on their to-do list.
Flexible Aesthetics: Modern aluminum pergolas can be customized to match your property’s architectural style. Whether you’re aiming for sleek and contemporary or warm and Mediterranean-inspired, you can choose finishes, colors, and ornamental details that seamlessly integrate with your brand’s look and feel.
Functional Upgrades: Today’s pergolas are about more than just shade. Add integrated lighting, heating elements, fans, or even retractable canopies and motorized louvers to create a versatile space that adapts to changing weather and guest preferences. What starts as a cozy breakfast nook can transform into a bustling cocktail lounge with the flick of a switch.

Imagine This: A hotel courtyard once overlooked by guests becomes a focal point of the property. Beneath a custom aluminum pergola, you set up a cluster of comfortable lounge furniture. Add subtle uplighting for ambiance, perhaps soft music from discreetly placed speakers, and suddenly you have a space that’s perfect for informal meetings, romantic evenings, or even pop-up themed events. Guests aren’t just passing through—they’re making memories.

Introducing Customizable Umbrellas: More Than Just Shade

Next up on the list of trending amenities are customizable umbrellas. At first glance, it might sound like a simple addition—after all, umbrellas have been around forever, right? But these aren’t your grandparents’ umbrellas.

What’s New About Umbrellas in Hospitality?

Branding & Personalization: Umbrellas are a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. Add your logo, choose fabrics and colors that reflect your property’s personality, and create a cohesive branding element across your outdoor spaces. These details help guests instantly identify your venue, reinforcing brand recognition.
Creative Configurations: Umbrellas are easily re-positioned, which makes them perfect for properties that need to adapt quickly. Hosting a daytime brunch event? Arrange a cluster of umbrellas for maximum shade. Transitioning to a sunset cocktail hour? Shift them to highlight lounge areas that encourage socializing, freeing up dining tables for a more intimate atmosphere.
Durability & Advanced Materials: High-quality, commercial-grade umbrellas are designed with robust fabrics and sturdy frames that stand up to wind, rain, and UV rays. This ensures that what starts out looking pristine remains attractive season after season.

Picture This: A poolside café with a splash of personality. Instead of generic, mismatched umbrellas, you opt for a coordinated collection of custom umbrellas bearing your property’s subtle logo and signature colors. Guests relax under a canopy of bold, tasteful fabric that evokes a sense of place and refinement. They snap photos and tag your venue on social media. Now, these umbrellas aren’t just shade—they’re free marketing.

Designing an Outdoor Experience That Stays with Guests

Adding a pergola or a set of branded umbrellas is just the start. To truly create a space guests adore, consider a holistic approach. What else can you incorporate to elevate the experience?

Comfortable Seating & Versatile Furnishings: Plush lounge chairs, adjustable seating arrangements, and durable outdoor furniture encourage guests to stay longer. Mix styles—sofas, chairs, bar stools—to cater to different purposes and preferences.
Lighting & Ambiance: Subtle lighting transforms a space as day turns into night. Bistro string lights, lanterns, or LED strips integrated into pergolas add a gentle glow that encourages guests to linger after sunset.
Greenery & Decor: A pop of greenery can turn a sterile patio into an urban oasis. Add potted plants, living walls, or small herb gardens that smell wonderful and can even be used in your kitchen’s creations. The combination of nature and structure makes guests feel relaxed and connected to their surroundings.
Unique Touches: How about a small self-serve station with infused water or herbal teas? A curated selection of local artwork? A discreet outdoor heating element for cooler evenings? These little extras show you’re thinking about guests’ comfort and delight, which drives word-of-mouth and online buzz.

The Business Case: Turning Amenities into Assets

While creating a stunning outdoor environment benefits your guests, it also makes good business sense. By optimizing unused spaces and investing in flexible solutions:

Attract New Guests: Distinctive outdoor areas can become a selling point in your marketing. Show off these amenities in your advertisements, website galleries, and social media channels. Guests are more likely to choose a venue that offers a memorable experience over one that doesn’t.
Increase Revenue Opportunities: An appealing outdoor space can be used for a range of functions, from intimate gatherings and private events to themed dinners, cocktail hours, and even corporate receptions. This flexibility boosts revenue potential year-round.
Enhance the Guest Journey: Improving guest satisfaction leads to positive reviews, repeat visits, and referrals. Over time, the ROI from investing in quality amenities like pergolas and umbrellas far outweighs the initial cost.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

In a market where guests have countless options, it’s crucial to distinguish your property. Custom aluminum pergolas and customizable umbrellas provide a rare blend of aesthetic appeal, functional value, and brand consistency. They signal that you, as a decision-maker, are invested in creating meaningful guest experiences—not just places to eat or sleep.

Look around your property with fresh eyes. Is there an underused corner that could become a cozy outdoor lounge? A patch of lawn that could host a Sunday brunch under umbrellas printed with your logo? Or perhaps a rooftop area that’s begging for a pergola to define it as an exclusive VIP lounge?

Take Action: Share Your Vision

Ready to explore how these trending hospitality amenities can transform your property? Start by taking a leisurely walk around your venue. Snap some photos of the spaces you think could use a makeover. Chat with your team about their ideas and ask your guests what they’d like to see more of. Then, connect with industry experts like ourselves who can help you design, install, and integrate custom aluminum pergolas and umbrellas into your brand vision.