Spring
Into Action: Thinking Outside Your Hotel's Physical Plant
By Senior Vice President, Operations Ron Mader
As hotel owners and operators start thinking about spring cleaning, it's the perfect time to take a fresh look at the physical plant—both inside and out. Beyond routine maintenance, this season is a chance to creatively reimagine the underutilized corners of your property and find ways to boost guest satisfaction and ROI at the same time.
From roadside extended-stay hotels to city center properties, there are smart, seasonal strategies to
make the most of what you've already got. Here are five ways you can rethink
your physical plant this spring:
1. Transform Dead Zones
into Revenue Zones
That patch of grass by the
parking lot or the awkward strip between buildings? Don't ignore it. With a few
outdoor bistro tables or Adirondack chairs, string lights, and portable heaters
or fans (depending on your climate), you can create an outdoor café space,
lounge, or twilight s'mores station. These low-cost enhancements can turn
overlooked space into a revenue-generating amenity for guests and locals alike.
For your consideration:
Partner with a local food truck for a weekend rotation to keep offerings fresh
and labor costs down.
2. Modular
Garden-to-Table Experiences
You don't need a farm to
tap into the appeal of garden-to-table dining. Modular raised beds, vertical
gardens, or container herb patches can be planted on small patios or rooftops.
Guests love seeing and learning about fresh ingredients growing on property—and
they'll love it even more when those herbs show up in their evening cocktails
or breakfast omelets.
For your consideration:
Hotel engineering staff can help build and maintain beds, integrating this
effort with existing landscaping routines.
3. Outdoor Fitness
Zones for All Levels
Not every property can
justify a full gym, but most can designate a small outdoor space for fitness.
Install simple equipment like balance beams, resistance bands, or yoga
platforms—or just mark out a shaded area for group fitness classes or guided
stretch sessions.
For your consideration:
Even if your hotel has a Peloton-filled gym, outdoor exercise space appeals to
health-conscious travelers and adds perceived value without a massive
investment.
4. Hidden Amenities,
Visible Appeal
Many older properties have
semi-private or overlooked nooks—an unused service entrance patio, a
second-floor balcony, or even an enclosed loading area. With a little
creativity and a small budget, these can be repurposed into bookable "secret
spaces" like a secluded reading nook, private outdoor dining zone, or
micro-event venue.
For your consideration:
Partner with a decor company to promote these as "hidden gems" on social media.
5. Micro-Events and
Pop-Ups with Local Flavor
Use outdoor areas to host
rotating micro-events: art shows, acoustic music, DIY craft nights, or
pet-friendly happy hours. Partner with local businesses to supply the
programming or product (think flower arranging or whiskey tasting), then offer
event guests a room discount or drink special.
For your consideration:
This helps draw in locals to drive ancillary revenue, and these
events can be fantastic email list builders.
Rethinking the physical
plant isn't just about fixing what's broken—it's about finding new ways to
create value. Spring is your cue to step outside, take a fresh look, and ask:
How can we make every square foot work harder for us and delight our guests at
the same time?
