The Best Umbrellas for Outdoor Hotel Dining Areas
Finding the best umbrellas for outdoor hotel dining areas is an important detail that can have a significant impact on guest comfort and the overall aesthetic of a hospitality space. From resorts to rooftop bars and poolside restaurants to boutique hotels, more properties are investing in comfortable outdoor spaces where guests can relax and enjoy dining al fresco. The right umbrellas can help define the space, keep patio furniture patrons comfortable during hot days, and further enhance the visual brand of your property.
Outdoor umbrellas in hotel settings also face different challenges than residential patio umbrellas. Hotels endure higher traffic, changing weather conditions, UV rays, and rearranged furniture on a daily basis. While that lightweight umbrella may look nice in your living room, it probably won’t stand up to the demands of a high-volume dining patio. Commercial-grade umbrellas are typically used for outdoor hotel dining areas for this reason.
Why Umbrellas Are Important for Outdoor Hotel Dining Areas
Guests expect comfort when dining outdoors. It can be difficult to relax and enjoy your food in beautiful outdoor furniture if you are also dealing with direct sunlight and excessive heat or glare. Umbrellas strategically placed around a patio can help create a cooler, comfortable dining experience that guests will want to spend time at.
Providing shade for your outdoor furniture also helps reduce sun damage to the tables, chairs, and outdoor finishes. Constant UV rays can fade fabric and materials quickly, especially in climates with intense sunlight. Think about coastal environments or southern states – without umbrellas, hotel furniture can quickly fall victim to sun damage. Large commercial umbrellas extend the lifetime of your outdoor furnishings and improve functionality.
Outdoor umbrellas also have aesthetic benefits. They often become a part of the design element of your patio. The size, shape, and color of umbrellas you choose help create a look that guests begin to associate with your property. High-end resorts might go with oversized cantilever umbrellas in neutral colors, while hotels near the beach might prefer traditional-striped market umbrellas to give guests a casual, vacation vibe.
Commercial Strength is Crucial
Hotel patio umbrellas need to be durable. There is more wear and tear on hospitality umbrellas than most residential umbrellas will ever experience. Patrons will move chairs and tables throughout the day. Restaurant staff open and close umbrellas several times each day. Weather patterns shift, especially towards the end of the summer.
Hotel patios benefit from commercial-grade aluminum and fiberglass umbrella frames. Aluminum is durable and resists corrosion, making it a great option for beachfront properties. Fiberglass has a slightly flexible nature that works well in windy conditions, whereas other materials may bend or snap.
Fabric material matters, too. Solution-dyed acrylic materials are popular in the hospitality industry. They are breathable and highly resistant to fading, mildew, and moisture. Fabrics with lower UV protection may fade in a single season if they are in direct sunlight all day long.
Additional reinforced ribs, heavy-duty bases, and vented canopies help with wind performance. Because outdoor dining areas are often located in areas with blowing wind from other buildings, rooftop air conditioning units, or sudden storms. Reinforced umbrellas reduce the likelihood of damage and the need for replacement.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short Based On Price
Price always seems to be the biggest selling point for customers. When you are looking at outdoor umbrellas, don’t settle on the first (and usually cheapest) option.
While budget umbrellas may seem like a good investment at first, they will typically need to be replaced more frequently. Broken frames, faded colors, and poor wind strength are some of the most common issues with cheaply made umbrellas. Over time, you could end up paying more for multiple replacements than what you would have spent on commercial umbrellas initially.
Commercial-grade umbrella systems will retain their color and structure longer than cheaper options. This helps your outdoor hotel dining areas remain attractive and inviting season after season. If your restaurant or lodge makes heavy use of their outdoor spaces, this can make a big difference.
The best umbrellas for outdoor hotel dining areas are durable, functional, beautiful, and offer long-term value. No matter what vibe you are trying to achieve with your outdoor space – whether it’s a casual beachside patio or sleek rooftop lounge – you can find umbrellas to match your style while keeping patrons comfortable.
Contact Holtzkraft today at (570) 539-8945 or via customerservice@holtzkraft.com for more information about our line of outdoor umbrellas meant to endure the hospitality industry’s toughest environments.