Exclusive Featue: The hospitality industry is constantly shifting as new trends emerge each year and among these preferences, today's travelers have shown an affinity for plant life and the outdoors, they want to feel more connected to nature, presenting an opportunity for hoteliers.
Incorporating plants comes with a diverse variety of benefits. Here are a few ways that greenery has influenced hotel and hospitality ratings.
1. A Strong First Impression
Most guests are going to research your hotel before booking a room, and they'll have a sense of what it looks like. That said, first impressions are crucial. Plants are an instant cue that you care about the property and its occupants. Greenery will give the space a fresh, updated look.
In short, plants provide the clean, well-maintained aesthetic that guests actively seek out. Hoteliers can also use their greenery to craft unique experiences, such as a botanical garden or indoor greenhouse.
2. A High Return on Investment
Just a single plant in your hotel, sitting at the front desk, can have a profound impact on your ROI. One study revealed that plants in a hotel increase revenue, even when they're kept to the lobby. That's why it's smart to invest in high-quality greenery that will entice guests and make them feel at home.
In truth, many guests who walk through the front doors of an average hotel have low expectations. They've had bad experiences in the past and assume the worst. A few small details, however, like a ficus or bonsai tree, can be as comforting as a freshly fluffed pillow.
3. More Attractive Photos
Most travelers want to see a hotel before they make a commitment. They rely heavily on photos to determine if your hotel will meet their expectations. What you showcase needs to present your hotel in the best light, and one way to make your online content more attractive is to add plants to the mix.
Plants show you pay attention to detail. You're not afraid to take on extra tasks — care, watering and maintenance — to please visitors. The standard room is complemented with greenery that sparks interest and evokes warmth. It makes a space feel more open and welcoming, ideal for guests who are first-time visitors.
4. Added Health Benefits
Your staff cleans the floors and washes the linens, but who freshens the air? Plants are natural air purifiers, able to remove harmful toxins that are invisible to the naked eye.
Some of the most common pollutants include:
- Ammonia: a common industrial chemical used in cleaning products and fertilizers.
- Benzene: one of 20 most common chemicals in the U.S., occurs in smoke.
- Formaldehyde: used in building and furniture materials, formerly in insulation.
- Trichloroethylene: used in fabric cleaning as well as inks, paints and adhesives.
Not only do plants keep your hotel's air fresh and clean, but they also look beautiful.
5. Improvements to Mood
Travelers are often stressed. They're enduring layovers, navigating unfamiliar streets and in some cases, trying to learn a foreign language. They're far from home and frustrated. Plants can help elevate their mood and make their travel experience more relaxing. This simple solution can have a significant impact on hotel ratings.
Studies have proven indoor plants can reduce stress and boost mood. For business travelers, indoor plants increase concentration and productivity. A guest can sit next to a chrysanthemum during their morning routine, reading a newspaper and checking their email. Plants in a guest's room can even provide a better night's sleep.
Best Plants to Use in Hotels
The verdict is in. Plants can spruce up any hotel, influencing ratings and increasing repeat visits. Even a single plant on the front desk can have a significant impact. If you're ready to beautify, look for plants known to purify the air.
Some of the most well-known purifying plants include:
- Aloe Vera: known for its medicinal uses, this plant rids the air of formaldehyde.
- Bamboo Palm: filters trichloroethylene, formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Peace Lily: flowers in the summer, filters out benzene, ammonia and other toxins.
- Spider Plant: easy to care for, removes toxic substances like xylene and formaldehyde.
Not only are most air-filtering plants easy to care for, but they're beautiful to look at and make guests feel at home. Plants have a significant impact on a stay, and the decor is cheap and simple to implement.
This is strictly an exclusive feature, reprints of this article in any shape or form without prior written approval from 4Hoteliers.com is not permitted.
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more!
www.driftercollective.com
