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Resorts can captivate guests beyond the peak season by making budget-friendly outdoor upgrades that enable year-round outdoor enjoyment. Even when it gets cold outside, it’s important to find ways to keep pools, patios, and outdoor lounges open. Similarly, winter resorts need solutions to make their outdoor areas comfortable in the warmer months.
Fortunately, cost-effective additions like heaters, windbreaks, and cozy touches can help maintain guest comfort in the off-season. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best outdoor upgrades for the warmer and cooler months that can help bolster occupancy and revenue.
If winter is your off-season, one of the best ways to capitalize on outdoor space is with patio heating. Here are some of the best budget resort improvements for improving guest comfort when it gets cold:
Outdoor heating doesn’t have to be a major expense. Here are some cost-effective ways to add warmth to outdoor spaces like the resort patio:
For resorts on a tight budget, renting heating systems for peak cold weeks or using refillable propane units can help offset high upfront costs. Keep in mind, however, that renting is a temporary solution, and it's usually more cost-effective in the long term to buy your own systems. You might also consider simple DIY fixes like wind-resistant candle heaters or enclosing a fire pit area with inexpensive screening to maximize heat retention.
Where you place the heaters is just as important as how many you use to get the most warmth for your money. Place heaters strategically near seating clusters and use reflective surfaces to spread heat. However, ensure that your heaters are certified and placed securely to prevent accidents, especially if you go the DIY route.
Not only can outdoor heating improve the experience of existing guests, but it can also help attract more business. Providing warmth on cool nights makes outdoor dining and events feasible year-round. Even with a modest investment in heating, the returns are well worth the expense. Your guests stay comfortable, outdoor venues stay busy instead of sitting empty due to the cold, and these small investments can increase resort revenue throughout the off-season.
In addition to heating, protecting your outdoor areas from the elements can help you make use of these areas even in extreme heat, or cold if your resort's off-season is the summer.
There are many affordable structure types that can provide both shade in summer and shelter in cooler weather and rain, such as:
Not only are these affordable solutions, but they're also easy to set up and take down as needed.
Find inexpensive ways to block wind and cold breezes. This could include:
These temporary solutions are relatively low-cost and can help make a patio usable until you're in a place to invest in more permanent structures.
Even simple additions like a windbreak or a shade canopy significantly enhance guest comfort. A cozy corner on a windy fall day or a cool retreat in midsummer can be the difference between a guest enjoying the patio or feeling trapped in their room.
Another important factor for outdoor spaces is the ambiance. Use these design elements to create an inviting outdoor space:
Budget-friendly touches like outdoor rugs, throw blankets, or plush cushions made of weather-proof materials can make outdoor lounges feel as comfortable as indoor spaces. A basket of blankets near a fire pit or heat lamp invites guests to snuggle up and stay longer on a cool night.
Give guests a reason to use outdoor spaces no matter the weather. Install a portable outdoor projector for movie nights or outdoor games, like cornhole or oversized Jenga, that can be enjoyed in cooler weather with a jacket on.
Choose weather-resistant fabrics and materials that can withstand year-round conditions like UV exposure and rain so that your investments last longer. For example, affordable heavy-duty outdoor curtains or budget awnings made from UV-resistant polyester can be wise choices. If you need more guidance, our patio living experts will be happy to assist you.
The main benefit of shade/shelter solutions like umbrellas and pop-up canopies is that they are temporary or movable. They can be set up as needed and stored away in the off-season or during extreme weather, preserving their lifespan. This flexibility is great for resorts in areas with extreme seasonal changes where it doesn’t make sense to invest in permanent (and costly) structures.
Outdoor lighting is an inexpensive way to create the perfect atmosphere on a budget. For example, string lights, lanterns, or LED candles are inexpensive ways to make patios and pathways inviting on dark winter evenings or add charm on summer nights. Lighting these areas will also make guests feel more comfortable spending time outside after hours.
Another affordable way to keep outdoor spaces feeling fresh and appealing throughout the year is by rotating seasonal décor. Choose potted evergreens in the winter and bright flowers in the summer, for example. This small investment in landscaping or decor updates signals to guests that the area is cared for year-round, not just in peak season.
Ambiance and comfort accessories, even if budget-friendly, make a psychological difference. A well-lit, cozy patio with a bit of decor and inviting outdoor furniture feels intentional and inviting, so guests are more inclined to grab a hot drink and enjoy the fire pit in December, or relax under the fairy lights in July. These minor changes make the outdoor experience appealing 12 months a year.
With a bit of creativity, resorts can extend their outdoor season year-round without breaking the bank. Small changes like heating additions, clever shading and shelter, and cozy ambiance upgrades keep guests comfortable in any weather. These budget-friendly improvements help maintain high guest satisfaction and occupancy through the off-season. Even small investments in outdoor comfort encourage guests to use outdoor space and leave positive reviews, giving your resort a revenue boost in your offs-season, whenever that may be.
With just a few minor upgrades, your resort’s outdoor spaces can remain a valuable asset every month of the year. For high-quality outdoor resort upgrades at a price you'll love, turn to the experts at Patio Heat and Shade. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you ensure it's always patio season at your resort!