The Outdoor Advantage: Enhancing Guest Experience Through Design, Flexibility, and Functionality

As guests increasingly prioritize wellness, sustainability, and immersive experiences, hotels are transforming their outdoor environments into multifunctional retreats that blend comfort with connection to nature. A 2024 research study found that 58% of travelers preferred hotels embracing sustainability practices—such as reducing plastic and promoting eco-friendly amenities, highlighting the growing importance of intentional, guest-focused outdoor design. Meeting these evolving expectations requires more than just beautiful spaces—it demands thoughtful planning, durable investments, and flexible design solutions.So, how can hospitality leaders select the right furniture, plan for seasonal needs, and ensure their outdoor investments stand the test of time—and the elements?In this episode of Meet in the Lobby, hosts Melissa McCormack, Senior Director, Global Opportunities, and Dorien Murphy, Director, Strategic Luxury Accounts at Avendra International, sit down with Michelle McGuire-Keckler, Brand Manager at JANUS et Cie. Together, they explore the trends, materials, and strategies that transform outdoor spaces into guest experience powerhouses.Highlights from the conversation:Flexibility is king – Modular furniture and reconfigurable layouts allow spaces to serve multiple purposes, from private cabanas to communal dining setups.Durability meets design – Selecting climate-appropriate materials, maintaining them properly, and sourcing from suppliers with replacement parts protects both aesthetics and CapEx investments.Year-round revenue potential – Hotels can repurpose outdoor spaces for wine tastings, spa treatments, and special events, even in colder climates through tenting or heated enclosures.Michelle McGuire-Keckler is a hospitality sales specialist with over 25 years of experience in design, project management, and client relationship development. For the past eight years, she has worked with luxury outdoor furnishings leader JANUS et Cie. Her career spans leadership roles in market development, sales, and design consulting, collaborating closely with builders, architects, and interior designers to deliver high-quality, customized solutions for hospitality spaces. She is recognized for her expertise in customer service management, market planning, and guiding projects from concept through installation to enhance both functionality and guest experience.