The right outdoor umbrella range can have a significant impact on guests’ experience at a hotel or resort. Whether its purpose is offering shade during a poolside lounge or creating a cozy outdoor dining setting, the right umbrella not only enhances comfort but also elevates the aesthetics of your outdoor spaces. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice for your guest areas, focusing on dining, poolside, and garden settings.
The primary role of an outdoor umbrella is to provide shade, but it can also set the tone for different environments. Consider the specific needs of each area:
- Dining areas: Guests will spend longer periods seated, enjoying meals and conversations. Umbrellas in this space should provide full coverage of seating ensuring a comfortable dining experience no matter the weather. Consider whether you wish to add radiant heating for evening comfort.
- Poolside: Poolside umbrellas must provide ample sun protection for loungers but also be highly durable to withstand water, chlorine exposure, and constant sun. Cantilever umbrellas with 360-degree rotation allows the shade to move with the sun.
- Garden spaces: These areas may require more decorative umbrellas to complement the landscape and enhance the aesthetic appeal. Functionality is still key, but design may play a larger role here.
Material and Durability
For hotels and resorts, durability is crucial. The umbrellas will likely face heavy use, exposure to sunlight, rain, and possibly saltwater. When choosing materials, consider the following:
- Frames: Opt for materials that resist corrosion, such as aluminum or powder-coated steel, especially for poolside areas where moisture is prevalent.
- Canopy fabric: High-quality structural membrane fabrics such as Serge Ferrari Soltis Proof 502, made from a polyester base coated with PVC (polyvinyl chloride), has exceptional strength and longevity. This combination of materials provides the fabric with superior durability and resistance to outdoor elements like UV rays, rain, and wind meaning they will maintain their appearance despite exposure to sun and moisture. These fabrics are especially useful in poolside and dining areas.
- Maintenance and replacement: Look for a brand that offers parts, as this will extend the length of the investment in an umbrella, along with replacement canopy solutions.
Size and Coverage
The size of your umbrella depends on the space it needs to cover:
- Dining: Umbrellas for dining areas should cover the entire table. For larger tables, consider double or cantilever umbrellas, with gutter linkage, to provide seamless coverage without obstructing movement.
- Poolside: Cantilever umbrellas are an ideal solution for poolside areas because they offer flexible positioning without having a center pole that could obstruct views or movement.
- Garden: In open garden spaces, size becomes more about visual proportion. The umbrella should enhance the look of the area without dominating it.
Mobility and Rotation
One key feature to look for is adjustability.
- Cantilever umbrellas: These are a great choice for both dining and poolside areas as they offer flexibility and a larger coverage area without the need for a central pole, giving more room for furniture arrangement and better movement. Rotating bases allow you to adjust the shade as the sun moves, ensuring that guests remain comfortable throughout the day.
- Moveable bases: For areas that require reconfiguration, such as special events or temporary setups, opt for umbrellas with sturdy, portable bases that can be relocated.
Wind and Weather Resistance
Depending on your location, the weather could pose a significant challenge. In windy areas, you’ll need umbrellas that are designed to withstand strong gusts.
For areas prone to rain, quick-drying and water-resistant canopy fabrics are essential, especially for poolside and garden umbrellas. Make sure that you have a reliable system in place to close and secure the umbrellas when the weather turns severe.
Ease of Cleaning
Hotel and resort staff will need to regularly maintain outdoor umbrellas, so ease of cleaning and maintenance is key. Fabrics that resist mildew, dirt, and fading make life easier for your maintenance team. Additionally, choose umbrellas with removable canopies so they can be replaced or washed separately.
Learn more from the team at Skyspan Shade
Skyspan Shade has the perfect range of umbrellas for hotel and resort’s guest areas, enhancing the guest experience, complementing your outdoor space, and withstanding the demands of a high-traffic, hospitality environment.
We’d recommend focusing on durability, design, coverage, and ease of use, to ensure that your select umbrella range provides both comfort and aesthetic appeal, contributing to the overall luxury and atmosphere of your property.