The Ultimate Guide to Hotel Entrance Design

The wow factor you’re looking for with your hotel entrance design is easier to create than you may think. Today’s landscaping and hardscaping options mean you have plenty of flexible strategies available for making the perfect first impression on your guests. That first impression is more critical than ever with fierce competition in the lodging industry and guests’ expectations sky-high.

To be clear from the start, there are a few notable differences between a hotel and a resort. Hotels generally focus on lodging and shorter stays, while resorts offer more amenities to accommodate longer stays. And while hotels are often located near urban centers for convenience, they can still emulate the anticipation produced by the environment resorts create. The hotel entrance design is the best place to start to make guests feel like their vacation is starting before they even hop out of their vehicle!

And don’t assume this only applies to properties with expansive grounds. You can generate that excitement with any size hotel property. Even a small landscaping upgrade (indoors, too) at the entrance makes your hotel stand out the moment people arrive in real life and when they click on travel website photos. This urban Atlanta luxury resort is a clear example of what’s possible by maximizing a small space. 

We’ve got more examples in our case studies coming up below and you’ll see that a picture’s worth a thousand words as we contrast possibilities between boutique hotels and luxury hotels. 

Key Elements Of Hotel Entrance Design

Grand Entrance Features

A unique driveway is the first chance to make an unforgettable impression, and it should make entering and exiting easy for guests. Next are porte-cochères—functional must-haves for sheltered convenience at visually luxurious drop-off areas. The focal point should be a grand lobby with an air of relaxation that also impresses guests with an undeniable ambiance. 

The final piece for a perfect grand entrance is selfie stations. These give your guests an immediate chance to snap pictures as keepsakes. They also benefit your hotel when they’re posted on travel review websites.

Landscape Elements

The next two elements are landscaping and greenery that add beauty while giving guests a sense of calm after long trips. Nothing says “Welcome,” like vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and remarkable water features. Today’s sustainable landscaping options provide countless opportunities to highlight your hotel’s commitment to the environment.

Lighting

Like greenery, lighting and ambiance are subtle ways to make guests feel relaxed through hotel entrance designs. Ideal lighting designs set the right mood and show off hotel architectural features that might otherwise be overlooked. Then, there’s the safety aspect of ambient lighting along pathways and entrances to relieve worries of tripping accidents on your property.

Accessibility and Functionality

An experienced landscape provider can advise you on complex ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards while ensuring an inclusive environment for guests with limitations. Functional hotel entrance design should include comfortable seating, intriguing decor, shelter, shade, and some of the following trends.

Trends In Hotel Entrance Design

What are the top trends for hotel entrances? 

• Biophilic Design

• Technology Integration

• Cultural and Local Influences

At Yellowstone Landscape, we couldn’t be more excited about the upsides of biophilic design. This design principle leans into the natural human desire to be close to nature and other living things. It goes beyond adding a few indoor plants. Think living walls, the audio effects of water features, and decor made of natural materials, all of which provide a tranquil hotel entrance vibe. 

Biophilic design also gives you fresh ways to provide wow moments to your guests. Innovative lighting and certified interiorscape (indoor landscaping) experts mean you can bring nearly any outdoor plant, shrub, or tree indoors. And with design professionals available, biophilic design can even enhance your hotel holiday themes and stretch your budget through a comprehensive year-round interiorscape plan. 

While it can seem overwhelming to keep up with endless technological advances, you can simplify things by focusing on the guest perspective. Automated doors are inviting, convenient, and considerate to guests with mobility issues. Today’s crystal clear digital signage can provide real-time info about hotel services and events—to boost guest engagement. 

New technology, such as eco-friendly HVAC systems, enables savings on hotel utilities while reflecting your commitment to sustainability. Modern landscape principles further that goal with simple steps like adding shade trees or structures to keep HVAC systems out of the hot sun (trees also naturally create cleaner air). 

Finally, hotel entrance designs that incorporate local or cultural influences are wise choices. Why? Many travelers arrive in your city looking to enjoy that specific part of the country, so be sure they get a taste of it during their hotel stay. A unique sense of “place” makes your property stand out from common themes (especially for travelers who believe accommodations are a key part of the travel experience). 

Below are ways to blend the local culture into your hotel design:

• Use of local materials
• Native plants (examples photos below)
• Artwork from local artists
• Specimen trees native to the region
• Seasonal displays highlighting local events or traditions

Case Studies: Iconic Hotel Entrances 

We love the fact that an iconic entrance can be created at both a luxury resort and an intimate boutique hotel. The Yellowstone Landscape case studies below bear that out. Just a couple notes on the most common differences in these type properties, first.

Luxury resorts typically showcase the following:

• Imposing entryways
• Grand arches
• Vibrant landscaping 
• Handcrafted doors
• A sophisticated tone
• Tropical landscape themes

On the flip side, boutique hotels often focus on:

• Personalized experiences
• Local character and a cozy feel
• Eclectic decor
• Native landscape themes
• Artistic signage
• Creative space utilization
• Mindful seasonal entrance decor
• Sustainable landscaping and interiorscaping that reduces maintenance costs 

Case Studies

See this perfect example of a luxury beach resort here. Check out more luxury vibes at a gaming resort featuring over 7,300 flowers, world-class Zoysia and St. Augustine turf, and 200 Medjool palm trees. 

Yellowstone is also proud to maintain this Austin, Texas boutique hotel. To see what’s possible even in a harsh desert, take a look at this case study in New Mexico, which leans into rock features, minimalist signage, and outdoor architecture to complement the property’s amazing views.

Best Practices for Designing a Memorable Hotel Experience 

Three main categories help ensure your hotel entrance design is memorable. 

Let’s begin with landscape architect collaboration. 

A skilled landscape architect will enhance the entrance's beauty and functionality. They’re your best ally for wowing guests with aesthetics, creating an inviting atmosphere, and safely guiding travelers into your lobby.  

Hiring an experienced landscape designer means the landscaping and hardscaping will blend perfectly with your hotel’s architecture, themes, and brand identity. Every aspect, from plant selection, pathways, lighting, water features, plant containers, and irrigation needs, will be honed to enhance your overall hotel entrance design.

The next category is sustainable practices. 

Sustainable is not just a buzzword. In fact, Yellowstone Landscape’s designers see sustainability as a way to be even more creative in landscaping plans. It keeps your hotel property from potentially looking like every other hotel and provides opportunities to use some of the most unique native plants that would otherwise be overlooked. 

Of course, you’ll save water, too, while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers by using sustainable landscape designs. Drip irrigation systems reduce water waste and the risks of slip-and-falls from traditional sprinkler systems that leave standing water on walkways. Energy-efficient lighting has bonus benefits beyond utility cost savings, as they cut down on maintenance and create the ideal entrance atmosphere.

Is it hard to balance sustainability with an impressive hotel entrance design? It can be. But, we suggest “going big” on the entrance and focusing on sustainability for the rest of your property. After all, you have to attract guests with the face of your hotel (the entrance) so they can enjoy an overall eco-friendly experience.

The third best practice is all about guest experience. 

The best way to optimize guest experience is to try to see through their eyes. Are there any hotel entrance design aspects that reduce their comfort, safety, or inviting appeal? Who is your clientele—business travelers or families with children? 

Also consider the following guest perspectives for:

• Parking
• Seating
• Waiting areas
• Front desk vibe
• Pool area
• Signage
• Access to selfie stations
• Visibility

Proper landscaping design achieves the desired balance that provides guests with security, guidance, and a memorable experience.

Hotel Entrance Design Conclusion

Hotel landscaping is one of Yellowstone designers’ favorite topics. These properties give us the chance to wow our clients and their hotel guests in an age where travelers have more accommodation options than ever (1.1-million Airbnb properties exist today).

We believe having world-class landscaping is an ideal way hotels can stand out in a crowded market. 

As we’ve shown, you can achieve that on a small or large scale. However, it’s vital to set the tone the moment your guests drive up to your entrance—it must grab their attention on travel websites too. 

We also broke down the differences between a resort and hotel, along with the nuances of the clientele you’re seeking.

Many of you will get the most value from the section that describes the seven key elements of hotel entrance design. Be sure to blend those elements with today’s trends—biophilic design, technology integration, and local influences. Use the case studies we highlighted to get a clear picture of these hotel design principles.

As for the three best hotel entrance design practices, each one plays a role in creating noteworthy experiences for your guests. Get the balance right and it can increase the number of returning guests due to an incredible first impression. And because they’ll feel like they received more than they paid for through a priceless experience. 

Yellowstone Landscape can help you get the balance just right, especially with the sustainability challenges of today and our experience in designing the perfect landscape to fit any hotel size or style. Contact us today and we’ll discuss a tailored plan with you.