Where Do Hotels Buy Their Outdoor Furniture? A Guide to Sourcing Quality Outdoor Furniture for Hospitality Projects
Outdoor furniture plays a crucial role in enhancing the guest experience at hotels. Whether it’s for a poolside lounge, rooftop bar, or garden patio, high-quality outdoor furniture can transform a hotel’s exterior spaces into luxurious, comfortable, and inviting environments. But where do hotels buy their outdoor furniture? In this article, we’ll explore the various sources where hotels can purchase outdoor furniture, along with the factors to consider when making a purchase.
One of the most popular options for hotels is buying outdoor furniture directly from manufacturers that specialize in outdoor and commercial-grade furniture. Companies like STL Hotel Furnishing offer a wide range of outdoor furniture solutions, including outdoor chairs, loungers, dining tables, umbrellas, and sunbeds, all designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor environments.
Customization: Direct manufacturers often offer the ability to customize pieces to match the hotel’s unique branding and design vision. For example, outdoor furniture can be made in specific colors, materials, and finishes to align with the hotel’s style.
Durability and Quality: Outdoor furniture requires durability due to exposure to weather elements. Established manufacturers that specialize in hotel outdoor furniture are well-equipped to provide high-quality, long-lasting pieces that can withstand UV rays, rain, and high foot traffic.
Competitive Pricing for Bulk Orders: Manufacturers can often offer better pricing for bulk orders, which is ideal for larger hotel properties that need significant quantities of furniture.
Specialized Materials: Outdoor furniture requires materials that resist rust, fading, and weathering. Manufacturers specializing in outdoor furniture often use materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, synthetic wicker, high-performance fabrics, and weather-resistant wood.
Another route for sourcing outdoor furniture is through suppliers and wholesalers who specialize in outdoor furnishings for commercial properties. These suppliers often work with multiple manufacturers, offering a broader selection of furniture options, including not only seating but also accessories such as planters, lighting, and storage solutions.
Variety: Suppliers often carry a wide range of products from various brands and manufacturers, providing hotels with a diverse selection of outdoor furniture styles and price points.
Convenience: Wholesalers streamline the purchasing process by acting as intermediaries, taking care of logistics, shipping, and sometimes even installation. This is especially useful for hotels that want a one-stop solution for all their outdoor furniture needs.
Competitive Prices for Bulk Orders: Since wholesalers typically deal with large quantities, they can offer more competitive pricing, especially when it comes to large hotels or resorts outfitting many outdoor spaces.
In recent years, many hotels have turned to online B2B platforms to source their outdoor furniture. Websites like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources have made it easier for hoteliers to browse a wide variety of outdoor furniture from manufacturers around the world.
Convenience: Online platforms provide easy access to a broad range of products from multiple suppliers. Hotel owners can compare prices, styles, and manufacturers from the comfort of their office or hotel room.
Cost-Effective: Online B2B platforms often feature manufacturers from different countries, providing the ability to select products that fit a variety of price points. Whether you’re looking for premium or budget-friendly options, these platforms offer a wide range of choices.
International Reach: Online platforms connect hotel owners with suppliers from all over the world. This can be particularly useful for hotels looking to import furniture from different countries, ensuring they find the best deals and unique designs.
Quality Control: Since you can’t physically inspect the products before purchasing, it’s important to vet suppliers thoroughly by reviewing feedback from other buyers, inspecting product certifications, and requesting samples before placing large orders.
For high-end boutique hotels or those with a unique design vision, hiring interior designers or landscape architects to source outdoor furniture can be a wise investment. Designers often have strong relationships with furniture manufacturers and can help source unique, bespoke pieces that meet the hotel's specific style, function, and durability requirements.
Tailored Solutions: Designers can help create personalized outdoor spaces that perfectly align with the hotel's brand identity, aesthetics, and guest experience goals.
Expert Guidance: Designers bring expertise in materials, design, and logistics, ensuring that the selected furniture complements the overall architecture and outdoor environment of the hotel.
Project Management: Designers can oversee the entire outdoor furniture procurement process, from sourcing to installation, saving the hotel time and resources.
For smaller hotels or those that require limited quantities of outdoor furniture, local furniture stores or specialty retailers might be the best option. Many of these retailers cater to commercial clients and offer high-quality outdoor furniture suitable for hotel use.
Faster Turnaround: Purchasing from local retailers allows for quicker delivery times compared to international suppliers, which may take weeks to ship furniture.
No Shipping Hassles: By working with local vendors, hotels can avoid international shipping fees, customs clearance, and long shipping times, which can be particularly beneficial if they need furniture quickly.
Hands-On Inspection: Hotels can physically inspect the furniture before making a purchase, ensuring it meets their expectations for quality and style.
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration in the hospitality industry, many hotels are turning to eco-friendly outdoor furniture suppliers. These suppliers focus on using sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, teak wood from certified sources, and eco-friendly cushions made from recycled fabrics.
Brand Image: Sustainability is an important selling point for eco-conscious travelers. By selecting sustainable furniture, hotels can promote their commitment to environmental responsibility, enhancing their reputation among guests.
Durability: Many eco-friendly materials are designed to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements, which can be both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Compliance with Regulations: For hotels operating in regions with strict environmental regulations, sourcing sustainable outdoor furniture can help ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
There are many places where hotels can buy their outdoor furniture, depending on their size, budget, and design requirements. From working directly with manufacturers like STL Hotel Furnishing, sourcing through suppliers and wholesalers, exploring online platforms, or consulting designers, hotels have a variety of options to choose from.
Each of these sources offers unique advantages, whether it’s for customization, variety, cost-effectiveness, or sustainability. By understanding their needs and carefully considering the options available, hotels can ensure they purchase high-quality, durable outdoor furniture that enhances the guest experience and withstands the elements.
For more information on high-quality outdoor furniture solutions, visit STL Hotel Furnishing to explore our extensive range of products designed to meet the demands of the hospitality industry.
