Article First impressions in hospitality: why exterior grounds impact bookings Author: Ground Maintenance Team Share: The challenge: Hospitality businesses often struggle to make a strong first impression due to poorly maintained exterior grounds. Overgrown landscaping, litter, and damaged infrastructure can deter potential guests, leading to fewer bookings and reduced guest satisfaction. The solution: Investing in professional grounds maintenance and implementing regular upkeep routines can transform the appearance of exterior spaces. Conducting audits, addressing repairs, and adding seasonal enhancements create a welcoming and polished environment that aligns with guest expectations. The outcome: By prioritising well-maintained exterior grounds, hospitality businesses can boost kerb appeal, enhance guest satisfaction, and drive higher bookings. A clean, inviting exterior not only attracts new guests but also encourages repeat visits, giving businesses a competitive edge in a crowded market. Well-maintained exterior grounds can make or break a guest’s first impression. This article explores how investing in professional grounds maintenance boosts kerb appeal, enhances guest satisfaction, and drives higher bookings for hospitality businesses. Why first impressions matter in hospitality In hospitality, first impressions are everything. Guests often decide whether to book—or return—based on how your property looks from the outside. According to a study by Cornell University, 70% of guests form their opinion of a hotel within the first few moments of arrival. Poorly maintained exterior grounds, such as overgrown lawns, litter, or cracked pathways, can signal neglect and deter potential guests. In contrast, clean, visually appealing grounds create a welcoming atmosphere that aligns with the high standards guests expect. With competition in the hospitality sector at an all-time high, businesses can’t afford to overlook the impact of their exterior presentation. How to improve exterior grounds and boost bookings Follow these steps to ensure your property’s exterior leaves a lasting positive impression: 1 Conduct a Grounds Audit Walk through your property and assess the condition of landscaping, pathways, parking areas, and signage. Identify areas that need improvement. 2 Prioritise Regular Maintenance Schedule routine tasks like lawn mowing, hedge trimming, and litter removal. Consistency is key to maintaining a polished look year-round. 3 Invest in Seasonal Enhancements Add seasonal touches like flowers, festive decorations, or outdoor lighting. Creating a welcoming vibe that resonates with guests. 4 Repair and Upgrade Infrastructure Address cracked pavements, faded signage, or damaged outdoor furniture. These small fixes can make a big difference in how your property is perceived. 5 Partner with Nurture Outsourcing to experts ensures your exterior is always in top shape. Saving time and delivering consistent results. How strong exterior grounds support wider business goals Well maintained outdoor spaces do more than look smart. They support brand consistency, enhance safety, reduce risk and strengthen ESG reporting through biodiversity, energy efficiency and waste reduction. This creates long term asset value and operational stability and supports commercial goals such as: Reduced complaint levels Better compliance and safety management Higher occupancy rates Increased event and function bookings Stronger brand reputation Case Study – Teesside Retail Park Enhancing visitor experience through transformational landscaping With significant regeneration initiatives underway in the region, British Land identified a unique opportunity to modernise the park’s outdoor environment. There was a desire to create more space outside of the shop fronts, creating two key pedestrian routes, along with adding a landscaping aesthetic to enhance visitors shopping experiences. Read the full case study Ready to improve guest experience before they reach the front desk? Contact our team for a free exterior grounds review and discover how small outdoor improvements can lift bookings and brand perception. Talk to our Grounds Maintenance team Get in touch with our Grounds Maintenance team Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Tell us a little about your site and maintenance goals and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your requirements.Name *Email *Phone number *Postcode *Tell us about your site *Privacy policy *I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy. your Tell site Newsletter opt inI’d like to receive occasional updates about Nurture Landscapes’ services, sustainability initiatives, and industry insights.Submit enquiry Frequently Asked Questions Do exterior grounds really influence booking decisions? Yes. Guests often judge the quality of the stay before stepping inside. Exterior images on booking platforms are highly influential and well maintained grounds increase trust, visual appeal and perceived value. How often should a hospitality site maintain its grounds? Most hotels and venues benefit from weekly visits with additional seasonal tasks such as planting changes, gritting in winter and leaf clearance in autumn. High footfall sites may require more frequent presentation checks. What exterior improvements give the quickest boost to bookings? Entrance planting, clear walkways, clean signage, tidy car parks and well maintained lawns offer fast visual impact. These areas appear most in photos and influence first impressions.
