Hotels Stepping Their Game Up With Outdoor Heaters

Hotels Enhancing Guest Experience with Outdoor Heaters

Published: April 30, 2018 at 10:15 AM

5 minute read | Patio Heaters

Outdoor Heaters in Hotels

As a hotel or resort owner/manager, ensuring guest comfort is paramount. While the warmer months typically see guests enjoying outdoor spaces, what do you offer during the cooler seasons to keep those areas lively and inviting? Providing guests with outdoor heating solutions can extend the enjoyment of these spaces throughout the year. Portable heaters from AEI offer a practical and safe way to keep guests warm even when temperatures drop. Keep in mind that outdoor heaters don’t increase the ambient temperature; rather, they create a cozy environment by providing localized warmth. Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of both installed and portable outdoor heaters.

Installed Heaters

Pros: These heaters are securely fastened to the ground, wall, or ceiling using a hard gas line. You won’t have to worry about guests accidentally knocking them over. If you opt for an electrically-powered installed heater, you’ll enjoy either a very low installation cost (simply mount it and plug it in) or a sleek aesthetic by having the heaters flush-mounted with your walls or ceilings (this might require professional installation). Cons: One major downside is that installed heaters cannot be moved. Once they’re set up, they remain in that location permanently.

Portable Heaters

Pros: Since portable heaters aren’t permanently attached, they come with lower installation costs. You can easily relocate them, making it simpler to direct heat where it’s needed most. Cons: Propane-powered portable heaters require frequent tank replacements, which can get expensive. Additionally, they shouldn’t be used in covered outdoor areas. If you go with a natural gas-powered heater, your relocation options might be limited due to the placement of the gas line.

Understanding Patio Heater Options

Once you’ve decided to enhance guest comfort by adding outdoor heaters to your property, the next step is choosing the right type. Most patio heaters are powered in one of two ways:

• Natural or propane gas
• Electric heating elements

You can also select portable heaters based on their standing and mounting features. There are three main types to choose from:

• Freestanding heaters
• Wall-mounted heaters
• Tabletop patio heaters

The most popular type of outdoor patio heater is the freestanding version. These heaters are commonly fueled by propane, but you can also choose natural gas or electric power sources. Freestanding heaters are ideal for outdoor spaces since they can be placed almost anywhere with a flat surface. The heater comes with a base where the propane is stored (if it’s a propane heater). This base also stabilizes the unit. Connected to the base is a pole that directs the heat upwards. At the top of the pole is a reflector that minimizes heat loss by directing the rising heat back down and outward, maximizing the area warmed by the heater. Many freestanding heaters have adjustable reflectors, allowing you to direct heat to specific areas. Adding warmth to a particular spot is also made easier by using a heater with infrared technology, which efficiently warms objects instead of the surrounding air, which is often unpredictable outdoors. Infratech heaters are known for being both efficient and cost-effective for commercial use. Tabletop and wall-mounted heaters function similarly to freestanding heaters but are mounted directly onto surfaces. These heaters are typically smaller than their freestanding counterparts. Tabletop patio heaters are particularly useful in outdoor areas with picnic tables where guests gather. These heaters make great centerpieces and can be fueled by propane or electricity. Wall-mounted patio heaters are advantageous because they provide warmth without taking up valuable floor space. This reduces the risk of accidents such as bumping into or overturning the heater. In smaller patio areas where there’s no room for a freestanding heater, a wall-mounted one could be the perfect solution. The Sunglo model PSA 265 is a great outdoor heater that can be installed on the floor and works well in patio areas without a covered ceiling. Mounting it on the outside of a pergola would be an excellent choice. For covered settings, the Sunglo model A2444 is an excellent option, which can be mounted on a wall or suspended in the air.

Adding Comfort and Warmth to Your Hotel and Resort

Installing outdoor heaters can create a cozy atmosphere in many areas of your hotel and resort. When deciding where to install them, consider where guests spend most of their time outdoors. For instance, valet waiting areas are common spots where guests spend several minutes outside waiting for their vehicles. Placing an outdoor heater in this area will not only warm guests but also provide comfort for your valet staff. The outdoor area leading up to your lobby is another space you’ll want to maintain a warm and welcoming vibe; a patio comfort heater is an ideal solution. Available in various colors, you can choose between propane, electric, or natural gas-powered models. Other areas that will benefit from outdoor heaters include pool areas, BBQ zones, and any place offering patio seating.