You might think that hotel flowers are purely decorative—something that makes the space look nicer but isn't really essential. However, fresh flowers and plants have a much greater impact than that.
Research into biophilic design—a design approach inspired by nature—shows that natural elements in hotel environments can significantly influence how guests feel. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management found that hotel lobbies featuring natural elements were perceived as more pleasant and less stressful.
The study also showed that these positive emotions were associated with a greater sense of relaxation and an increased willingness to pay for a stay. Similar findings come from Terrapin Bright Green, whose research revealed that guests spent more time in biophilic hotel lobbies (36%) than in conventional ones (25%).
And it's not just hotels. The positive effects of plants on people's well-being have been observed in many other indoor environments. For instance, a study of post-surgery patients found that those recovering in rooms with plants and flowers experienced lower blood pressure, less pain, anxiety, and fatigue than patients in rooms without greenery. While a hotel is certainly not a hospital room, the principle remains the same—plants help soften a space, create a calming atmosphere, and make it feel more welcoming.
Flowers and indoor plants can therefore help a hotel:
The hotel reception is the first place guests encounter. It is where they check in, ask for information, wait for their room, and begin forming their impression of the hotel. That is why this space should feel clean, professional, and inviting.
Flowers at the reception have a clear purpose—to attract attention without getting in the way. If the reception desk is spacious enough, a floral arrangement can be placed on one side or symmetrically on both sides. On longer reception counters, this creates an elegant frame that visually ties the space together.
If there isn't enough room on the desk, don't worry. Tall flower arrangements in vases placed next to the reception or large indoor plants positioned on the floor work just as well. Plants in the entrance hall can be larger, bolder, and more eye-catching than the decorations used in guest rooms.
Popular choices for hotel receptions and lobbies include:
It is important that the flowers complement the hotel's interior design.
Modern design | Clean lines, white or cream-coloured flowers, and bold greenery
Romantic boutique style | Softer, fuller, and more colourful floral arrangements
Wellness hotel | Natural greenery, muted tones, and a calming atmosphere
Don't forget to reflect seasonal occasions in your hotel's floral displays, such as:
Seasonal hotel decorations create a thoughtful impression and show guests that the space evolves throughout the year, feels alive, and reflects the current season and special occasions.
Today, guests expect more from a hotel room than just a place to sleep. They want to feel at home—or rather, in a more luxurious version of it, where every detail has been carefully considered. And sometimes, it only takes something small: a vase with a fresh flower on the table, a flower box, or a single rose placed on the bed as a thoughtful gesture.
Flowers in guest rooms should be subtle, compact, and easy to maintain. They should not take up too much space, have an overpowering fragrance, or become a distraction. In this case, less is often more.
Suitable choices for hotel rooms include:
Be careful with strongly scented flowers. Fragrant lilies may look beautiful, but their intense aroma might not be pleasant for every guest in a small room. It is therefore better to choose flowers with a subtle or almost fragrance-free scent.
The wellness area is where guests come to switch off, slow down, relax, take a deep breath, and escape the demands of everyday life. Flowers and plants should therefore create a calming atmosphere rather than making a bold statement.
For wellness areas, we recommend incorporating natural greenery, delicate floral decorations, and plants that thrive in more humid environments. If the space receives little natural light, choose shade-loving species. If there is plenty of daylight, flowering plants can also be an excellent choice.
One particularly striking and popular solution is a living green wall. Vertical gardens create a distinctive design feature while also enhancing the peaceful atmosphere and bringing a sense of freshness to the interior. They work beautifully in spa receptions, relaxation areas, by swimming pools, or in quiet lounges where they evoke the feeling of being surrounded by nature.
Recommended plants for wellness and spa areas include:
In spa environments, it is best to stick to soft, calming colours. Shades of green, white, cream, light pink, and lavender create a much more relaxing atmosphere than bold, high-contrast colours.
In a hotel restaurant, guests experience the space through multiple senses. They enjoy the aroma of the food and focus on its flavour. Flowers should therefore be beautiful, but also chosen with care.
Table arrangements should never block guests' view, take up too much space, or compete with the aroma of the food. Small floral decorations, succulents, low vases, and delicate seasonal arrangements are ideal.
You may also consider herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, or lavender, which naturally connect the interior with the dining experience. In larger restaurants, flowers and plants can also help define different areas. Low greenery between tables or potted plants can create a greater sense of privacy and make the space feel more intimate.
Flowers can make a remarkable difference even in spaces that are often overlooked. Hallways, staircases, lifts, and shared areas can feel far less impersonal when enhanced with greenery.
In conference and event spaces, flowers help create a more elegant and celebratory atmosphere. They are perfect for corporate events, weddings, workshops, and smaller social gatherings. Floral arrangements can decorate the registration desk, speaker's podium, catering tables, or meeting rooms.
And what about outdoor areas? They deserve just as much attention. The following plants work particularly well on terraces, at entrances, in courtyards, or along walkways:
Below are some of the most popular plants used to decorate hotels around the world.
Plant | Best suited for
Monstera deliciosa | Lobbies, entrance halls, large reception areas
Peace lily | Guest rooms, offices, smaller reception areas, quiet zones
Ficus elastica | Lobbies, restaurants, lounges, hotel rooms
Dracaena trifasciata | Hallways, bathrooms, and low-light areas
Zamioculcas zamiifolia | Lobbies, guest rooms, hallways, reception areas
Orchid | Reception areas, lobbies, wellness centres
Succulents | Restaurants, conference tables, guest rooms
Fresh cut flowers create a sense of elegance, freshness, and instantly elevate any space. Indoor plants offer a long-term solution, helping to maintain a consistent atmosphere throughout the hotel. Artificial flowers can be a practical alternative where regular maintenance is not possible.
Whatever type of flowers you choose, they should always look fresh and well cared for. A dusty artificial arrangement can leave just as poor an impression as a wilted bouquet. As soon as flowers begin to wilt, turn brown, or decay, they create a sense of neglect rather than elegance.
For fresh cut flowers, remember to regularly:
For indoor plants, make sure to:
In a hotel environment, it is worth assigning clear responsibility for plant care. Sometimes this can be handled by the in-house team, while in other cases it makes more sense to work with a professional florist or supplier who can take care of everything for you.
Plants can be bold and eye-catching, delicate and elegant, luxurious, or understated. The key is choosing flowers and greenery that complement the space and reflect the atmosphere you want your guests to experience.
Whether you are selecting flowers for your hotel reception, lobby, restaurant, wellness area, or guest rooms, the foundation is always high-quality, fresh products. At St. Gabriel, you will find a wide selection of fresh cut flowers, indoor plants, greenery, and floristry supplies to help transform your hotel into a place your guests will want to return to.
