There’s a moment every hotel receptionist knows. A guest arrives with wet shoulders, a dripping coat and the look of someone who was promised sunshine by the weather app. What happens next says a lot about your property. You can point them towards the nearest shop, or you can offer a clean, dry umbrella to help them get on with their day.
It’s a small gesture, but one that can make a real difference to a guest’s experience. Umbrellas provide a practical solution to unpredictable weather, and when they carry your logo, they can also help reinforce your brand beyond the front door.
Whether you run a boutique hotel, a country house, a seaside resort, a guesthouse or a serviced apartment business, branded umbrellas are worth considering as part of your guest amenity planning. Here’s how to choose the right options for your property.
Four Ways Hotels and Hospitality Businesses Can Use Branded Umbrellas
Umbrellas can serve several purposes in a hospitality setting. The best approach depends on your guests, your budget and how you want to use them.
1. Reception Loan Umbrellas
A selection of umbrellas available at reception gives guests a convenient way to get out and about when the weather changes unexpectedly. Whether they’re heading to a nearby restaurant, exploring the local area or walking to the station, having an umbrella available is a thoughtful touch.
Branded umbrellas also make it easier for staff to identify which umbrellas belong to the property. Choose a practical style that is comfortable to carry, offers suitable coverage and can withstand regular use.
It’s worth establishing a simple system for lending, returning and checking umbrellas, so your team can keep them in good condition and ready for the next guest.
2. In-Room Guest Amenities
For hotels and serviced apartments looking to offer an extra convenience, an umbrella in the wardrobe or by the entrance can be a useful addition to the room.
Guests don't always pack for every possible change in the weather, particularly when travelling from overseas or visiting the UK for the first time. Having an umbrella readily available means they can head out without making an extra purchase.
Folding umbrellas may be particularly suitable where storage space is limited. If you plan to provide umbrellas in every room, consider the initial quantity, replacement requirements and how they will be checked between stays.
3. Welcome Gifts for VIP Guests and Special Occasions
Branded umbrellas can also work as welcome gifts for VIP arrivals, wedding parties, honeymoon guests and corporate bookings.
A thoughtfully selected umbrella can be a practical alternative to a conventional welcome gift, particularly when guests are staying for several Cusdays or travelling during the wetter months.
Consider choosing a colour that complements your hotel's identity, with branding that looks considered rather than overpowering. If you host weddings or private events, umbrellas can also be a useful addition to guest welcome packages.
4. Branded Umbrellas for Hotel Shops and Gift Counters
For properties with a gift shop or reception retail area, umbrellas may offer an additional merchandise option.
Guests often look for practical souvenirs that remind them of a destination or a memorable stay. An umbrella featuring your hotel's name or a design inspired by the local area could appeal to visitors who want something useful to take home.
Before introducing umbrellas for resale, consider your likely customers, available display space, selling price and the quantities you can realistically expect to sell.
Shared-Use Umbrellas vs Gifts Guests Can Keep
Although both options involve branded umbrellas, shared-use umbrellas and guest gifts have different requirements. Deciding which purpose matters most will help you choose the right style and plan your budget.
Durability
Reception loan umbrellas may be used repeatedly by different guests, so construction and ease of use are important considerations. Look for a style suited to regular handling and everyday conditions.
Umbrellas intended as gifts can offer more flexibility in terms of design and finish, provided they remain practical and fit your budget.
Appearance
For shared-use umbrellas, consider a colour and design that complement your property and remain presentable with regular use. Darker or patterned designs may be practical in busy reception areas.
For welcome gifts, you might choose a colour that reflects your branding or a design that complements your hotel's interiors. A discreet logo can create a polished finish without overwhelming the umbrella's appearance.
Storage and Maintenance
Loan umbrellas need a designated place when they aren't being used. This could be a stand near the entrance, a rack by reception or a suitable storage area.
You'll also need a way to let wet umbrellas dry properly and a simple routine for checking their condition. Keeping them organised helps your team manage availability and identify when replacements are needed.
Gift umbrellas are easier to manage in this respect, as they can remain in storage until they are presented to a guest.
On a loan umbrella, branding helps staff identify which property it belongs to and gives your logo visibility when guests take it outdoors.
For gifts, branding becomes part of the presentation. Think about the logo's size, placement and colours, and how they work with the umbrella's overall design.
Replacement Costs
Shared-use umbrellas can be lost or damaged, so it's sensible to allow for replacements when planning your initial order. Buying a consistent style can also make future top-ups easier to manage.
For guest gifts, the cost is more directly linked to the number of guests or packages you intend to provide. This makes it easier to calculate the budget for weddings, VIP arrivals, corporate stays or seasonal promotions.
Choosing the Right Branded Umbrellas for Your Hotel
Jollybrolly's branded umbrella range is a useful starting point for hospitality businesses looking for practical umbrellas that reflect their brand.
The right style will depend on how your guests will use the umbrellas, how much storage space you have and whether you're buying for shared use, individual gifts or resale.
Here are a few options to consider:
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Golf umbrellas: Their larger coverage may make them suitable for guests who need to walk longer distances or carry luggage. Consider storage space and ease of handling before choosing them for reception use.
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Folding umbrellas: Compact and convenient to store, these can be a good option for in-room amenities, welcome gifts and guests who want to pack their umbrella for the journey home.
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Walking umbrellas: With a traditional design, these may suit country hotels, heritage properties and venues looking for a classic style.
The most suitable choice will depend on your budget, intended use and preferred branding. It's worth considering these factors before placing an order rather than selecting an umbrella based on appearance alone.
If you're looking for high-quality branded umbrellas for your hotel or hospitality business, the Jollybrolly team can help you explore the available styles and discuss your requirements. Visit our custom umbrella page to get a quote.
By Emma Barber
