On October 17, 2024, Sensible Weather hosted a webinar in partnership with Curator Hotel & Resorts Collectionon “Boosting Hotel Booking Conversion by Tapping into Guests' Love of Outdoor Leisure.” Led by Pete Van Dorn, a founding team member at Sensible Weather, the conversation featured industry panelists Brent Hayhurst from Curator Hotel & Resort Collection and Ian McClendon from the Edgewater Hotel in Seattle, WA, and insights from TJ Pierri of Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Florida. The group discussed how guests are increasingly seeking outdoor experiences and activities, and how outdoor-focused amenities, local activities, and Weather Guarantees help increase booking conversion and improve the guest experience while providing a different and unique value.

Here is the video recording and a summary of the key points and takeaways.

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Why Outdoor Experiences Matter More Than Ever

Pete kicked off the session with some data:

• 75% of travelers want hotels with outdoor and leisure amenities (AHLA);
• 68% look for active, experiential activities (Expedia);
• 58% say weather is a top concern when booking (USA Today).

Brands like Hilton and Hyatt are tapping into these trends by working with outdoor lodging partners like AutoCamp and Under Canvas. Brent Hayhurst emphasized how independent hotels are uniquely positioned to meet this demand, thanks to their flexibility and local focus.

“A lot of our independent hotels already offer experiences like glamping or private beach dining, which align perfectly with these outdoor trends.” – Brent Hayhurst, Curator Hotel & Resort Collection

How Seattle’s Edgewater Hotel Embraces the Outdoors

Ian McClendon described how the Edgewater leverages Seattle’s outdoor appeal, including the waterfront, parks, and nearby islands. He noted that the hotel benefits from the city’s status as a hub for outdoor exploration, even with the occasional rainy weather.

“Seattle’s all about exploring—whether it’s the islands, the waterfront, or the mountains right behind the city. Guests expect to be outside when they come here.” – Ian McClendon, Edgewater Hotel.

Ian also mentioned how post-pandemic, the city has benefited from drive markets like Canada and Oregon, with visitors increasingly using Seattle as a launch point for outdoor adventures.

Managing the Weather Challenge: What Happens When Plans Change?

While outdoor amenities are a major draw, unpredictable weather can present challenges. Ian, Brent, and TJ each shared how their properties adapt when weather disrupts outdoor plans.

• At the Edgewater: The hotel partners with vendors like REI to offer gear rentals and suggests alternatives like local sports games, museums, and arts events.
• At Pelican Grand: Staff prepare for rainy days by adding indoor activities, offering kids’ clubs, or suggesting nearby shopping areas and tours.

Brent summed it up well: “It comes down to good hospitality—being ready with alternatives and creating great experiences, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.”

Sensible Weather’s Guarantee: Boosting Confidence

The group discussed how the Sensible Weather Guarantee helps increase bookings and reduce cancellations by giving guests peace of mind. If bad weather affects their stay, guests receive automatic compensation without needing to submit a claim. Ian explained how the guarantee has had a positive impact on the Edgewater’s bookings.

“Seattle is a short-term booking market, and the Weather Guarantee is helping extend that window. We’ve seen more people booking two to four months out.” – Ian McClendon

On behalf of TJ, who was unable to attend at the last minute, Pete shared that for beach destinations like Pelican Grand in Florida, the Weather Guarantee encourages guests to stick with their travel plans, even if the forecast looks questionable.

“Most trips to Florida won’t get three or four straight days of rain, but if it happens, our Weather Guarantee ensures guests are covered and can still enjoy their stay.” – Pete Van Dorn.

Early Results and No Operational Impact

The panel also touched on how easy it’s been to implement the Weather Guarantee. Ian mentioned that the Sensible team handles most guest inquiries, so staff training has been minimal. Brent highlighted how Curator’s partnership with Sensible started small but has already shown results across participating hotels, which are outlined in a recent Case Study with Noble House Hotels.

“We’ve had more than 200 days covered so far, generating nearly $100,000 in room revenue linked to the guarantee. We expect those numbers to grow as more guests use the program.” – Ian McClendon

We’ve had more than 200 days covered so far, generating nearly $100,000 in room revenue linked to the guarantee. We expect those numbers to grow as more guests use the program.

Key Takeaways for Hoteliers

1. Outdoor amenities matter: Hotels should highlight both on-site activities and local experiences to attract guests.
2. Weather Guarantees reduce cancellations: Offering coverage builds guest confidence and extends booking windows.
3. A great option for independents: Independent hotels can easily tailor experiences to meet guest expectations.
4. Be flexible with plans: Having backup activities ready ensures guests still enjoy their stay, no matter the weather.

The conversation made it clear that outdoor amenities will continue driving demand, and weather management tools like the Sensible Weather Guarantee are becoming essential for maintaining bookings. As Ian noted, “the outdoors isn’t going away.” For properties looking to stand out and give guests more reasons to book with confidence, weather guarantees are proving to be a valuable tool.

Get started today with Sensible Weather and provide your guests with peace of mind—no matter the forecast.