When crafting a hotel floral proposal, many florists focus solely on the lobby and front desk. But hotels have multiple outlets that require floral design—and knowing exactly where those opportunities exist before meeting with the general manager (GM) can make all the difference in landing the contract.
If you’ve been wondering how to uncover all the floral opportunities within a hotel, today’s post will guide you through the step-by-step process.
Why Knowing the Hotel Inside & Out Matters
Walking into a hotel for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if it’s a high-end luxury property. But the key to confidence is acting like a guest—not just a vendor.
Before you approach the GM, you want to fully understand the hotel’s floral needs, which means taking a full tour of the property and observing every potential floral placement. Loving what you’re reading so far? Check out this blog for more hotel walkthrough tips!
Step 1: Entering the Hotel with Confidence
When you walk into a hotel, remember:
- You belong there.
- No one knows if you’re a VIP guest or just stopping in for coffee.
- The hotel staff is trained to assist you—so let them!
Instead of heading straight to the front desk and announcing that you’re a florist, try this instead:
👉 Approach a staff member and ask, “Can you show me where the lobby is?”
👉 They’ll most likely escort you (especially in a five-star hotel).
Once you reach the lobby, you’ve already established a presence in the hotel—and now it’s time to explore further.
Step 2: Identifying Floral Opportunities in Every Outlet
1. The Lobby & Entrance
- Are there flowers at the entrance?
- Are there arrangements on the front desk or concierge desk?
- What’s the scale and quality of the current flowers?
2. The Restaurants & Bars
- Ask the front desk, “Where can I grab a bite to eat?”
- Note if the hotel has one or multiple restaurants.
- Observe:
- Are there floral centerpieces on the tables?
- Is there an arrangement on the bar?
3. The Spa & Wellness Areas
- Ask, “Can you show me where the spa is?”
- In the spa, check:
- Is there a reception desk arrangement?
- Are there flowers in treatment rooms or waiting areas?
4. The Restrooms & Elevators
- Many luxury hotels have small floral arrangements in restrooms.
- Check elevator banks—some hotels place floral decor here.
5. The Gym & Outdoor Spaces
- Are there fresh or artificial plants in the gym?
- Are trees or planters being maintained in the entrance or courtyard?
By the time you leave the hotel, you’ll have a complete picture of every floral opportunity—without spending a dime.
Step 3: Approaching the General Manager
After you’ve completed your walkthrough, you’re ready to speak to the GM.
📌 Pro tip: Before you go, check LinkedIn to find the GM’s name so you can ask for them directly.
When you approach the front desk, say something like:
“I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I enjoyed my visit to your hotel today. My name is [Your Name], and I specialize in hotel florals. I was impressed with [specific floral detail], and I’d love to learn more about your current floral program. Would [GM’s name] be available for five minutes?”
This conversation-first approach makes a huge difference—it shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the hotel’s needs before pitching your services for your hotel floral proposal.
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Well-Researched Proposal
By walking the hotel and experiencing it as a guest, you can craft a stronger hotel floral proposal that highlights all the ways you can enhance the guest experience.
Most florists only focus on the lobby—but when you walk into that meeting knowing the entire hotel inside and out, you set yourself apart from the competition. Listen to the full podcast episode to get real-life hotel examples like how the Rosewood Hotels may differ from hotels you’re used to!
Already a florist and want to feel confident in your pitch to land luxury hotels? Come join over 135 florists in the 7 Day Challenge!
Keep blooming, Franceska
PS: Did you know I have a bestselling book on working with hotels? It’s available on Amazon! Discover the “cliff-notes” of our high level group coaching program, the Hotel Florist Profit Method, where you can learn more about what flowers to use, design mechanics and more on this topic!
