Using Glass Railings to Make an Impact in Hospitality Spaces

Glass guardrails, particularly frameless glass railings, are widely used in many industries, including hospitality spaces. These guard railing systems offer realistic design solutions and stylish outlooks, making them ideal for hotels, resorts, and various getaway locations.

In addition, glass railing systems are versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and offer a feeling of space, which increases its appeal. Frameless glass railings leave an impression on visitors and guests, prompting more hospitality spaces to choose these guardrails for their facilities.

This article highlights the benefits of glass railing systems in hospitality spaces. It also looks at the best railing systems for hotels and resorts.

Keep reading to learn more!

The Benefits Glass Railings Offer Hospitality Spaces

Glass railings offer several benefits to resorts, hotels, cruises, and other hospitality spaces. Here are some essential advantages to highlight.

Improves Aesthetics

The biggest advantage of glass railings is improved aesthetics in outdoor and indoor areas. Using this system brings a touch of sophistication to hotels and other hospitality spaces by offering a contemporary, sleek, and luxurious outlook.

Frameless glass railings provide transparency, making for an elegant yet minimalist approach to design.

Gives the Appearance of Space

Glass guardrails let you see through invisible barriers, fostering a feeling of openness and space. Designers use these railings to visually expand compact settings like rooftop bars and hotel lobbies, which adds to the guests' experiences.

In addition, framed and frameless glass railings allow you to see the beautiful environment with little to no barrier. It also admits more light, which adds to the appearance of space.

Wider Application

Glass railing systems can be used in several hospitality spaces, including event centers, cafes, bars, and many indoor and outdoor settings. Likewise, it is suitable for urban, rural, indoor, and outdoor settings.

The versatility of these railing types appeals to hospitality space owners and designers, allowing for a wide range of design statements.

Robust and Easy to Maintain

Glass railing systems are robust, durable, and capable of withstanding high traffic, making the perfect guardrails in hotel and resort lobbies. Using standard laminated or tempered glazing helps achieve aesthetical appeal and durability.

Although frameless railings may require a larger initial investment, these systems make up for easy maintenance. A mild cleaner and a soft cloth can keep glass railing hardware and glazing clean and clear.

Frameless Glass Railing Application in Hotels and Resorts

Frameless glass railings can be used in most locations within a hotel or resort. Designers prioritize using these systems in areas with high foot traffic.

Receptions and Lobbies

Receptions and lobbies should be welcoming and open to all guests who walk into hotels and resorts. With the appropriate use of glass railings, guests can marvel at the beauty of the guardrails they see, setting the tone and creating a first impression that lasts the entire stay.

Similarly, many new or revamped hospitality spaces are integrating frameless glass systems, which amplifies the visitors' overall experience.

Bars and Restaurants

A bar is an ideal location to hang out and meet new people. With the right use of glass railings, social interactions can be amplified as different sections of the space become visually connected.

Likewise, guardrails can elevate the view and atmosphere of any restaurant. Frameless glass railings can create a safe space for guests while maintaining visual connectivity within a larger crowd.

Terraces, Balconies, and Rooftops

Hotels and resorts with breathtaking views are best explored through terraces, balconies, and rooftops guarded with frameless glass railings. Guests can enjoy a snapshot of a city, coast, or oceanfront without any obstruction.

Spas and Pools

Outdoor spas and pools are best enclosed using glass railings. These guardrail systems offer a luxurious setting while ensuring user safety.

As such, staff and lifeguards can easily serve or help guests who require a refill or help to get out of the deeper parts of a pool. Likewise, many hotels and resorts use glass railings for infinity pools, which seem to extend beyond rooftops.

Conference and Event Rooms

Conference and event rooms are increasingly being decorated with glass railings. When used well, frameless glass railings give the appearance of openness in small and large multifunctional rooms.

In addition, glass railing partitions provide an upscale outlook suitable for high-profile weddings, meetings, and other events.

Glass Railing Types Used in Hospitality Spaces

Glass railings used in hospitality spaces can be broadly divided into framed and frameless glass. Other forms include frosted and tilted railings.

Framed Guardrails

As the name implies, framed glass railings have framed structures made from aluminum or stateless steel, keeping glass panels in place. Different configurations of framed railing can be developed, depending on the location.

Frameless Guardrails

Frameless guardrails are modern-looking and high-end railings that encourage visual openness and transparency. As such, this system is mostly used in luxury restaurants and hotels, creating a boundary that allows a panoramic view.

Frosted Guardrails

Frosted railings are perfect for locations where some privacy is required. As such, these guardrails are popularly used in private dining areas, VIP lounges, and spa rooms, providing privacy without limiting light flow.

Tinted Guardrails

Tinted glass guardrails are perfect for lounges and bars where light flow is not essential. In some cases, a combination of tinted and decorative railings can help create a unique theme in any hospitality space.

Glass Railing Customization and Design Options

Framed and frameless glass railings can be customized in different ways. Likewise, different design option exists, which create a unique hospitality space.

Customization and design options can be achieved through:

• Choice of hardware;
• Glass thickness and type;
• Customization features;
• Technology integration.

Choice of Hardware

Glass railing hardware can create a contrast or seamless look for a hotel or resort lobby. To achieve a contemporary look, most designers choose aluminum or stainless steel side mount spigots and other similar hardware. 

On the other hand, wood is known for giving a warm, traditional, or rustic touch to glass railings used in bars and restaurants. As such, the right combination of glass railing hardware can achieve the desired theme or setting.

Glass Thickness and Type

Thick glass panels are used in rooftops, balconies, and other elevated locations with heavy traffic, making the entire guardrail safer and more stable. Likewise, tempered or laminated glass can be used in most locations where safety and durability are a priority.

Customization Features

Corner finishes, handle styles, and railing heights can serve as features for customization. In addition, patterns, etchings, and custom glass railings are decorative options that add elegance and help with the branding of bars, restaurants, and other hospitality areas.

Technology Integration

Various forms of existing and emerging technologies are enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of glass railing systems. In particular, LED strips in frameless glass railings are popularly used to highlight surfaces and branding for bars and restaurants.

More advanced versions of glass railings are emerging that use smart glass, allowing hospitality space to adjust privacy requirements with the touch of a button.

Glass Guard Railing Safety and Maintenance Considerations

Hospitality spaces are usually profit-making ventures that experience a lot of human traffic. Therefore, special consideration for safety and maintenance must be given when selecting glass railings for such locations.

• In most cases, glass railing requires less maintenance when compared with traditional guardrails. Using the right protective coating should minimize the need for cleaning water spots and fingerprints, which further reduces the cost and need for maintenance.
• All glass railings, especially frameless systems installed in hospitality spaces like hotels and resorts, must adhere to local building codes. Doing this ensures guardrails conform to prevailing local safety regulations. The best way to achieve building code compliance for glass railing systems is to employ contractors or installers with practicing licenses and requisite experience.
• Glass railing systems are durable but can be damaged in some instances. As such, ensure you use tempered glass panels to minimize the risk of injury. In addition, you would want to seek professional help when you discover damage to railing systems.
• Outdoor guardrails are most exposed to external environmental factors. Using durable hardware and protective measures can keep your systems functional and safe.

Choosing Glass Railing for Hospitality Areas

There are various factors to consider when selecting glass railings for hospitality locations. Highlighted below are the most crucial.

• The glass panel type and railing structure you use should depend on privacy requirements, foot traffic, and location. As such, framed railings may be suitable for high-traffic locations, while frameless glass railings are best suited for low-foot-traffic areas.
• The style, glass panel type, and technology integration used in glass railings depend on the budget. Frameless glass railings with greater integration of technology cost more than traditional railings.
• Hospitality spaces are mostly high-traffic locations, requiring precision and safety when installing glass railing. Therefore, it is best to hire professionals to design and install framed and frameless glass railings.

Conclusion

Glass railing systems can transform any hospitality space into an open and elegant location. This advantage is best seen through the benefits of glass railings highlighted in this article.

In addition, these guardrails, especially frameless glass railings, are useful in bars, restaurants, lobbies, and other locations in hotels and resorts. In most cases, framed, frameless, and other custom glass railings are used in several hospitality locations.

Various glass railing customization and design options exist to enhance hospitality spaces. Furthermore, there are many safety and maintenance considerations when choosing guardrails.

Finally, choosing glass railings for hospitality areas depends on various factors, which were discussed earlier.