Preparing your home for house guests can be a very enjoyable experience. There’s something satisfying about helping your visitors feel welcome and comfortable. So, when you start to plan your guest room, think about what you’d expect to find in a 5-diamond hotel and try to make your room measure up to that standard. Your budget may not be enough to create a getaway oasis, but you can clear the decks, lay out all the necessities, and provide a quiet place to relax.
Read on for a list of ways to create a welcoming guest room for your visitors.
1. Provide a Comfortable Bed.
Don’t give your guests the oldest mattress you have. If you can’t afford a new or good used bed, think about getting a quality air mattress—they’re really quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor. Beyond clean bedding, think about adding luxurious bed linens and comfort items such as a featherbed mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a cozy down comforter, extra blankets, and freshly ironed pillowcases.
2. Add Comfort for the Bath.
If you want to splurge on luxury bath towels, look for Egyptian cotton, Turkish cotton, or Pima cotton. Embroidered monogrammed towels add an even more special touch. Place bath essentials and hand towels in a basket or other container and place a new candle or two on the counter.
3. Supply Extra Linens.
Always have an extra set of bed and bath linens available for your guests. You may have one of those wonderful guests who insists on changing the sheets when they leave. Let them do it and thank them profusely.
4. Stock the Necessities.
Everyone forgets to pack at least one thing when they travel. Cover their bases by stocking dresser drawers with a few travel-size essentials. A lighted clock next to the bed is a great amenity, and an alarm clock or clock/radio is even better. Provide paper and pens if you want to have all the bases covered.
5. Less is More.
Resist the temptation to put your beautiful collection of dolls on the dresser or fill the closet with out-of-season clothes. In a guest room, less is more––more space, more comfortable, and more welcoming. Get rid of anything you would not find in a hotel room. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar.
6. Include a Desk and/or Comfy Chair in the Room.
If your guests are staying for a while, they might need a temporary workspace. It can be difficult finding a quiet place where they can focus on important matters when visiting another person’s home. Of course, if there isn’t room for a desk in the guest bedroom, don’t worry. Most people can sit and work on their bed, if necessary.
7. Brighten Things Up.
One of the biggest hotel decor missteps is when an otherwise nice room has no light to read by. It’s always helpful to have a light control near the bed so your guest won’t have to stumble around in the dark to turn a light on. If nothing else, provide a good reading light near a chair or over the bed. Another fixture or lamp near the desk would be great. A small night light is helpful, and a lighted magnifying makeup mirror is a real luxury.
8. Make Room for a Suitcase and Provide an Empty Closet or Dresser.
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or provide a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of socks. Even a chair is better than nothing. Very few people like living out of a suitcase, where all their belongings descend into a wrinkly chaos. Most house guests GREATLY appreciate being able to unpack their items into an empty space, so clear out the guest room closet or provide a chest of drawers for use. Don’t forget a supply of six to eight hangers. A simple hook on the wall or behind a closet door can hold a robe, coat, or a purse.
9. Provide a Small Coffee or Tea Station.
Find a small space where you can safely set a Keurig coffee pot, and place packets of coffee, creamer, and tea bags alongside. If you have the room, a mini fridge would be a great addition, as well. If a guest feels like a late night or early morning cup of tea, it’s much more comfortable for them to brew it in their own room than have to knock around in an unfamiliar kitchen. Just don’t forget to include the cream and sugar!
10. Provide the Wi-Fi Password.
It’s a fact of modern life—we really can’t live without our phones. Save guests from asking this crucial question by printing the info onto card stock and framing it.
