Are you hosting overnight guests this season? During their visit, you’ll want them to feel at home while enjoying the same conveniences they would find in a hotel room. With their own private space, prepared just for them, with a comfortable place to rest their heads, they will surely feel the love. All it takes is a little planning. Whether you have a lovely guest suite or just a comfy sofa, here are some tips to make your home feel like a hotel…only better!
Set the Scene Just because you invited someone to stay at your home doesn’t mean they will automatically feel like part of the family. But there is a lot you can do to give them a welcoming message just by how you set up the space where they will be staying.
Declutter surfaces. Hotels typically don’t have lots of knickknacks or other items on the horizontal surfaces. Having open surface space on dressers and side tables will allow your guest to spread out their belongings and set things up the way they want.
Depersonalize the space. If you typically have personal photos in your guest space, consider replacing them with something general like landscapes, abstract images or other art. Seeing lots of personal items around can make a guest feel like they are intruding or imposing on you. It can still be styled to your personal taste, of course. It is your home, after all. But removing the personal photos and images will create an environment that will feel more like their own.
Create a clean and comfortable space. If your guest room hasn’t been used for a while, it doesn’t mean it’s ready for guests. It is likely that dust has settled over time, and you will want to freshen things up. Make sure everything has been recently cleaned, and provide good pillows, fresh sheets, and fluffy towels.
Make your home easy to navigate. Provide a small lamp by the bed or sofa so guests don't have to stumble in the dark at bedtime. Nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and even the kitchen are helpful, too! You don’t want them to feel like they can’t leave their room just because you’re not awake.
Provide convenience items. Have any items or information your guest needs available when they arrive. Type up instructions, print them out, and put them in a nice binder or folder. Bonus points if you email it as well!
Keys/Fobs
Entering/Exiting Instructions (security alarm, tricky doors or gates, etc.)
Wi-Fi Login
TV Instructions
Any other information that would be helpful to know: plumbing quirks, location of extra pillows/blankets/toiletries, your kids’ bedtime, etc.
Consider adding a few helpful amenities.
First, make sure your guest has a place to put their luggage. A luggage rack would be ideal, but any open space is better than none. Then, think about what they might need for bathing, hanging clothes, etc. This saves them from having to ask if they need or forgot to pack a basic item. And you never know, your fancy soap might make a lasting impression!
Luggage Rack
Small Toiletries
1-2 Bottles of Water
Pen and Small Notepad
Empty Hangers
Tissues
It may not seem like much, but the effort you put into making your guest feel like the space you provide for their visit is “theirs” will make a huge difference. They’ll know that their presence is valued and desired, not just tolerated.
Need help setting up a guest room or suite? Let’s talk!
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