Creating a Great Guest Room

Tips for How I'd Create a Great Guest Room Experience (in your home)

Have you ever stayed at a top hotel and felt really special? Maybe there was a bottle of wine, or a cheese tray? Maybe it was a turn down service (do they even do those anymore???). Maybe you're a real sucker for a bathrobe and fluffy towels? These little touches can really make an impact on your stay somewhere. And wouldn't you love to pamper the guests who are staying in your home; a way to say "thank you" for coming to visit us and spend your time off of work and away from home, with you! You can create a great guest room at your house with these simple touches and have your guests raving about your hospitality.

• Luxury Bedding - Beautiful soft sheets are a must. No one likes sleeping on itchy sheets

• A variety of blankets - offer a soft fluffy comforter, as well as a thinner quilt, and a soft knitted blanket. Some people like a heavy blanket, some like a light blanket, some people get really hot while they sleep. Think ahead and have a variety all set out for them on the bed and maybe in a basket nearby or on a leaning ladder.

• Lots of different pillows - Again give a variety - soft, hard, feather . . .

• Side table lamps or wall sconces - atmosphere lighting is a must!

• A night light - being in a new place can be disorienting if they get up in the middle of the night. Help them see and not trip.

• Provide a full set of towels, plus extra! - two bath towels per person, two washcloths per person and one hand towel per person. And make sure they are newer and not stained or thread bare. Sometimes it’s nice to provide a set of black so they don’t feel bad when their make-up or hair dye comes off on the towels or washcloths.

• Extra rolls of toilet paper - no one loves asking for more

• Provide a basket of extras - an extra tooth brush, small toothpaste, mouthwash (usually these things all come free when you go for your yearly cleaning - use them for this), shampoo, conditioner, make-up wipes - I’m sure they’ll bring all their own, but if they don’t, you’ve got them set.

• A basket of snacks - a salty, a sweet, a couple of bottles of water. Not everyone wants to go traipsing through your kitchen in the middle of the night for a glass of water. Better yet - leave them some fun snacks that are local to your area!

Once you’ve got all your supplies purchased to make it a memorable stay, it’s time to set it all up!

• Make the bed and make it look inviting. Throw pillows, the comforter turned down, a throw blanket slightly mussed up. This is a great opportunity to bring in some holiday fun with the pillows.

• Bundle the towels up and tie a ribbon around them and leave them placed on the bed or on top of the dresser. Adding holiday ribbon or a sprig of flowers or pine can create another moment for holiday or springtime cheer. Set the basket of extra toiletries next to it.

• Make the basket of snacks look inviting and set it on the dresser with a note saying “we’re so glad you’re here!”

• Turn off the overhead light and turn on the lamps before they come. Soft lighting looks so much more inviting.

By adding these special touches to your guests next stay, they’ll feel extra special and will remember it for years to come! Happy Hosting!!