With the onset of the Holidays, it may be time to take a good look at your guest room.  Everyone wants their guests to feel at home.  We’d like to help you provide your guests with a real home-away-from-home experience.

The Room Itself

If you don’t have a room that is used solely as your guest room, consider using the office or a bedroom currently in use by a child (kids can sleep just about anywhere and sleeping bags on the floor are great fun).

Atlantic-Pl-225x300If it’s necessary to use a family room or other public space, try to  have a “door” for your guest’s privacy. You can often make a door by hanging a curtain from a tension rod (shower curtain rods work well) or use a decorative screen. There are many really fun screens at places like Pier 1 Imports, World Market or eBay.

If you are using the office or child’s room, remove any items or pieces of furniture that don’t add to the comfort of your guests stay; e.g., children’s toys, personal papers, bills, etc.

Make sure there are blinds or drapes on the windows for privacy.

The Bed

A welcoming bed is the most important element of your guest room. You’ll want to prepare the bed and leave it throughout their visit if at all possible.

A full or queen size bed is great for either a single guest or for a couple. If you are using a room that normally has another purpose (and you don’t want a bed in it all the time), JC Penny carries a great queen size air mattress.  It is reasonably priced, the right height, blows up easily, and folds up small enough to store in a closet or under a bed.

Valentia-Bdrm-300x235When making the bed use a nice comforter set with matching pillow cases, shams, bed skirt and throw pillows. Additionally, using 100% cotton sheets in the summer and soft flannel sheets in the winter works well. The matching comforter set and a high thread count sheet will make the look and feel of the bed more luxurious.  Try to have comfy pillows available and provide an extra blanket or two at the foot of the bed.

 

If bathroom time is at a premium with extra people in the home, a mirror in the room or space where your guests are will provide flexibility for preparing for their day. Lean a standing mirror against the wall or, if there isn’t enough room for that, a hand held mirror will still be appreciated.

The Bath

Spa-Basket-238x300Keep plenty of towels and washcloths ready and waiting. No one wants to have to go through someone else’s closets, so you might think about providing extra towels and washcloths in a basket in the guest room.

For a spa like feel for you guests, have a goody basket with bath soaps, lotions and facial cloths in addition to the extra towels.

 

The Extras:

If you want to go the extra mile for your guests, there are a few things that will really make them feel special:

  • Have fresh flowers in the room
  • Provide new toothbrushes and razors for them in the bathroom
  • Add those hotel sample shampoos, lotions, and little soaps in the spa basket
  • Provide terry cloth robes and slippers for your guests.
  • Set up a little coffee or tea station, including coffee pot, coffee or different tea bags, mugs, cream and sugar.
  • Prepare a goody basket with water, fruit, crackers and cheese in case your guests need a snack during the day or would like a midnight snack.
  • Add different magazines on the nightstand or in your goody basket.

 

Make sure you let your guests know the items are there specifically for them.  They will love their time spent at your home.

 

 

 

 

 

Written by Kevin Fletcher