Creating an Inviting Guest Room

Today I am super excited!  Because my sister, Peggy and her hubby, Vic, two of our favorite house guests, are arriving!

Of course, I am longing to spend some overdue, sister time…

Michael is looking forward to his macho, man-time with Vic…

Max, well, he can hardly wait for his Aunt Peggy and Uncle Vic to get here for some serious playtime…

and even Little Lily Whiskers, will be working to get her share of extra petting during their visit.

 ~

We love all of our house guests, and we love to help them feel welcome and comfy when they’re with us.

Here are the steps we take to create an inviting and relaxing space for our guests at the Jonah hale (house in Hawaiian).

Creating an Inviting Guest Room:

Start with thoughts of creating a getaway, an oasis, a special place for your guests to relax and truly enjoy their stay.  Then add…

• A Comfortable Bed.  Be sure your guests are sleeping on something you would want to sleep on.

• Fresh Linens.  Fresh, clean, bed linens and ample bath, hand and wash towels are non-negotiable.  A hamper is also nice, so guests do not have to pile up their laundry.

• A Place for a Suitcase.  Clear a place for a suitcase.  It may be a luggage rack, a small table, bench, sofa, or even a chair to set down a suitcase.  Preferably, not the floor.

• Clear the Clutter.  Clear away anything that your guests may not find useful or beautiful.  Too much of your stuff or decorations, may be uncomfortable for your guests.  Leave some open spaces available for your guests to put things on and away.  Your guests will then be comfortable and not be concerned about having their things in your way.

• A Place to Relax.  Make their space relaxing and calm.  If possible, have something other than the bed for guests to sit and relax on.  Your guests may need someplace to get away for a little private, downtime.  You and your guests should both have a place to be on your own.

• Good Lighting.  Provide good lighting.  A reading light, bedside light or overhead lighting will brighten the room for anything your guest may need.  Think about what lighting you need and it should be just right.

• Hanging Storage.  If your guestroom does not have its own closet, a simple hook on the wall or behind a door can hold a few pieces of clothing, a robe, coat, or a purse.  Be sure to provide several clothes hangers too.

• Drawer Space.  If you have something with drawers in it, perfect.  If not, clear at least two drawers for guests’ small items.  Everybody likes to stash some of their things out of sight.

• Privacy.  A door that can be closed provides nice privacy.  When it is closed, respect your guests’ privacy and knock.  We have a “Shh…” sign on our guest room door.

• A Set of Keys.  If your guests are planning on coming and going, without you.  Provide them with their own set of house keys during their stay.

• Let Guests Know the How and Where.  Provide your guests with the “how to” and “where are” of your home.  Every home has its own idiosyncrasies, be sure your guests are introduced to them.

• Local Information.  Have a place in the guest room where you keep local maps, attraction brochures, and directions to your home. Make a list of your favorite shopping areas, things to see and do, and your favorite restaurants.

• Snacks.  Some houseguests get “the munchies” in the evening.  Provide snacks and at least a bottle of water in the guestroom the first night.  Be sure to give your guests the tour of where they can find other tasty snacks in your kitchen or pantry.

• Good Reading.  An assortment of magazines, local guidebooks, classic novels, or the local paper, is a nice opportunity for your guests to relax and enjoy something they might not have read back at their home.

• Entertainment.  If possible, a TV in the guest room is a nice luxury.  One with a DVD player, and open access to your DVD library is even a nicer one.

• Internet.  If your home has wireless Internet, bonus.  If not, provide a connection cord, or cable to hook up your guests who travel with their laptops.  If you have the space, providing a desk and chair is nice.

• Bathroom Essentials.  What bathroom essentials would you expect to find in a nice hotel?  Soaps, toothpaste, lotions, travel-sized shampoo.  Provide these, then add cozy comforts, like nice cotton robes and hairdryers for your guests, and really make them feel pampered.

• Welcome Tray or Basket.  A welcome gift tray or basket, offering homemade or locally made treats, plus a couple bottles of water are a thoughtful and appreciated touch.

• Fresh Flowers.  Everyone loves fresh flowers.  Fresh cut flowers, fresh potted flowers, or even freshly cut greenery from your yard will do.  Any of these choices provide a thoughtful, fresh touch to your guests’ room.  In Hawaii, we also lei our guest’s upon arrival…lucky Hawaiian visitors!

You’ll find once you have created a special place for your house guests, their visit will be a happy one for all of you.  You’ll love the feeling of being the wonderful host that you are, and your time spent with your special guests will be relaxing and memorable.

Check out my past posts, A Simple Guide to a Peaceful Home and The Secret to a Spa-like Bathroom for more inspiration to create your own home comforts.

What special things do you do that make your guests feel welcome and special?