What Your Overnight Guests Really Want…
As summer is winding down and school is getting ready to start, I’m realizing how quickly the year has flown by! Before we know it, the holiday festivities will be upon us and so will all the preparations that go along with them. If you’re expecting overnight guests during the holiday season or really any time of year, I’m here to help you make sure your guests have everything they need and more to make them feel welcome and comfortable with 16 essentials for a cozy guest room.
Even if you don’t have a dedicated guest room, you can still create a cozy space for guests just by providing the essentials that make for a great experience. I like to think of my guest room as a luxurious boutique hotel room with thoughtful touches that really make it feel like a home away from home.
So, here is a list of 18 essentials (plus a couple of extras to really take your guest room up a notch) to make your guests feel right at home. Also, look for a Free Printable Guest Room Check List below to help you get started.
I have included links to products below that may pay me a small commission at no cost to you. I will never recommend something that I haven’t personally bought or would buy myself.
1. Comfortable Bedding
Comfortable bedding is arguably the most important feature in any bedroom, including your guest bedroom. Every guest has different preferences when it comes to comfort so it’s important to provide several types and layers of bedding. Think of the beautiful bed displays at Pottery Barn. They take layers and luxury to whole other level! If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the Pottery Barn bed styling in your own home like me, take a look at Shannon Leigh”s post for detailed step by step guide from a former employee.
- I like to start with a padded mattress pad for softness on a firmer mattress. It’s also a good idea to add a layer of comfort if you’re using a fold out sofa or air mattress for your guests.
- Next up, sheets. I am personally a fan of crisp white sheets because they can be washed and bleached and look fresh every time. Sheet thread counts and types (100% cotton, percale, bamboo, linen etc.) can get overwhelming. I usually just opt for the softest ones I can find. Homegoods usually has a great selection of quality sheet sets at reasonable prices. Amazon is another resource for bedding if your prefer to order online, just be sure to read the reviews so you have an idea of the quality. I have ordered these sheets from Amazon for our AirB&B rental and we have gotten great reviews from guests about how comfortable the beds are. They are incredibly soft and look great after every wash. Plus, they have 126,000+ positive reviews on Amazon!
- Next, a duvet layered over a blanket provides a luxurious look and feel to the bed. When it comes to luxury, you can never go wrong with all white bedding but I like the idea of adding soft colors for the blanket and duvet to create a calming and layered look. Adding an accent pillow or two is a great idea, just be sure to provide a basket for the extra pillows so they don’t take up additional floor space.
I usually wait until the day before or day of guests arrival to wash sheets and make up the bed. This way you know your guests will be sleeping on freshly laundered sheets…and who doesn’t love that!
2. Extra Pillows and Blankets
Providing an assortment of pillows, both down feather and hypo-allergenic synthetic fiber options, allows your guests to customize their stay even more. An extra blanket a throw at the foot of the bed can provide an extra layer if they get cool over night.
3. WiFi Password
Some might argue that this is the most important thing for your guests. Have it posted somewhere in the room for them so they don’t have to ask. You can just jot it down on a note or if you want really impress your guests, find a customizable template on Pinterest, print it and place it in a frame. A small chalkboard with the password written on it is a fun option too.
4. Bedside Lamps
Lamps give guests the option for softer lighting than an overhead light or to add light if the room is too dim. Some guests like to read before bed so a bedside lamp means they don’t have to get out of bed when they’re ready to go to sleep. I ordered the lamps shown below for our AirB&B rental. I chose them because they have a USB port to allow for a charging cord that is at table height so guests don’t have to move furniture looking for an electrical outlet to plug in their charger. If you’re short on space, consider wall sconces next to the bed. There are plug-in electrical and battery operated ones available now so no hardwiring required! I also have these rechargeable portable lamps which would add extra light to a guest room too.
5. Water and Snacks
Add a basket of bottled water and snacks (granola bars, nuts, small bags of crackers) for your guests so they don’t have to ask you or venture to your kitchen at odd hours if they want something.
6. Full Length Mirror
If you’re hosting guests, there’s a good chance they will be dressing up for a gathering. A full length mirror allows them to make sure they’re looking their best. If space is limited, place an inexpensive mirror on the back of the door.
7. Portable Speaker and/or TV
Some people like to listen to music or watch TV before they go to sleep, so providing these options for your guests will help them get a good nights rest. Others may like music while getting ready in the morning, or watching TV to get up to date on the latest news.
8. Room Darkening Window Treatments
Hanging blinds and/or black out drapes will keep the bright morning sun out and allow your guests to sleep in. If you decide to hang drapes, allow about 6″ outside on either side of the window (if space allows) for the curtain panels to stack back when they are not in use. For the height, hang as close to the ceiling as possible for a more custom look and measure so that the bottom seam breaks just slightly for a less formal look or just brush the floor if you prefer a crisp formal look.
9. Closet Space with Hangers and Drawer Space
If you’re like me, I use my guest room closet as storage space for extra linens etc. When I’m expecting guests, I clear out a space for them to hang clothes so they aren’t living out of a suitcase. This allows them to unpack and organize their clothes for a more relaxed visit. If you have room for a dresser, make a couple of drawers available too. When traveling, I like to store any clothes I’ve worn in a drawer until its time to pack up my suitcase. If you don’t have a dresser, place a couple of fabric bins in the closet in place of drawers.
10. Fan
Hear me out, I know ceiling fans aren’t for everyone, and while I don’t think they’re necessary for every space, a bedroom is an exception for me. There are so many options on the market today that are much more appealing than what you traditionally think of when it comes to ceiling fans.
If you’re still a no to a ceiling fan, consider a portable fan for guests to really customize their comfort level. It also keeps the room from getting stuffy since the door will be closed a good amount of time.
11. Fluffy Towels
Make sure each of your guests has a freshly laundered set of towels. For a fresh clean look, use white towels which can easily be washed and bleached and look great for the next round of visitors. I’ve found colored towels fade quickly and don’t look as good over time. I have ordered this set several times. They wash well, are a great size and dry quickly.
12. Hanging Rack or Hooks
A wall rack allows guests to hang wet towels, coats or jackets as well as purses and totes to keep these items from cluttering the floor or other surfaces. A rack or hooks are also a great option if you only have a small amount of closet space. An over-the-door rack will work just as well if you don’t want to put holes in the walls or just want something more temporary.
13. Extra Toiletries
I keep a glass jar full of small toiletry items in my guest room in case our visitors forgot to bring any of their own. Items like toothbrush/toothpaste, razors, shampoo and pain relievers are easily forgotten items so having them on hand for guests saves them a trip to the store.
14. Plenty of Toilet Paper and a Plunger
The last thing your guests want to ask you for is extra toilet paper or a plunger. Keeping these items accessible in the bathroom saves them (and you) from what could be an embarrassing situation.
15. Night Light
Keep a nightlight available for guests to plug in to the bedroom or bathroom so they don’t have to turn on any lights if they get up in the middle of the night. These night lights are have adjustable light levels and work from dusk to dawn.
16. Accessible Electrical Outlets or Power Strip
Make sure your guests have access to an electrical outlet for items like blow dryers, curling irons and all of the technology like cell phones, laptops etc. that we all use daily. If your outlets are behind furniture or hard to reach, consider a power strip so your guests can charge multiple items at once.
Adding these essential items to your guest space will ensure that your guests will feel welcomed and comfortable in your home. Be sure to download the Free Printable Guest Room Check List below. Check off what you already have and take it with you as you prepare for guests. Let me know in the comments what you like to include when hosting overnight guests.
A Little Something Extra
Here are a few more items that aren’t truly essential, but will really make your guest space and your guests extra cozy.
- A nice, fluffy robe
- Books and current magazines that you think your guests might like
- Maps and brochures of attractions if you live in a tourist area
- A sound machine for white noise – I use this one every night
- A steamer for wrinkled clothing like this
- Decorative candle and matches or a flameless lighter
- Fresh flowers or greenery (Faux stems or plants are a great option for adding a no-fuss option)
- Extra chargers (Android and Apple)
- Specialty soaps
- A bedside clock set to local time for travelers who live in a different time zone
Do you have a favorite guest room that you loved when visiting a family member or friend ? What made it feel special to you? I appreciate the extra touches but I truly like the feeling that someone has thought about what makes guests the most comfortable and relaxed while visiting. Happy hosting!
