How to Create the Perfect Guest Room: A Luxury Hotel Experience
The Guest Bedroom Retreat:
In my early 30’s, I started this practice for our guest bedroom even when the “Guest Bedroom” was one of the kids rooms most of the time. We do what we can with what we have. Trust me, there were no “luxurious sheets” or high tech gadgets back then, but I did make sure the best we had was in that “Guest room” during their stay. Back then it may have been a bag of chips, a bottle of water and a magazine. But we all start somewhere.
Over time, I started to develop this practice and today, my husband tells me I may have perfected it a little too well as Guests tend to book in often and stay a wee bit longer now. I LOVE having guests and as I stay super busy with bringing you the best I can here, I definitely have to make sure house guests can take care of and even entertain, themselves at times. Therefore, I have created this list that should do just that for you too while also leaving them feeling Welcomed and Well Rested when they head home. We all need and can appreciate that most of all.
—— LINDA BOO
Welcome to your guide on how to craft the perfect guest room just in time for the holidays. This is about creating a cozy haven for your guests to feel welcomed and relaxed.
Setting the Mood
Soft Lighting: Swap out harsh bulbs for softer, warm-toned ones and be sure to include easy to use table lamps for a gentle glow in multiple places around the room.
Aromatherapy: Place a diffuser with scents like lavender or eucalyptus for a soothing ambiance, you can even find “night light” styles for that extra touch. I also place a nice little lavender pouch just on the pillow to ensure the perfect night sleep.
Color: If possible, if you are designating a room in your home specifically for guests, be sure to paint the room a soft cream or pale color to promote a calm feeling. SEE our Color 101 Blog post for more ideas.
Comfort and Convenience
Quality Bedding: Invest in high-quality sheets and cozy blankets to ensure a good night's sleep. (I personally love soft flannel for Winter and BAMBOO sheets for Summer, although expensive these amazing little “Dream Sheets” can be life changing and last forever!)
Guest-Friendly Mattress: Consider a comfortable mattress topper to enhance your guest's sleep experience. {I buy the mattress topper to create extra comfort because my sister loves a very firm bed, I mean like, she sleeps with plywood under her mattress! I am more in the “Cloud crowd” myself, so as I can easily remove the topper when she visits, this is my easy system.
Bathroom Essentials: Stock the bathroom with plush towels, a basket or tray with a variety of toiletries, shampoo, conditioners, body wash, lotions, and of course a nice cozy robe is always a MUST, and don’t forget the slippers! (Next time you visit a fancy hotel grab the unused soaps and such from the bathroom as you leave. I throw them in my linen closet and bring them out for guests when setting the room.
Refreshment Station: If you are able, of course over the top is a small mini-fridge but the perfect ice bucket and tray filled with a variety of drinks like still and sparkling waters, juice, and a little bottle of wine and glasses is a perfect touch too! Do not forget the cork screw or better yet, a screw top is perfectly acceptable these days!
Reading Glasses: Provide an extra set of reading glasses for guests who may have forgotten theirs, consider several strengths. An easy grab from the dollar store!
Local Map: Include a map and brochures of the area with highlighted attractions nearby.
Favorite Books: Place a selection of your favorite books in the room with personal notes on why you love them and for a very special guest, maybe a favorite book as a take home gift.
WiFi Code: Frame the WiFi code and place it on the bedside table for easy access. You can set up a separate sign in for GUESTS and for fun give it a Funny Name.
Snack Basket: Create a snack basket filled with chips, treats, and of course lots of chocolates.
Writing Materials: Set up a writing area with notepads, pens, and postcards.
Allergy-Friendly Pillows: Offer a variety of pillows made from different materials to accommodate allergies.
MIRRORS! Be sure to add a full length or at least a low mirror so people can get dressed and apply make up in their room. Also, provide a magnifying mirror - Trust me this will be appreciated!
If you have room add a desk and a chair, this can also be used as a make up area or work/ study area as needed.
Personalized Touches
Custom Welcome Note: Write a personalized welcome note for your guests expressing your excitement for their visit and a few rules or preferences that you would like to share, such “Don’t let the cat out” or We keep our A/C low at night so extra blankets are in the closet.
Local Recommendations: Share your favorite local restaurants and activities to help guests make the most of their stay, any coupons, or special discounts you are aware of will really stand out in their memories of their visit with you.
Contact Information: House codes, garage, or gate codes into the neighborhood.
Art: Hang up some DIY art or family photos to make the room feel more personal.
FRESH fluffy towels: Is a must and I only ever provide solid white towels. Mainly because you can always bleach them bright white and nothing says Hotel more than a white fluffy set of towels.
Entertainment and Relaxation
Smart TV Setup: Ensure the TV is user-friendly with clear instructions for streaming services. Be sure to clear the LOGIN from your last guests and be sure to do this as you visit hotels, too!
Bluetooth Speaker: Place a high-quality Bluetooth speaker for guests and set the sounds with classical or white noise like waves on their first night stay.
Cozy Throws: Arrange a couple of cozy throws on the bed and chairs for added warmth, fuzzy socks and maybe even an oversized sweater would be appreciated.
Tea & Coffee: Nothing beats our travels to Europe when we walk into our hotel and find the perfect little electric tea kettle, with real cups, all the amenities and some delicious TEA options. So, I make sure this is a priority for our guests. Be sure to test the electric kettle and ensure that the automatic shut off is working properly.
Travel Brochures: Collect travel brochures from local attractions and place them in the room along with any DAY TRIP information or local transportation options.
Fresh Flowers: Lastly, but certainly the perfect finishing touch is to add a small vase of fresh cut flowers to brighten the room and Welcome your guests.
And there you have it… The start of the perfect Guest Room they will ALWAYS REMEMBER.
Create the perfect GETAWAY and YOUR GUEST WILL THANK YOU and WILL Always Remember