Several weeks ago, I shared
10-Ways to “Hotel-ify” Your Guest Bath.
I thought it would be a great time to share the ways
I also prepare my Guest Rooms to make\sure my
guests feel right at home.
10-Ways to “Hotel-ify” Your Guest Room
1) Linens/Bedding
Honestly there is no shortcut when it comes to bedding.
I am not saying you need to spend big bucks on the most
expensive bedding available. With the availability of quality
linens at places like HomeGoods and Marshall’s,
for example, you can splurge on luxury linens
without having to sell your first-born.
Just like my all white bath linens, I also prefer all
white bedding. For many of the same reasons as
I stated why I prefer white towels,
I prefer white bedding, as well, because to be honest –
it just looks “Boutique Hotel” to me.
I like to combine white linens with pretty, colorful
shams and comforters. While I do love white, I
also prefer to have some color within the room.
Let me also interject something here about pillows…
I am a pillow gal. I am a “more is more” kinda gal
when it comes to pillows.
That said, prior to guests arriving, when I put
on fresh linens – I will remove some of the decorative
pillows to make it easier for Guests.
I know when I am at someone’s house as an
overnight guest, I always wonder what to do with all the
pillows and where to put them. So take the guess work
away for your guests.
2) Lighting
I love a room with pretty and warm ambient lighting.
But, when its time for bed – I often need to read
a few chapters to make me sleepy.
I like to have lamps with proper wattage bulbs on
each side of the bed.
My Guest Bedroom is smaller, which means I
have smaller side tables. That is why I love these
Swing Arm Lamps that attach to the wall just
above the bed.
This makes great direct lighting perfect
for reading, and also allows one guest to read when
the other wishes to sleep.
Here are a few of my faves:
1: Kenroy Home Lamp $87.95 2: Park Maddison Lamp $46.03
3: Ansley Swing Arm Lamp $45.60 4) A&B Lamp $91.00
5) Pacific Coast Lamp $138 6) Pompano Light $118
(*all amazon affiliate links)
3) Reading Materials
I am a magazine nut. Even though we now have
Pinterest and blogs full of yummy pictures,
there’s still nothing like a magazine where you can physically
hold and turn the pages. I like to fill a
small basket with a variety of magazines,
newspapers and even some local publications.
I subscribe to Our State Magazine, a publication about North Carolina,
and our guests always love this one.
4) Welcome Basket
Nothing is more welcoming than a little basket
waiting for your guests in their room.
It doesn’t have to be grand…some water and
a few snacks. Tuck in a small note card saying how happy you
are that they are visiting.
5) Your Internet Wi-Fi Connection
{From www.todayscreativeblog.net }
If your wi-fi is password protected like most are,
how about putting out a framed little sign with your password, so your
guests do not have to ask for it.
6) Luggage Rack
There is nothing more useful, nor more needed, when someone visits your
home than a luggage rack. It provides your guests with a place to
lay their suitcase(s) while they are unpacking, or if its only an
overnight visit – it’s somewhere to sit their overnight bag where its
conveniently located. The fold-up variety can be easily stored under
the bed or in the closet when not in use.
7) Hooks for Robes
Each of my Guest Rooms are outfitted with two robe hooks.
Now, if my guests choose to hang something besides a robe,
that’s ok, too.
😀
8) Outlets and Extra Plug-Ins for Techie Stuff
Let’s face it!
We live in an age of Technology.
And with that comes the need to “recharge.”
There is nothing more frustrating (especially in a hotel) where you have
to unplug a lamp or clock you will need later, in order to
recharge your phone or tablet, etc.
So, I created a “Recharging Station” similar to the one above.
At least have an extension outlet strip at the ready, and plugged in
where it can be seen.
9) Clock
Okay, excuse me while I go on a little rant here.
Who doesn’t love the pretty, vintage-style clock shown above?
But, I am 50 years old and my eyes just aren’t what the used to be.
I need something easy to see in the middle of the night.
I also prefer a clock that is easy to set. I don’t want a lot of whistles and bells.
Although the iHome clock is nowhere near as aesthetically pleasing as the clock above…
your guests will love it for its ease of use and bright display.
Plus, it has an iPhone/iPod docking station.
Win win.
😀
10) Closet Space
If your guests are staying for several days, they are going to want to unpack.
There is nothing more frustrating than living out of a suitcase.
So, try to set up your Guest Room Closet for their immediate needs.
A small fan, extra blankets, an additional luggage rack.
How about some customized wood hangers?
It is a very welcoming feeling when your Host has made a special place in
their home, and given up some much-needed storage and closet space –
just for your visit.
Using one or all 10 of these ideas will ensure your guests have a comfortable
and memorable visit. How long they actually stay – well, that’s
up to you! Remember what Erma Bombeck said:
“House Guests should be regarded as perishables.
Leave them out too long and they go bad.”
😀
If you enjoyed this #10Waysto… Series – please check out some of the others
here at The Everyday Home…
10-Ways to Add Style to Your Home
10-Ways to “Hotel-ify” Your Guest Bath
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xxoo, Barb
Fabulous ideas! oh and I have one of those old clocks – my godmother gave it to me for my 15th birthday. I love it!!!
View CommentBeautiful rooms and ideas! It can be just one or two of these ideas that can be used to make such a difference to a room and a stay. Having the different lighting options is great attention to detail and as a guest it is nice that our needs are pre-empted!
View CommentI found this site through Pinterest since I am setting up a guest room for the first time in my life. Lot of great tips here and I’ve been able to flesh out my shopping list. Thanks for putting this together.
Side note to whoever codes this site: scale back the frequency of the email sign up pop up. Very frustrating (as both a consumer and designer). If the article weren’t helpful, I would have abandoned the site after the 4th time it pop up.
View CommentThanks for the heads up. It is only supposed to pop up once. I will check into it. Sorry for your inconvenience.
View CommentDon’t forget a trash can. Our guests always need one to throw away candy wrappers or water bottles. ?
View Comment