Creating the Perfect Guest Room

I love having guests,
and I love being a guest!
Lately, I have found myself away from home quite a bit.

Coastal Living

Do you love spending time in your bed
all snuggled up with comfortable blankets & pillows?
Especially after a hot bubble bath?
I do.

Being away from my own comforts made me really think about
how I want my guests to feel when they
come to visit.

source unknown

Now that the bedrooms are vacant.
(hey, I can say that now without breaking into a sob! Yay me.)
Now that the bedrooms are vacant...I did it again.
....I can make up the bedrooms to suit each guest as they visit.

As I work to make each space special
I will consider the following:

Source unknown

HOW DOES THE BED FEEL?
First, is the mattress comfortable?
I have a twin bed that needs a new mattress!
I realized this a few months ago when my honest brother in law woke up exclaiming
"That was the worst nights sleep ever, I need the chiropractor".

EEEEEK, All of the pretty blankets and pillows in the world won't matter if
your guest needs a chiropractor and a pot of coffee the next day!
Sorry Doug :)

Secondly, nobody wants to sleep on scratchy sheets and deflated pillows.
I have to admit I need to buy some new pillows for my guest rooms...they are flat!
I realized this when I slept in the guest room one night.
I tossed and turned trying to adjust the worn out pillows.
Its a good idea to sleep in the guest room once in awhile to get the guest experience!
It opened my eyes...all night long.

Third, Blankets.
Along with soft sheets, and quality pillows, include a blanket and a light bedspread.
A comforter or heavier blanket folded at the foot of the bed
is perfect in case your guest gets chilly in the night.
If your guest is my age...
she could be sweating and then cold many times all night long...

Pinterest

Cute hanging basket found on Pinterest

WELCOMING EXTRAS
A basket or tray with a
  clean bath towel, washcloth and hand towel
lets your guest know that they are welcome to use your shower without searching your bathroom for the necessities.
Its also nice to include a "help yourself" basket with travel size things they
may have forgotten such as:

 Bar of soap or shower gel
Q-tips
Toothpaste/toothbrush
Shampoo & Conditioner
New Razor
Deodorant
Tylenol or Ibuprofen
Cough drops
Kleenex
Lotion
Feminine Hygiene products

Great small space idea!
(by bebookbound.blogspot.com found on Pinterest)

MIRROR
A mirror is so helpful in a guest room.
Especially when the bathroom is occupied. Your guest can fix their
hair and make up in the privacy of their room without worrying about inconveniencing you or your family.

by blueroofcabin blog via Pinterest

CHAIR, LUGGAGE RACK & HOOKS
Usually, even the smallest room can fit a small wood chair.
If you have the room, an upholstered chair is ideal.
Having a place to sit and put on shoes,
or read a book is helpful.
If you have a dresser, keep the top fairly clear for personal items.
Ideally, a small bench or fold able stand is perfect for a suitcase.
And don't forget...like I did...to give your guest a place to hang their clothes.
While peeking in on my visiting friend, I noticed she had clothes
hanging on every corner and surface. I felt so bad that I hadn't thought
of that ahead of time!
Sorry Sheila!

You can find these hooks here

LIGHTING
This may seem like a weird thing to address, but I have woke
up in the middle of the night so many times
forgetting where I was while traveling.
I laid there trying to remember where the bed is in relation to the door.
ha ha ha.
Most of us like to close the bedroom door when staying somewhere away from home, and so a nightlight is very helpful!
Also a lamp on the bedside table, within reach from the bed,
is important for late night reading.

Here is a fun nightlight idea!

This room is warm and the lighting is perfect for a guest room.

Here are a few other ideas that will make your guests feel special...

*Books or magazines with your guests interests in mind.
*Brochures and maps of your area for sightseeing can be helpful!
*A basket with a few apples, bottled water, and granola bars or packaged snacks.
*Fresh flowers or a nice plant (in case of allergies)
*Seasonal decor to bring a smile!
*A note with the wireless Internet code for their laptop.
* A place to plug in their phone charger/laptop.
*Lint roller, iron & ironing board on back of door
*Toys if your guest has children

Macarontown Blog via Pinterest

But the best way to make your guests feel welcome is to greet them in the morning with a cup of coffee or tea 
and a generous SMILE.

How do you make your guests happy?