How To Make a Guest Room Feel Like Home

It’s the time of year when lots of people are traveling.  Whether it’s a family reunion, a visit home to family and friends, or an opportunity for a little vacation, chances are that this summer you’ll either have a houseguest or be one.

While staying with family or friends is not the same as staying in a hotel, there are little touches that you can do to make your guests feel a little more at home.

Here are 9 little things that you can do to make your guest’s bedroom feel like a cozy, intimate, and personal space:

1. A freshly made bed. This shouldn’t have to be listed, but it does.  Have the bed made up for your guest, with sweet smelling linens and blankets.  Nothing says “you’re an imposition” like having everything a mess when your guest arrives.
2. Add some flowers.  Whether it’s a big bouquet from your yard, a simple stem in a bud vase, or a flower floating in a bowl of water, flowers seem to brighten a room.
3. Get a decent reading light by the bed.  It may be sexy and attractive to have dim lighting in the bedroom, but before turning in, many of us like to read for a bit.  A decent light is essential.
4. Books and magazines.  I always have something to read, but how thoughtful it is when my hostess leaves a magazine or two and/or a book on the nightstand.  I LOVE it when it’s a guidebook to the city I’m visiting, and I can gain a little knowledge about what I’d like to do or see.
5. Information.  A short instruction sheet with some basic information will help a guest feel at home and save you time from having to explain (and re-explain) some basics.  A note with your phone number and address, wi-fi log in information, a spare key, and maybe even a local map.
6. Clear some closet and/or drawer space.  I know that I’m taking up space that isn’t mine, and I try not to sprawl my stuff all over.  A drawer to use and some empty hangars help me to respect your space while keeping my clothes looking neat and tidy.
7. Place a candle in the room.  Adding a candle in the room (one that can be used) adds a special romantic and thoughtful touch, and is practical as well.  A scented candle can help get rid of funky odors, create a relaxing mood, and chosen carefully, can also be sleep inducing.  Be sure to leave matches as well.
8. Extra pillows and blankets.  I’m one of those people who seems to always be cold, and nothing keeps me from a peaceful night of sleep like freezing my behind off!  A few extra items can make all the difference in the world to facing the next day in a happy frame of mind.
9. Chocolate on the pillow.  I know this might seem like a trite hotel tradition, but at the end of a long day, there’s something about the taste of chocolate that is the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Do you have any special tips to make your guest room inviting?

Photo credit: SXC