Are you planning to host overnight guests this summer? To help them feel right at home, start by creating a cozy guest room, complete with a comfortable mattress and peaceful accents. After all, this is where your guests will retreat after a day of socializing and possibly sightseeing. With the following tips, you can easily prepare your guest rooms for summer visitors and provide them with the best possible experience.
1. Clean and Declutter
The first step is to clean your guest bedroom and bathroom. While the guest room may have been closed for months, it can still accumulate dust and other allergens. If you are using the guest bedroom for storage, remove the excess items until your guests leave. Provide accessible storage for your guests, such as a tray for keys, wallets and jewelry. Another idea is to add a charging station with compartments that make it easy for guests to organize their phones and tablets.
2. Choose a Mattress
Upgrading the mattress is a great way to ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the night. When determining how to find the best mattresses for guest rooms, consider your guests’ needs. Do most of them need a certain type of firmness or support? Do they require hypoallergenic materials or cooling technology? You especially want to discuss these options with guests who visit frequently.
3. Provide the Essentials
While your guests may bring their toiletries, forgetting something at home adds to the stress of traveling. You can provide peace of mind with a basket of toiletries that covers your guest’s essential needs. Include basics like hand soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and a travel toothbrush and toothpaste set. If you know their favorite brands and scents, consider going the extra mile with their basket. You may also want to provide washcloths or loofah sponges for bathing. Don’t forget to stock up on toilet paper and keep it in an accessible spot.
4. Provide Fresh Towels
In addition to toiletries, be sure to provide fresh hand, face and full-sized towels. With plush towels in coordinating colors, your guests may feel like they are at a resort. Another way to go the extra mile is to provide fresh, clean bathrobes. If the guest bedroom does not have a private bedroom, place the towels and other essentials in the bedroom. This way, your guests won’t have to worry about asking for these items later.
5. Ensure Ample Lighting
You need to provide ample lighting for your guests, especially at night. Overhead lights are ideal for tasks like dressing or grooming. A table lamp makes it easier to read or walk to the bathroom without the harsh brightness. Before your guests arrive, double-check the lamps and fixtures to ensure everything is working. Change any dull lightbulbs, and ensure the lamps are plugged in before your guests arrive.
Source: Avana Slant Bed Wedge Memory Foam Pillow | CityMattress.com
6. Make the Bed
It never hurts to make the bed the night before or morning of your guest’s arrival. Place clean fitted sheets and bedding on a comfortable hybrid mattress, and arrange the pillows at the top of the bed. Finish it off with a soft throw for guests who feel a little chilly or prefer a lighter blanket at night. You can also keep extra blankets in the closet for those cool summer evenings and include memory foam pillows for a full pampering effect. Your guests are sure to appreciate a cozy, readily available spot to rest after their journey.
7. Arrange Comfortable Seating
If there is enough space, provide comfortable seating in the guest bedroom. A chair, small couch or chaise lounge provides a spot for reading, using their phone or taking off their shoes. You can even place the seating near the window for some natural light and a pleasant view. Additionally, a small table next to the seating is ideal for a book, beverage and table lamp.
8. Offer Water and Snacks
While you may stock up on water and snacks, your guests may feel shy about going into the kitchen at night or early morning. Providing a self-serve station in the guest bedroom allows them to access water and snacks without leaving their comfort zone. If space permits, set up a small table with a mini refrigerator or coffee maker and a snack basket. Keep their dietary restrictions and preferences in mind.
9. Keep Guests Cool
Remember, your guests are visiting in the summer, so it’s important to keep them cool and comfortable. Set the thermostat at a pleasant temperature and provide a portable fan or air conditioner for extra comfort. Invest in cooling pillows to prevent your guests from feeling too hot at night.
10. Connectivity and Entertainment
Nowadays, Wi-Fi is essential for staying connected to family and work while away from home. Plus, it is easier to play games or watch television during downtime. Display your Wi-Fi name and password for instant connection. If you are providing a television, streaming or game console, connect those devices before your guests arrive. If possible, provide a small desk for those with remote work. Consider providing other forms of entertainment like reading material and board, card and outdoor games and be sure to purchase wifi extenders ahead of time if you will need to expand Wi-Fi coverage to additional bedrooms outside of regular use.
11. Use Calming Décor
If you are upgrading your paint or décor, choose calming shades like soft greens and blues and warm neutrals. Use fresh flowers and candles to create a soothing atmosphere. If you know your guest’s favorite flowers or scents, include them in your décor. Artwork featuring peaceful landscapes, such as a waterfall or beach, can help your guests unwind after a long day. You can even take it one step further with a tabletop fountain and houseplants, creating a spa-like retreat.
12. Offer Space for Clothes
You can help your guests feel right at home by providing a space for their clothes. Clean and declutter the guest bedroom closet, and ensure it has enough hangers and space on the floor for their luggage. You can place a dresser or drawers inside the closet for extra storage. If the bedroom doesn’t have a closet, provide a dresser, portable closet or clothing rack as an alternative. Finish it off with a full-length mirror for those who like to check their appearance before heading out.
Provide a Comfortable Bedroom for Your Summer Guests
There are plenty of ways to prepare a room for guests this summer, from investing in cool, comfortable bedding to providing personal care essentials, fans and snacks. Whether you stick to the basics or go the extra mile, your guests will know you prepared the space with their comfort in mind.
