As we approach the holiday season, you’re probably planning how to best host any family or friends that are coming to stay with you. Traveling can be a stressful experience, so it’s nice to offer your guests a comfortable space where they can relax and recharge.

When you start to plan your guest space, think about all the things that make your own getaways calming and special. You don’t need a huge budget to create a 5-star hotel experience, but you can clear out the area, provide the necessities, and create a quiet space where your guests can relax.

Whether they’re staying for a week or a weekend, creating a comfortable guest space is a great way to ensure everyone feels welcome.

1. Clear out the space

While it would be dreamy to have a dedicated bedroom you could use solely for your guests, that’s probably not realistic. Most rooms are serving double (or triple!) duty as a home office, kids’ playroom, or storage.

In a guest room, less is more – more space, more comfortable, more welcoming. Clear out as much of your stuff as you realistically can. Nothing screams “this isn’t your home!” more than someone else’s mess surrounding you.

Empty some space in the closet or make room for a small dresser so your guests have somewhere to unpack their things. Very few people like living out of a suitcase where their belongings descend into wrinkly chaos. Provide a space where they can store their luggage during their stay as well as extra hangers for their clothing.

2. Provide a comfortable bed

A well-rested guest is a happy guest. If the thought of sleeping on someone else’s old, saggy mattress is off-putting, give the same consideration to your guests! While it’d be nice to indulge on a luxurious new mattress, there are plenty of more affordable options that can be just as comfortable.

Your neighborhood social media page is a great place to look as you can often find “like new” mattresses at a reasonable price. If you’re still unsure about a secondhand mattress, you can invest in a quality air mattress and elevate it (literally) by placing it on top of a box spring and topping it with a piece of memory foam.

If you don’t have room for a spare bed, consider investing in a nice daybed or sleeper sofa. When they’re not in use, they have a smaller footprint so they take up less space in your room than a standard bed, and fold out to a comfortable size when needed.

3. Upgrade the bedding

When your guests are ready to call it a night, it should go without saying that they cozy up in clean sheets. To make your guest space truly welcoming, upgrade to luxurious bed linens and add comfort items like extra pillows, different blankets, or a plush mattress topper.

While you won’t have a crystal ball to tell you if your guests run hot or cold, you can provide several options so they can make their own choice. Lay out a quilt, a duvet, and a blanket so they can adjust their layers however they desire. Another unknown? Pillow preference. Setting up your bed with around four pillows of different firmness allows your guests to find their perfect fit as well as offering a surplus perfect for back support when reading in bed.

4. Provide the basics

We’ve all seen those fun, travel-sized toiletries in hotel rooms (some may have even found their way home with you), so take inspiration and recreate your own collection to offer guests. Start with necessities – extra towels and washcloths, plenty of toilet paper, feminine products if applicable.

Think about the items you use in a hotel room or things you wish were provided when you’re traveling. Have a hair dryer readily accessible and an iron if needed. Create a cute basket filled with mini versions of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouthwash, face and body lotion, sunscreen, bug spray, dental floss, etc. Anything you can think of that a guest would definitely need if they forgot to bring it themselves.

In your guest space, layer in lots of lighting and make sure they know how everything is controlled. Provide a good reading lamp on the nightstand and a small night light so they can navigate safely if they have to get up in the middle of the night.

Sure, most people have their cell phone nearby to check the time, but including a clock is a nice touch. Make sure it’s not an annoyance by ensuring it has a dimmer feature if lit and testing its noise level by holding it close to your ear – no one wants to lie awake all night listening to its tick-tock.

Find a clear space where you can safely set up a coffee maker, and place packets of coffee, creamer, and tea bags alongside. If a guest feels like a late night or early morning cup of coffee, it’s much more comfortable for them to brew it in their own room than to scavenge around an unfamiliar kitchen.

Keep your guests connected by writing down and placing your WiFi information in a prominent spot. If you have the standard issue, lengthy password you can’t even remember yourself, this saves your guests from having to ask you multiple times and you having to repeat it.

5. Create a warm welcome

Traveling can be hard, and staying in someone else’s home as a guest can bring on its own challenges. Let them know you’re happy to have them by having a small “welcome” gift or basket in their space. Include fun items like their favorite snacks or current magazines, as well as essentials like a set of keys or a list of nearby stores.

Spruce up their guest space with a scented candle, fresh flowers, or a live plant. A fresh scent or vibrant greenery instantly adds charm and boosts that welcoming feeling.

In the end, the goal is to make your guests feel comfortable and welcome in a space that is not their own.

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