Whether you have overnight guests just once or twice a year, or your home is a favorite stop on the family vacation circuit, you want your guests to feel welcome and comfortable. You might not have an entire room dedicated to housing overnight guests, but even if you have to press the living room into service as sleeping quarters, you can keep your company happy.
Sleeping Arrangements
If your house has extra bedrooms, and you have overnight guests on a frequent enough basis to warrant it, you can have an actual guest room with a regular bed, dresser and other amenities just waiting for a visitor.
Chances are, however, you don’t have extra rooms, but simply create a temporary bedroom when it’s time for visitors.
The most important item is a bed or sleeping spot of some type. While young children might be content with little more than a sleeping bag unrolled on the family room floor, your older visitors probably prefer something more comfortable. If you don’t have a traditional bed to offer guests, the following are good alternatives:
- A sleeper sofa with a quality queen mattress is an excellent choice if your guest “bedroom” is the living room or a spare room normally used for other purposes. Pullout ottomans are similar to sleeper sofas, but house a twin-size mattress.
- Go a little further with a memory foam or feather mattress topper to make the guest bed extra comfortable.
- Futons are traditional Japanese beds, generally westernized with a wooden or metal frame. They convert from a casual couch to a comfortable bed.
- Inflatable air mattresses are very comfortable and set up in minutes wherever you need them. Ease of storage makes them even more useful.
Time for Bed
Weary travelers will appreciate slipping between soft, clean sheets. Don’t scrimp when it comes to the guest room – make up the bed with comfortably soft sheets and enough blankets to keep your guests warm. Keep an extra blanket handy in case the night gets chilly, and an extra pillow for reading in bed or cushioning sore joints.
Storage Counts
Your guests need somewhere to hang their clothes and store their travel necessities. Clear out the guest room closet, or provide a rolling garment rack if closet space isn’t available. Make sure to stock the closet with plenty of hangers. If your guests are going to be staying awhile, empty out a few dresser drawers or wheel out a storage trunk to hold their clothing. If your guests are only with you for one night, set up a folding luggage rack near their bed to keep their luggage close at hand.
Little Touches Make the Difference
Once you have the necessities of a bed, linens and storage covered, it’s time to add a few little touches that go beyond the basics.
- A nightlight near the guest bed makes nighttime visits to the bathroom safer and easier.
- Make sure your visitors have a full-length mirror available near their dressing area.
- Stock the bathroom with travel-size toiletries and common OTC medications like pain relievers, tummy settlers and lip balm.
- If your guests plan on sightseeing on their own, give them a list of “can’t miss” local attractions, the best nearby restaurants and any driving or parking issues particular to your area.
- Set a “Welcome” card with your Wi-Fi user name and password near the guest bed so your visitors can easily check their email or surf the net.
- Give your guests an extra house key so they can come and go as they please.
- Traveling can be thirsty work. Set bottled water on the nightstand in case your guests need a drink during the night, or want to take water along on their daily excursions.
- A vase of flowers is an easy way to make any room look special.
- Have a basket of snacks available so your guests can grab a quick bite.
- Good coffee or tea is always a welcome treat in the morning. Serve it to your guests in your prettiest mugs.
When company comes for the night – or for several nights – you want them to feel special and welcome in your home. You might not have a dedicated guest bedroom, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make up a temporary bedroom that provides your visitors with all the comforts of their bedroom at home.