Pamper your overnight guests by creating a welcoming guest room with this list of 15 essentials. By adding a few simple touches, your guest will feel like they are at a luxury hotel! I’ve included some FREE printables to help you out! 

If you know me or have read my about page, you know that I  love bringing people together and making my house feel like home to everyone who steps inside. For the past few days, I’ve been having fun sprucing up our guest rooms for all of the visitors we will have in a few weeks.

 My daughter, Tricia, and my new grandson, Jack, are coming to visit for a week. My dad and sister have not met Jack yet, so they are flying in from Chicago to join us for a few days. I am so EXCITED!

Over the years of staying in bed and breakfasts and hosting my own overnight guests, I’ve learned some little tips and tricks for creating a welcoming guest room.

I’ve come up with a list of 15 essentials to help you create the perfect guest room for your family and friends! Be sure to scroll down to the end of the post to download your free printable bundle. 

15 Essentials For Creating A Welcoming Guest Room

1.  Flowers

Fresh flowers are my absolute favorite thing to include. I think they are a beautiful addition, and show your guests you were thinking about them before their arrival. When we have more guests than rooms, I place fresh flowers on the table next to the sofa where the extra guest is going to sleep.

2. Wifi Password

 One of the first things guests request upon arrival is the wifi password. Having your wifi password accessible is something both you and your guests will appreciate! I like to keep it in a frame on the nightstand. I’ve included a 5×7 and 8×10 editable wifi sign in the printable bundle.

3. Clock

The last time my dad came to visit he told me that the only thing my guest room was missing was a clock. This is not something I thought of since most people use their phones to check the time and as an alarm clock. So, Dad, this one is for you! 🙂

When I was shopping for a clock, I knew I wanted an analog clock that looked nostalgic, with numbers big enough for my dad to see. I found this cute alarm clock at Target. 

4. Bedside Lamp

This may seem like an obvious one, but I’ve stayed at plenty of places that have not had a reading light near the bed. I robbed this lamp from my formal living room several years ago. In fact, I shopped my house for several of the items in this room. It’s always a bonus when you don’t have to spend $$$.

5. Reading Material

It’s nice to gather some books or magazines for your guests to read. I try to choose materials that reflect my friend’s/family’s interests along with some info about things to do in the area. 

6. Snacks

Pamper your visitors by setting out a basket with a few snacks and some water bottles. The longer the stay, the more snacks I provide. Lara Bars, chocolate, and trail mix have been fan favorites over the years. I tied an Enjoy the Treats tag to the basket and wrapped Be Our Guest labels around the water bottles. Both are included with the printable bundle.

 

7. Towels

Be sure to have plenty of nice towels handy. I keep them in the bathroom as well as the guest room. As I mentioned in my holiday guest room post, my boys have a habit of destroying my guest towels. I have to keep them hidden when we don’t have guests.

Tying a ribbon around the towels with a note is another special touch. Yep, The Relax and Enjoy tag is a part of the amazing bundle. 😉

8. Storage for Clothes

A luggage rack, closet space with hangers, a few empty drawers, and some hooks are all things that are greatly appreciated. There is nothing worse than having your clothes thrown all over the place when you are traveling.

It’s also helpful to provide a laundry basket or even a trash bag for dirty laundry. I recently purchased this luggage rack from Amazon. It has a removable laundry bag attached to it. So handy!

9. Extra Pillows and Blankets

Providing plenty of comfy pillows and cozy blankets will help your visitors get a good night’s sleep. I keep some extra pillows, blankets, and linens in the guest closet. I also have an extra throw in a big wire basket. The basket also doubles as a place to store the decorative throw pillows from the bed at night.

 

10. Trash Can

Gotta give them a place to throw away the wrappers from the treats you provided. 🙂 I found this one on clearance at Target.

11. Night Light

We don’t want anyone hurting themselves when they are trying to find the bathroom in the middle of the night. Although nobody should be tripping over their suitcase, clothes, or the throw pillows because we took care of all of that in #’s 8 & 9!

12. Menus

A few menus from some of your favorite local restaurants are helpful if our guests will be going out to eat without you. We recently stayed at an Airbnb and loved all of the tips the owners of the Airbnb wrote inside the menus about the restaurants.

13. Phone Charger

I have been guilty of forgetting to pack my charger on multiple occasions. I keep an extra one in the nightstand drawer for the forgetful people like myself.

One thing that I do not currently have but would like to add is a charging station. I will update this post when I add one. 🙂

14. Toiletries & Blow Dryer

Who hasn’t forgotten to pack their toothbrush or toothpaste? And who wants to pack a blow dryer? Your guests will be very thankful for a blow dryer and a basket or jar filled with travel-size toiletries they may have forgotten.

I purchased all of my toiletries from Dollar Tree and Target. The jar is from Ikea, but Target has them too. I’m sure you know where you can get the adorable welcome sign that is taped to the jar!

I keep extra toiletries in a dresser drawer right below the jar. 

 

15. Tray

Last but not least, a tray provides your visitors with a place to put keys, wallets, change, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items. It’s also a great place for extra water bottles. I also have a little necklace/jewelry holder on the dresser next to the tray.

I found the inexpensive tray at Ikea several years ago. It’s not available anymore, but they have a variety of cute options. The jewelry holder was also purchased several years ago. I believe it was from Target.

These 15 essentials are sure to make your guests feel welcome and pampered. Remember it’s the “Small Gestures” that make a big difference. Don’t forget to download your FREE printables!

Which of these ideas will you be implementing to create a welcoming guest room? Do you have any tips not listed? I’d love to hear how you make your guests feel at home!

Be sure to check out my How To Get Your Guest Room Holiday Ready post. It includes fall and Christmas guest room printables.

Here are some of my favorite recipes when I’m having overnight guests!

Authentic Slow Cooker Cacciatore

Healthy Whole Wheat Banana Bread

Simple Healthy Slow Cooker Chili

Whole Wheat Banan Pancakes

Easy Healthy Homemade Granola

Three Cheese Lasagna Roll-Ups 

Super Simple Veggie Frittata