Everyone loves the comfort of their own home, which means it can be unsettling and uncomfortable to stay somewhere unfamiliar or new. However, with a little creativity, any host can make their guest house, or guest room, feel like a ‘home away from home’. All it needs is a welcoming atmosphere, a touch of cosiness, and a comfortable place to lay your head. With the end of lockdown approaching, now is the perfect time to get your thinking caps on and learn some new welcoming ideas to become a super host.

Decoration

Many guests will choose a place that has simple and relaxing decor. Something that feels familiar but not too personal. If you overly personalise your guest space it will only remind your guests that they are staying somewhere unfamiliar, which can feel uncomfortable.

Keep the space neutral and stylish. Use pillows and throws to add a sense of cosiness to your space. Whether you are going for an elegant modern style or a cosy cottage chic, create a sense of continuity in the space. A guest will appreciate a space that is not too hectic, one that feels familiar and neutral at the same time. There are many ways to decorate a space, the best thing to do is to think about what you would like in a guesthouse and go from there.

Meet Their Needs

Think about the fine details that will ultimately serve your guests’ needs. For example, books that they may want to read, the hairdryer they may have forgotten or recommendations they will use. Most people are the same – if you are going away for just the weekend it is unlikely that you want to pack a lot, so it is wonderful to find your guest house stocked with all the essentials.

Lovely bedding and towels are really important. Make sure you offer fresh clean sheets and towels to each guest that comes. There is nothing worse than arriving at a guest house without a towel or finding uncomfortable dirty sheets.  Furthermore, many guests will want to unpack their bags, so make sure your space has an empty drawer or closet in which they can put their clothes and luggage.

Personal Touches

It is always wonderful to find personal touches when you stay somewhere for the night or the weekend. There are many ways to do this in a guest house or guest room. For example, a coffee, tea and breakfast station is a lovely touch. Guests will undoubtedly appreciate access to a hot drink. This is also a nice place to leave personalised corporate chocolate gifts, which have the name of your guesthouse or logo on them. It is a unique gift that will leave a lasting impression on any guest.

The Extra Mile

If you want to go that extra mile and make the stay a luxurious experience you can offer cosy bathrobes and slippers, as well as lovely soaps and shampoos for your guests. This wonderful little touch will make anyone feel comfortable and at home.