11 Dreamy Guest Room Tips for Holiday Hosting
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The nicest spare bedrooms aren’t necessarily the most extravagant—they’re the ones that feel like home. That’s exactly why you don’t need designer decor or a fancy hotel setup to make overnight visitors feel welcome. What actually matters most are the little comforts that make their stay feel relaxed and convenient, like a handy spot to charge their phone, a mini coffee bar with all the fixings, or extra cozy blankets and pillows so they can get a good night’s rest under your roof.
The good news is that none of these things take much time to set up, but they can all make a big difference in how comfortable your guests feel. Even something as simple as setting out a few toiletries or adding a smart lamp by their bedside can make the space feel more thoughtfully put together for them. Whether you’re hosting for the holidays or welcoming a last-minute guest for the season, these ideas are proof that with just a bit of thought, you can make even the simplest spare room feel like a home away from home.
1. Create a Mini Coffee Bar
If your guests wake up before you do, having a spot where they can make a quick cup of coffee or tea will make their morning so much easier. Set up a small beverage station on a desk or dresser with an electric kettle, a couple of mugs, and a selection of teas, instant coffee, or hot chocolate packets. Include little extras like cream and sugar, honey sticks, and stirring spoons. It’s a small touch that makes guests feel right at home—but also like they’re at a hotel.
2. Set Up a Phone Charging Station
Give your guests an easy place to plug in by setting up a tech zone for charging their phones and other devices. Place a power strip with built-in USB or USB-C ports on the nightstand or dresser so they don’t have to crawl around looking for outlets. You can even leave a little card with your Wi-Fi information to make signing on that much simpler. It’s a tiny detail that goes a long way in making the room feel modern and guest-friendly.
3. Set Out Comfortable Linens for Lounging
If you really want to wow your guests, prep their space with a few comfortable pieces of loungewear. This could be as simple as a pair of slippers, a matching set of pajamas, or a plush robe. Fold or place the loungewear on top of their made bed. You can even add a little wrapped piece of chocolate on top for an extra touch.
4. Stock the Bathroom with Luxurious Toiletries
Something simple that’ll impress your guests? Having their favorite products on display in the bathroom. Fill a basket with some travel-sized toiletries. Then, layer in essentials that are often forgotten, like a toothbrush, hair brush, or makeup wipes.
5. Use Ambient Lighting to Create a Cozy Glow
The lighting you choose can really make or break the ambiance in the room! Use warm-toned bulbs like soft white or amber light to make the room feel more serene. If you don’t already have a table or floor lamp, consider adding one. Overhead lighting can often be bright and harsh, but smaller lights around the room will keep the space feeling comfortable and cozy.
6. Give Guests a Truly Restful Place to Sleep
The most important part of a guest bedroom? The bed, of course! While it may be tempting to retire a family member’s queen mattress to the guest bedroom when you upgrade, your visitors deserve the gift of a good night’s sleep, especially after navigating all that holiday travel. Even if the mattress isn’t brand-new, a plush topper and some fresh pillows will go a long way in helping your guests sleep well.
7. Dress the Bed with Cozy, Layered Bedding
Such a comfortable mattress deserves equally lovely bedding. Sateen, linen, and flannel bedsheets are nice for a guest room as they not only look chic, but are also very comfortable. Finish off with a few plush throw pillows and a quilt or two to keep them warm. You can even leave an extra blanket or two in a basket nearby so guests can add layers if they get chilly at night.
8. Add Simple Entertainment Options to the Room
If you don’t already have a TV in the guest room, consider adding one into the mix. It’s nice for guests to able to watch a movie while they fall asleep, or simply just have a place to unwind and watch their favorite shows in their own space. If that’s out of budget, even placing a speaker in the guest room is a great touch. Bonus points if you have a few popular streaming platforms already logged in and ready to go! And if a TV is out of budget, even placing a speaker in the guest room is a great touch.
9. Include a Comfortable Spot for Sitting
If you have a guest room with some space to spare, extra seating will add a boost of coziness. A bench at the end of the bed or an upholstered accent chair in the corner is a simple but useful way to make the room more comfortable. You can also add a small side table or floor lamp with a shelf next to the chair to give guests a comfy spot to read or unwind before bed.
10. Keep Fresh Towels and Washcloths Easily Accessible
Instead of waiting for them to ask, make guests feel at home by keeping plenty of fluffy towels easily accessible. Fold a set (bath, hand, washcloth) for each person staying with you on a chair in the bedroom or in the guest bath (if you have one), and have a few more rolled up in a nice basket, just in case.
11. Add Thoughtful Touches Throughout the Space
A few small details go a long way to making a room feel more homey. Place throw blankets and pillows around the room, or light a candle right before they pull into the driveway. It’s a nice way to welcome them and help them feel like they’re at a fancy hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a guest room more comfortable?
It’s the little comforts that make a guest room feel warm and inviting. Give visitors an easy spot to charge their phone, a few comfy blankets and extra pillows, and a place to make coffee or tea without having to ask. Set out a few essential toiletries they might have forgotten, and make sure the lighting is soft and easy to switch on and off.
What should you always have in a guest room?
How do you decorate a guest room for the holidays?
Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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Tierney McAfee
Tierney McAfee is a writer and editor with a passion for all things home, lifestyle, and entertaining. Her work has been featured in People, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, The Spruce, and more, covering everything from interior design and holiday decor to DIY projects and the best products for home and lifestyle. Always in search of the next big trend or hidden gem, Tierney is all about transforming inspiration into style. When she’s not busy writing, she’s testing out new recipes, hunting for vintage treasures, or plotting her next outfit.
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