Home Away From Home
How to Add Personal Touches to Your Guest Spaces
Creating a "home away from home" for your guests is about more than just a clean room and fresh towels. It's about infusing your guest spaces with thoughtful, personal touches that make visitors feel truly welcome and cared for. This isn't about filling the room with family photos; it's about curating an experience that says, "I'm so glad you're here."
The Guest Bedroom: A Sanctuary of Comfort
1. The Welcome Note
Start with the most personal touch of it all. A handwritten note on the nightstand with a simple "Welcome!" or "So glad you're here!" makes an immediate and lasting impression. You can also include a small, thoughtful detail, like the Wi-Fi password or a reminder about breakfast in the morning.
2. A Taste of Home Basket
Create a small welcome basket filled with local treats. This is especially thoughtful if your guests are from out of town. Include a selection of local coffee, a favorite regional snack, or a brochure for a nearby attraction. It's a delightful way to introduce them to your community.
3. The Personal "Just in Case" Kit
Fill a small decorative box or a pretty much with those little things people often forget. Think travel-sized toiletries, a lint roller, a few cotton swabs, and a mending kit. It's a small but powerful way to anticipate your guests' needs and make them feel cared for.
The Guest Bathroom: A Spa-Like Escape
1. The Scent of Serenity
A reed diffuser or a simple candle with a calming scent (like lavender or chamomile) can transform the bathroom experience. The scent should be subtle, not overpowering and it should be chosen with relaxation in mind. A sign next to a candle that says, "Please feel free to light this if you like," gives them permission to make the space their own.
2. Local and Artisanal Soaps
Replace your standard soap bar with something a little more special. A small, artisanal bar of soap from a local shop or a high-quality liquid hand soap shows that you've put thought into the smallest details.
3. A Little Luxury
A plush, fluffy bathrobe and slippers hanging on a hook, or a set of fresh, new towels with their name attached are the ultimate "home away from home" luxury. It's an invitation to relax and feel truly pampered.
The key making it feel like home is to do things that aren't just for show. Genuine gestures meant to make your guests feel comfortable, respected and truly at ease in your home. By taking the time to add these personal touches, you're not just providing a place to sleep; your'e offering a genuine experience of hospitality.
