One of the true hallmarks of luxury living is the ability to welcome guests effortlessly into your home, whether for a special occasion or a relaxed weekend. Discover a range of imaginative ways to elevate hosting to an art form – from designing your guest room like a boutique hotel to delighting visitors with their own private guesthouse and even providing bespoke concierge-level services for a truly unforgettable experience.
Graceful Guest Rooms
With a few smart design and decor choices, you can create a guest room that emulates the tranquil ambiance of a posh hotel, relaxing and invigorating your visitors in equal measure.
Splurge on Great Bedding
Travel is tiring, and it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep in an unfamiliar bed. Treat your guests by investing in a high-quality mattress and buy the largest size that can comfortably fit in your guest room. For linens, choose crisp white percale sheets, which are breathable, easy to keep clean and stylish in any setting; top them with a plush duvet and include several pillows of varying degrees of firmness, so as to give your guests different options.
Minimize Clutter, Maximize Storage
Your guests will appreciate having a little space to stretch out, especially if they’ve traveled a long distance to see you. Clear surfaces and keep clutter to a minimum; remember that your guests will be bringing personal items of their own to place on tables and chairs. Even if your guest room is small, you can employ clever storage solutions such as under-bed drawers and a closet organizer – or a compact armoire, if the room doesn’t contain a closet- to allow visitors to unpack and feel more at home.
Add Thoughtful Touches
Little things make a big difference when designing a luxury guest room. Convenient perks like a universal charging station keep people connected; an in-room air purifier prioritizes their health and wellbeing. Many air purifiers can double as white noise machines, too, which come in handy at nighttime. Place a full-length mirror either on the floor or on the wall as an extra amenity for your guests, and to make the room appear bigger.
Bring the Spa to Your Bathroom
Create a sense of zen in your guest bathroom with carefully curated amenities and a relaxing yet invigorating atmosphere. Provide plenty of fluffy towels and washcloths and install a shower infusion kit with aromatherapy and other skin-boosting benefits. Place a hair dryer, upscale toiletries and any first-aid essentials such as band-aids and aspirin on the counter for your guests to use if they need them.
Adaptable Guest Houses
If you host frequently or for extended periods, you may want to consider having a dedicated guest house on your property. Giving your visitors their own space enables them to be close by while also allowing them and yourself greater privacy; it also increases your home’s overall resale value. Many of the same principles of guest room design apply here, just on a slightly larger scale; the goal is for your visitors to feel as pampered as if they were at a high-end hotel.
Focus on Flexibility
Ideally, your guest house should be flexible enough to accommodate different needs. An open living area can be repurposed as a play space for children; a dining room can double as an office. Even if you plan on entertaining them at mealtimes, including a small kitchen or kitchenette in your guest house gives visitors the ability to prepare something to eat whenever they want it.
Tailored Services
Service is one of the cornerstones of hospitality and can make the difference between a good stay and an exceptional one. Enhance your guests’ experience with concierge-level service – either professional or personal.
Bring in the Experts
Guests at luxury hotels are accustomed to personalized attention from seasoned professionals who are available at any time of day to answer their questions or to cater to their needs. For a truly indulgent experience, you can offer this level of hospitality to your house guests by hiring a luxury concierge service. Available in most major cities, these companies provide everything from car transportation to bespoke sightseeing itineraries, laundry services and even in-room spa treatments. Many of these services can be booked via tablet or smartphone, so your visitors can plan their days in moments, with just a click or a tap.
Do It Yourself
Of course, there are plenty of ways to offer concierge-style service to your guests without hiring an outside company. Put together a welcome package ahead of their arrival, complete with a handwritten note, a selection of gourmet snacks and a bottle of wine or some herbal tea. Or provide visitors with an itinerary of things to do and see while they are in the area. Even small gestures make a difference when it comes to helping your visitors feel more at home.
Whether you’re hosting guests for a night, a week or longer, these recommendations can help you prepare your home for a stress-free and memorable visit.
