How To Prepare for Overnight Guests: Guest Bedroom Essentials
Inside: A comprehensive list of guest room ideas and essentials for the bedroom and bathroom to make overnight visitors feel comfortable, welcome, and even pampered!

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Make yourself at home.
We all say it, but it’s easier said than done.
You know that feeling. Being an overnight guest and that lost night of precious sleep because you’re uncomfortable. You don’t know where to find anything but don’t want to be a bother.
So you just sleeplessly suffer through (and then gush that everything was delightful the next day). Note to self: replace the stinky, stained bed pillows on the guest bed when I get back.📝
If you have house guests coming and want them to truly feel at home, you’re in the right place! Because here it’s all about hospitality. Making our family members and guests feel as comfortable, welcome, and relaxed as possible in our homes.
hos·pi·tal·i·ty/ˌhäspəˈtalədē/, noun, The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.
It’s the little things that can make all the difference, so I’ve brainstormed every little thing I could think of and all kinds of special touches. I’ve included some of my favorite things that are wonderful to have available as a guest, as well as what you should check before they arrive.
This comprehensive list will make your overnight guests not only feel comfortable, but even pampered!
What Do I Need to Make a Cozy Guest Bedroom?

1. Layering Options for the Bed.
Making a cozy, comfortable, resort hotel-worthy bed is the most important thing in a guest bedroom!
- Make it a welcoming place to sink into with a comfy, cooling mattress pad.
- Provide a light coverlet, quilt, or bedspread along with a heavier fluffy warm comforter at the foot of the bed.
- Offer a variety of extra pillows. Make sure they aren’t old or stained (yuk!) and allow enough for people to sleep with two.
- Have easy access to extra blankets and a throw.

2. A Welcome Basket.
This is one of those guest bedroom ideas that gives a regular old room an extra special, welcoming feel. Have a basket in the room awaiting your guests with thoughtful things:
- Magazines and catalogs
- Having snacks in the room is usually appreciated because guests don’t always have control over mealtimes and don’t like to ask for snacks. Stock a few cereal or protein bars, some nuts, and add some nice chocolates as a special treat.
- Bottled water.
- If they’re from out of town, it’s a nice touch to include info about your city and something it’s known for.
- And a few electrolyte packets are a good idea too. I know I like these if I’ve enjoyed some cocktails with the hosts the night before!

3. Electronic and Technology Needs.
Second to a comfortable bed, these can be the next most important item to guests. Here are a few amenities you should have available in your guest room:

- An extra cell phone charger and block
- A charger stand
- A television
- An alarm clock
- A sound machine

- The wifi-password. We have a framed printable in each of our rooms. If you’d like to use mine, you can find it in the subscriber only library! It’s available in a blank version or an editable version. Print it on a piece of paper or cardstock and pop it into a 5×7 frame.
Not a subscriber yet? I have lots of fun and useful freebies you might like in the library! Just fill out the form below to receive the password:
- Go the extra mile and make a little home office area for them to work at with a small desk and chair. And even an old computer—it’s a great way to put your old equipment to use after you upgrade!

4. Storage Space for their Belongings.
This includes a place for:
- A suitcase
- Closet space and empty hangers
- Empty drawers
- Room on the surfaces to put their things. A trinket dish for small, loose items is also nice to keep things together and not have surfaces look like a dumping ground.

5. A Mirror.
A full-length mirror and makeup mirror for additional “getting ready” space outside of the bathroom.
6. A Chair or Bench.
An additional place to sit instead of the bed.
7. Neutral, Unisex Decor.
You want your guests to feel comfortable with the room style. You may love flowers and lace, but I bet your brother-in-law doesn’t. So don’t go to extremes with the style.
Keep accessories on surfaces to a minimum so guests have room for their things just like they would in a hotel room. And don’t fall into the trap of putting all of your old hodge podge and outdated accessories into your spare room because you don’t want them in the main rooms anymore.
9. A Bathrobe.
Another luxury hotel touch—a nice fluffy white unisex robe in XL that fits everyone.
10. Pen and paper.
11. An iron and ironing board.
12. A bedside lamp.
13. A nightlight.

14. A Coffee Pot.
If you have room, a small single cup brewer is nice along with cups, an assortment of coffee pods, and sweeteners, syrups, and creamer. We are fortunate enough to have this “kitchenette” in one of our bedrooms for guests to use.
15. A Fan.
A ceiling fan or tabletop fan moving the air makes the room more comfortable, even in cooler temperatures.
Things to Check in the Bedroom:

- Sleep in the room occasionally to see how the temperature is and how the mattress and bedding feel. This also allows you to catch other things you wouldn’t notice.
- Check the light bulbs in the ceiling and lamps.
- Check the tv remote batteries and make sure the tv is logged into streaming services.
- Make sure to have clean sheets on the bed and nothing smells musty or sour. It is always nice to wash the sheets right before so that they smell fresh. You can see my tips for removing musty odors from furniture here.
- Make sure there are accessible plugs with a power strip for things like chargers and cpap machines.
What Should I Have for Guests in the Bathroom?

1. Fluffy Towels.
Don’t have your visitors use your worn out castoffs. Provide new (or new-ish) fresh towels that are still soft. And bonus points for white to create a spa or hotel feel!

And having makeup washcloths is the best idea! I’m always embarrassed when I stain the washcloths in someone’s home or in a hotel. I even keep one in my travel bag so that doesn’t happen anymore.
2. Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, and Bar Soap.

Outfit your shower or tub with new. Again, not mismatched rejects from your bathroom, bar soap chips, or (eewww) soap with hair already on it.
3. Extra Toiletries.
Any personal items your guests might have forgotten. I find that the most forgotten toiletry item that our guests ask for is a toothbrush. I save travel sizes of products just for this purpose.

Here are a few ideas for toiletries to stock:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss and mouthwash
- Razors
- Basic medicines for things like pain relief, stomach upset, and heartburn
- Feminine products
- Bandaids and antiseptic
- Contact case and solution
- Lotion
- Qtips, cotton balls or cotton pads
- Scissors/nail clippers
- Shower cap

4. A hair dryer.
5. A plunger and air freshener.
And some Poo-pourri.
Things to Check in the Bathroom:
- Make sure there is plenty of toilet paper, an extra box of tissues, an extra bar of soap, and an extra bottle of hand soap. Everyone hates when they don’t know they’re out of TP until it’s too late!
- Check to make sure everything is clean. Deal with any mildew issues in the shower. And do a last minute check of the sink and toilet for hair and gross things.

- Have a trash can available and make sure it’s emptied.
- Have plenty of hooks and bars to hang towels. A simple Command hook on the back of the door is always useful!
Have you ever needed to know the correct height for all of your bathroom hardware? See my guide in the post ” Where to Hang Bathroom Fixtures: Towel Bars, Toilet Paper Holders, Faucets, and More”.
A Few Final Touches.

And a few little extras to make your guests feel extra special!
- Leave a welcome note.
- Add a small vase of fresh flowers for the occasion.
- And top it off with a diffuser or a candle with a nice, pleasant scent.
Want the perfect casserole for guests in the morning? Try this Easy Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Casserole (Make Ahead in Minutes) or this Scrumptious Croissant Breakfast Bake with Orange Marmalade.

Wow, that was a lot of ideas!
So don’t feel like you need all of them right now—I don’t have all of these available to my guests. Yet.
But it’s easy to add small details little by little to make everyone feel as comfy-cozy in our homes as possible. Let me know in the comments if you have any great ideas that I’ve missed!

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Thank you. I have 2 Airbnb’s and had some of your list but not all of them it has really helped. My guest love it makes them feel at home and comfortable!
I use all of your ideas in my Airbnb I didn’t have some of them so thank you
Thank you!! I’m always on the lookout for new additions and extra touches for my guest room./bathroom. Ours isn’t big enough to add the desk and poofy chair but I’m on the hunt for small items to create a solution. The nicest compliment is when a guest says they feel like they’ve been to a very special B&B. 🌸
Hi Jennifer! Yes, isn’t that the best compliment? And it’s usually the smallest conveniences they notice!
that was great!! thankyou
Glad you found it helpful Debbie!
Love the post! A plunger for sure! Have you ever been at someone’s house and had to ask for a plunger? Can’t wait to use these tips at the lake house!
Horrifying! I’m sure the lake house will be more than comfortable for guests. ❤️
Great list of items! Many I have not thought of earlier. Where did you happen to get the printable of the Wifi #?
I designed that one. I do plan on sharing but have to work on having the pdf be fillable for readers. When I do, one of my issues was the font that you fill in with would be much different. I’d love your feedback…would that bother you?
You are great host!
Thank you Linda!!
What a great list. These are some of the best tips I ever heard – I hadn’t thought of several of them. I love the welcome basket and extra toiletries ideas. Definitely ordering some of those makeup towels! I’m tired of having my “good” washcloths ruined. :/
Thank you my friend! Those washcloths are the best. I need to pack one in my overnight bag…I’m always embarrassed to leave the washcloths where I’m staying with my “face” still on them.
What a wonderful and helpful post, especially with the holidays coming up! Thank you so much for all the great ideas!! Pat
I’m so glad you found it helpful Pat!
I have the make up wipes in a lidded jar. I leave a note welcoming them to use them. I make sure they are always damp. Saved me a lot of wash cloths
That’s a great idea Dona! I’ve been asked if I have some before. That’s also why I put out the special “makeup” washcloths. I even take one with me when I travel because hotel ones are always white and I feel so bad!
I read about all the great ideas to make a guest feel at home and then the genius coffee pot idea! So, I want to visit you and be your house guest.
Happy Fall,
Kippi
Thank you Kippi! It makes me happy that you felt comfortable here just from the post. 🙂
Such a great list. Can I come and stay at your house please ever.
Thanks Anita! So glad you would feel at home here!!
What a pretty bedroom, great tips for the holidays
Thank you Maria!
Love your checklist Kate and the advice to sleep in the room is a great idea! I bet your guests love to linger well beyond their stay 🙂
Thanks Sara! Sleeping in the room definitely gives me a different view of everything. And the guest do eventually leave…:D
Thanks so much for the list. There’s a whole bunch of things I would never have thought of, so it’s going to be a handy little checklist to refer back to before our guests arrive for the Christmas holidays.
I hope you’re able to use of couple of the tips Michelle!