6 Ways to Prepare for Overnight Guests (Free Welcome Letter Printable)

Today I’m sharing how I prepare for overnight guests and I’m sharing a tour of my guest bedroom and bathroom. I wanted to share ten tips I use to prepare for overnight guests.

1) Provide a Welcome Letter

This letter is a personalized touch that all my guests love. Not only are you welcoming guests but you are also giving them information they need for their stay. I have included a download of my welcome letter for your use, but if you would like to make your own here are some sections to include:

• Nourishment. Let them know you have provided snacks for their use and where they can find them. Let them know where and when coffee will be provided including how they can make it themselves should they wish to. Let them know any meals you have planned and the timing of them. ie breakfast will be provided at 8 am. Let them know your casa is their casa and they are welcome to use the fridge and pantry. 
• Entertainment. Always provide your WiFi code, in this age of laptops, tablets and cellphones everyone wants to connect to WiFi. In addition let them know the cable channels or other pertinent information if their is a TV in their room. if there is no TV in their room let them know they are welcome to use the TV in a common area at any time.
• Essentials. Let them know which bathroom they will be using, how to control the ac or heat in their room if possible and where they can find any essentials they may have forgotten such as toothpaste r a toothbrush. Also note where extra towels, linens, pillows etc are. 

2) Pay Attention to Guest Requests 

It’s important to pay attention to what your guests ask for when they stay with you. My first few guests asked for an iron and an ironing board. That’s something I didn’t think of before by now I’ve always provide for my guests. We aren’t coffee drinkers but guests typically are, so while we may not want coffee throughout the day guests may. We now have a coffee/tea bar in our dining room so guests can have hot beverages at any time during their stay.

3) Snacks and Beverages

Provide snacks and beverages in your guests room. At a minimum water and snacks, but also mini bottles of champagne or sparkling apple cider are a great touch. Don’t forget the glasses and a bucket of ice their first night as well. An electric kettle is great for guests you know would enjoy hot tea or a coffee maker if you have an extra. 

4) Bedside Table Essentials

There are a few things you should always provide at the bedside. 

• A lamp. Light right next to the bed is essential because remember your guest doesn’t know the room so its nice to have a light on while you get in or out of bed so you can navigate easily. Additionally it provides light for reading or hanging out without having to get up and turn off the light before dozing off . 
• A clock. Most people use their phones as an alarm clock, but I still provide one in their rooms, so they can make note of any time changes or if they forget to set a phone alarm
• A power strip. People travel with multiple things that need charging, phones, cameras, tablets etc. A power strip not only provides more than one outlet for charging all at once but also provides protection against power surges. 
• Books, remote control, snacks. 

5) Guest Bathroom Essentials

Besides the obvious like towels, soaps and linens, be sure to have on hand things that people may forget, especially things it may be embarrassing to ask for such as sanitary pads/tampons or a toilet plunger. I also like to provide a jewelry case so women have somewhere to place their jewelry. Don’t forget to make it all pretty with create towel folding, ribbon and baskets.

 

6) Always spend a night as a guest in your own home.

After spending a night in the guest room there were several things I didn’t think of that guests would need.