The Ultimate Guest Retreat Checklist for Hosts

So, you’ve agreed to host your friends for a summer getaway, or maybe you’re hosting this year’s holiday gathering – now what? You’ve cleaned the house, have meals planned out, but you feel like you’re forgetting something. Oftentimes, we get so caught up in our own concerns that we might overlook the little details that make all the difference from the guests’ perspective. From the practical to the luxury, get your hospitality hats on and make their stay extra special with our top picks below.

Welcome Card

One of the first things your guests should see in your guest room is a welcome card. Not only is it a nice gesture, but it serves a functional purpose too. Let your guests know basic info and commonly asked questions, like your Wi-Fi password and where they can find things like remotes, extra blankets, and towels. This is also a great opportunity to let them know about local attractions with a list of recommended restaurants and things to do in the area.

Luggage Rack & Space for Clothing

Help your guests settle in with the help of a luggage rack to unpack. This is a must have if your guests are traveling from a distance – you don’t want them unpacking their luggage that just went through the airport on your nice clean bedding do you!? Make sure it’s in an easy to find and obvious place, like the closet, or go the extra mile and have it all out and ready for them upon arrival. Be sure to have extra hangers in the closet and empty dresser drawers as well.

Fresh Flowers

Do you need fresh flowers for your guests? No. Should you have fresh flowers for your guests? Yes! A bouquet of flowers on the nightstand is a thoughtful gesture that will help your guests feel truly special and welcomed.

Extra Blankets & Pillows

We all have our own preferences when it comes to bedding. To make sure your guests are as cozy as possible, have extra blankets and pillows on hand in the closet. Consider the time of year, providing lighter blankets for the summer and warmer ones for the winter months.

Extra Chargers‍

Phone chargers are one of the most forgotten items when traveling. You can get universal phone chargers that will work for various different types of phones or get a wireless phone charging pad.

Fully Stocked Guest Bath

Before your guests arrive, make sure you’re stocked up on all the basics like toilet paper, toiletries, and plenty of fresh towels and washcloths. It’s also a good idea to have common over the counter medicines on hand. And don’t forget the not-so-glamorous things like a plunger – your guests would rather not have to ask you for one if they don’t have to!

Eye Masks

If you don’t have heavy shades, consider leaving some eye masks in the nightstand for those folks who need it dark to sleep.

Water & Snacks

Ditch the water bottles and leave a beautiful carafe and glasses set for guests to help themselves to water. Lots of times guests will hold back on asking for snacks in between meals, so ease their politeness and put together a basket of shelf snacks in your guest quarters that they can help themselves to. Good options to include are granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and chocolates.

Fan or Sound Machine

We all know how difficult it can be to sleep in a different place and some people need more support to fall asleep. One of the most commonly requested items from guests is a fan or a sound machine for white noise. Make sure you let you guests know where they can find one if they need.

Books, Magazines & Games

For those down times, it’s a really nice gesture to have some items for guests to entertain themselves. Leave some books and magazines on the nightstands for before bed or an afternoon nap. Have games on hand that are suitable for all ages such as a deck of cards, chess, mancala, and classics like monopoly, clue, and scrabble. After all, you’re likely to be busy prepping meals and you deserve a break from entertaining too!