It’s that time of year when guest room occupancy rises in homes around the country as friends and family come to visit. Any hotel professional will agree that the guest experience begins in the front lobby and from there, every touchpoint from check-in to turn-down should be a polished and seamless experience. Treating your overnight guests as if they are absolute VIPs will leave a longstanding impression – here’s how.

A well-dressed bed
Nothing says “you’re so welcome here” more than a perfectly dressed bed, and no one knows how to do that more beautifully than Granny Goose – thanks to their range of quality linens and luxurious down pillows, duvets and cushions. Choosing 100% cotton, in the highest thread count you can find (Granny Goose linen goes all the way up to 1000 thread count!) is a must, and immediately creates a sense of tactile luxury. Start with a Granny Goose Featherbed Mattress Topper, then add a fitted sheet and top with a flat sheet under your goose down duvet, to ensure a blissful night’s sleep. Now layer the bed with a comforter and a blanket folded at the bottom. Include at least two down pillows per person. The finishing touch? Scatter cushions that speak to your personality and colour scheme.
Spa-style bathroom
Your guest may have brought their own toiletries, but why not go all out and include spa-quality bath and shower spoils? Add hair and face mask sachets and a box of must-haves, from tweezers and shower caps to cotton buds and plasters, to the list of amenities in your five-star space. A hairdryer is wonderful, and selection of Turkish Cotton Spa Towels from Granny Goose are a must. Add a little recovery kit for nights when your guest stayed up having fun long after bedtime – include rehydration sachets and paracetamol.
Thoughtful touches
Personal touches, from magazines and books to fresh flowers and pillow mist, are absolute spoils. A cell phone charger and portable speaker are thoughtful added extras, as are scented candles and blackout curtains to ensure a satisfying sleep. Don’t forget a sweet and savoury snack stash and a tea and coffee station if you have space. And, of course, your home wi-fi code.
Clear it away
Want to make your guest feel awkward? Leave the wardrobe filled with clothes and winter jackets, park your unused vacuum cleaner in the corner of the room, and stash your battered suitcases next to the bed. Not only is a guestroom that’s a dumping site uninviting, but it also sends a message that your guest isn’t a priority – so clear out and declutter before they arrive.
Hometown extras
If your guest is in town for some R&R, create an itinerary or two based on their interests – be it art, dining, outdoor activities or sightseeing – and share details of a trusted transport service or guide. Provide an umbrella, sunscreen and a power bank for their use and don’t forget a key to your home attached to a novelty keyring.