Hotel-Worthy Hosting Touches

Hosting guests at your home can be tricky. You want them to feel at home, of course, but you also want to make it a semi-luxe experience so that they feel relaxed and like they’re truly on vacation. If you’re trying to think of ways to make their stay more memorable, there’s no better place to turn to for inspiration than hotels. Hotels are experts in hospitality, priding themselves on their cool amenities, convenience, and great service. So, we turned to our favorite hotels to gather some inspiration for future hosting. Here are seven ideas that are worth stealing.

Include a Welcome Note

Is there anything cuter than when a hotel welcomes you to your room with a pretty notecard and a snack? You can do the same thing at home! Write a little message telling your guest that you’re happy they’re here, and leave them something sweet like candy, their go-to seltzer, or even something decorative like flowers.

Pick Thoughtful Toiletries

There’s a good chance your guest has forgotten their shampoo, toothpaste, or lotion, so provide these for them! There are plenty of sets you can grab, and your family or friends can take the rest home as a little parting gift. When you’re gathering supplies, think about everything you need for your morning routine (conditioner, sunscreen, face wash, lip balm).

DIY a Minibar

No, you don’t have to go out and buy a mini fridge (although, let’s face it, that would be adorable). Curating a little tray or basket of some of your favorite drinks and snacks is a nice way to make guests feel at home, plus it saves them a trip to your fridge in the middle of the night. Shelf-stable items like bottled water, nuts, chips, soda, and dried fruit are your best bets.

Find a Signature Scent

Hotels love to use a signature scent to create an inviting atmosphere and establish a positive emotional connection. You can do the same thing by choosing your favorite candle, diffuser, sachet, or room spray. Just make sure whatever you choose isn’t too overwhelming and that your guest doesn’t have any allergies or aversions to scents.

Do a Room Refresh

A full-on turndown service is a little invasive for a stay-at-home guest, but it’s a nice idea to refresh their room each day. Provide new towels and replenish things like toilet paper and tissues so that they don’t need to come asking for them.

Install a Coffee Station

There’s something oddly terrifying about trying to figure out how to work appliances in someone else’s home, so remove that fear factor by giving guests simple pieces they can use in the comfort of their room. Adding a mini coffee maker or an electric kettle is a big flex, allowing guests to make their morning beverage on their own time and exactly the way they like it.

Give Concierge-Style Recommendations

You’ll likely be spending a ton of time with the person who’s visiting, but for those moments you’re out or at work and they’re on their own, try providing them with a few suggestions of things to do. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just fill a notebook with some of your favorite local restaurants, activities, and coffee shops so they can explore on their own.