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12 Easy Tricks to Make Overnight Guests More Comfortable

Provide all the necessities

Keeping toiletries—sealed toothbrushes, coordinating shampoo and conditioner, razors, cotton swabs, and a hair dryer—in your guests’ bathroom will be a relief when they don’t need to approach you to ask about extras

 

Prepare guests for when you’re not home

If you’ll be out of the house at any point, leave visitors with all the information they might need in your absence. Dyer keeps a binder with takeout menus, a map of the area, the house’s Wi-Fi password, how to set the alarm—basically “everything someone would ask,” she says.

 

Give their sleeping space a test run

Test out your guest room to make sure it’s comfortable—you might even want to crawl in the bed. Consider adding a night-light, or if the room feels cold, place an extra blanket on the foot of the bed in case your guests need more warmth. Keep in mind that some people like firm pillows while others prefer soft ones, so provide a couple options

 

Have water on hand

If visitors get thirsty at night, they’ll appreciate having a glass and a pitcher filled with filtered water by their bed

 

Find out their dietary needs

Check with your guests about any dietary restrictions—meat, dairy, gluten, or food allergies—and make sure you plan meals around those needs. If you know guests are watching their weight, be respectful of that too. Burgers and ice cream might be go-to menu items in the summer, but those tempting foods could cause anxiety for calorie-counting guests. Another tip: Ask about their coffee habits. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you might want to pick up some beans to keep caffeine addicts happy in the morning. Or, on the other hand, if you’re a coffee nut, but your guests are more the tea drinking type, it would be nice to have a box of their favorite variety on hand.

 

Add lamps

Unless they have dimmers, ceiling lamps don’t diffuse light very well. Lamps, on the other hand, provide a nice ambiance. “Lamps are more decorative, kind of like jewelry for your home. Placing one next to a lounge chair will give guests a go-to spot to cozy up with a book at night.

 

Let them do some of the dirty work

You might try to be polite by telling guests not to help you with cooking or cleanup, but they might feel awkward watching you work. If they offer to help, take them up on the offer. If you’re less frazzled, they’ll probably feel less anxious too.

 

Make your home feel like a home and a hotel feel like a hotel

A pullout bed with old sheets is convenient, but to make guests feel more appreciated, consider pulling out all the stops. “I get all the sheets laundered and pressed, so when I they’re put on the bed they’re really crisp, like a hotel,”. At the very least, make the bed before they arrive so guests feel like they’re staying in a cozy, well-maintained spot in your home.

 

Offer special towels

To keep guests from getting confused about whose towel is whose, give them towels in different patterns or colors.

 

Make an air mattress comfy

No guest bedroom? An elevated airbed is a pricier but comfier alternative to a typical air mattress that might help your visitors sleep better. Placing an air mattress in front of the couch will create a makeshift headboard if your guests want to do some late-night reading. To give them more privacy, put a folding screen in front of their sleeping space.

 

Provide little luxuries

Make your visitors feel comfy the moment they step out of the shower. Providing cotton bathrobes are a nice touch for when guests finish washing up.

 

Make room for luggage

Clear out drawers and closet space for guests making an extended stay. If they’re only staying a night or two, consider buying a luggage rack where they can rest a suitcase. Visitors also might forget to pack an extra bag for laundry, so leave them with an empty plastic bag to separate dirty from clean.


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Aaltje B. 4 years ago

Wow, very good Brendon! I am going to study this list and take from it what suits our situation. Like the luggage storage, since our space is small for people And luggage.

And the dietary wishes, I love cooking, so can also cater for different needs. Anything is possible. As long as we have time enough to buy in the food we need. Homemade food is the best.

We have lots of people in New Zealand with gluten intolerance. So my cookies are standard gluten-free, and you can't tell!

I wish you lots of happy guests and happy memories for both guests and hosts. And nice weather for the summer too.

Greetings

Aaltje B.

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Hi! Brendon and thanks for posting your tricks.
I like them all and surely will try to follow them.
Guests are very appreciated when they discover little amenities in bathroom, bedroom, kitchen etc. If amI, I would like to add to your tricks that if you provide a fridge it’s nice to have it loaded with some goodies.
Your wood placemats are exceptional makes your table look very elegant. Excellent decoration.
Wish you well...

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Ian at Numurka… 4 years ago

we do all these brendan - but they just keep on complaining.

its very hard to keep all of them happy.

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Some guests cannot be satisfied whatever we do. They are the ones that like to criticize everything and everyone.
Don’t worry be happy...

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Lloydgibson1234 4 years ago

Thanks for a excellent set of hints......we have only just started , so far only 2 bookings , guests have been good.

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Hi! Lloydgibson1234 nice to have you here. Nice to hear your guests have been good.
Wish you all your guests are good and have a great season.

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Mashi Niwarthana 4 years ago

Wow. What a post.! Thank you so much for all the tricks. We have done aomething but not at all.

And i also agreed with Mr. Lan. Even though we did our best, some guests are not happy. When i feel that they don't satisfy, i have felt so sad. But now i have used it. Now i recognize like that people quickly and i don't go to acompnay with them too much. Just give what they want and just reply what they only asked.

So you also don't worry and don't think too much.

Cheers from SriLanka

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Mashi you are right. Don’t worry too much for things that are not worth it.
Cheers...

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Katerinka12 4 years ago

Most of the "tricks" here are meant for 5 stars and above. And as I can remember only Michael in the forum has luxury place. I hope that newbies will not follow the tips blindly and "Provide little luxuries".

I however appreciate the effort of writing this long post. At least one more prolific writer on the forum!

Brendan, are you a host as well and what kind of place do you manage?

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Katerinka thanks for mentioning that those most tricks are for 5 star accommodations. Now I realize that my Studio is a 5 star!!!
Thanks again for helpful remarks making me realize where I stand.
Wish you an incredible night.

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Colmanytime 4 years ago

ANOTHER TRICK to try to get a constant injection of 10 s reviews , is invite them on a free tour , of the local area , as thats what they want , i take them on a hour long tour and walk them 2km ! and get my exercise in as well , it always works ,

colm Arcadia House

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Hi! Colmanytime and welcome to the forum.
Very interesting and clever way to enjoy guests making them happy and eager to leave excellent reviews.
Wish you great guests and excellent reviews.

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Enquiries 4 years ago

Some very interesting and helpful tips. I suppose its about what suits your type of business , and , of course what prices you charge. I have been running my B&B 11 years now , and feel more confused about what people expect than I was when I started!! Recently , we had guests who were very friendly , joining myself and my girlfriend for a glass of wine on 2 occasions , showing pictures of his family , and giving me his business card. Then half way through his holiday he saw my personal bicycle , and became upset when I wouldnt let him take it. His attitude changed totally from then , and he left me a terrible review .. So maybe we need to add carbon fibre bicycles , cars , motorcycles , boats , credit cards , and partners to this list .. or risk a bad review!! Not sure if we are allowed to name them , so to protect his identity I will call him Antoine ***

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Aaltje B. 4 years ago

Wow, Enquiries, that was an unexpected turn in behaviour, Oh dear, some people don't take boundaries very well.

It is such a fine line and this shows that even with so many years in the trade, you still get surprised.

But let this not take away any spontaneous gestures for you, Keep being the polite hospitable host, with your own strategies and manners.

Everyone is different, so are our guests, and we have to sail through the lines, gently. Ooooff !!

What part of the world are you, Enquiries?

Greetings,

Aaltje B.

New Zealand.

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Unfortunatelly, guests take for granted hosts that are kind and supportive.

As Aaltje B. mentioned above, guests with rude manners should not discourage us. The good guys are more than the bad guys.

So be happy...

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Craigmoniecottage 4 years ago

I think we should always remember the old saying 'familiarity breeds contempt' and realise that the people staying are not your friends they are paying guests and as such should be treated in that manner with a very firm line inbetween. Guests are mostly overnight stays and therefore no time to forge 'friendship' Longer term guests can forge relationships especially if they are repeat visitors -that speaks for itself.

To keep a respectful distance allows the control needed when unsavoury situations arise i.e. breakages, unruly guests returning from a night out, incosideration of other guests etc.

I was brought up in this industry and have worked init for over 40 years and the changes I have seen during that time are amazing and sadly we live in a society controlled by the very platform we are communicating in and with that gives anonymity to be abusive, nasty writing hutful and untruthful things but that is what we have signed up for and until major changes are instigated by the governing bodies all over the world to how social media and the OTA's run their operations we just have to get by as best we can but you know 'nothing lasts forever' in the mean time keep a distance and keep a record of events Just don't rely on the OTA's for support

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Galwaygh 4 years ago

Trouble with some Guests when you ask them "Did you enjoy your stay?",they say "yes"and then when they get home they give you a lousy review.It is a pity we can't review some of our customers! When a customer gives you 5 out of 10 it is usually either malicious or because they paid for the cheapest room and expected the Penthouse Suite!Despite the fact that previous customers staying in the same room have given you 10 out of 10.Also how is it that when a customer gives you 10 out of 10 you cannot make a reply like for instance "Thankyou for your lovely review,please come again"

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Hi! Galwaygh and welcome to the forum...
Yes it is a pity when guests don’t leave positive reviews.
Take care...

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michael beeston 4 years ago

Hello Katerinka and "M"...Yes I have been reading all the comments and sometimes it is terribly unfair of guests who criticize for no apparent reason,,,even if you go to extremes to satisfy them...............with wine/chocolate/jams/cakes.

For our apartment we CATER for an 11 point review (not being arrogant or whatever) and although we don't do breakfast or jams ect.we have a very Luxurious apartment with furniture over 100 years old and rugs/painting 80 to 100 years old and a magic view over the water.

and Rita goes to a lot of trouble to make sure we have coffees /teas/Champagne/Bubble bath/Toothbrushes/after shave/perfume..you name it is it there.No tricks but we get great money and it has now 86 ..10.s in a row so we must be doing something right..The apartment ranks number 1 out of 700 apartments and Hotels (including Versace) in Queensland Gold Coast.

No tricks but we do go overboard with Luxury items...........even the sheets and pillows are satin/silk.....nice..BUT as I always say for us it is purely Business and we Give what the guest wants.............................so far its been wonderful.............I get very upset to hear all the problems people in the Forum have ..We all work so damn hard to please and accommodate the Guest !!!!

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Katerinka12 4 years ago

Hello, Michael!!!

I guess it's a different story, when a couple goes for honeymoon to luxury property and enjoys a magic view over the water and the magic in their eyes... And when someone checks in into the cheapest hostel he can ever find, when his family kicked him out of the house because of drugs.

But there is something that is definitely a must - a good host. So, maybe that's your trick ?

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Katerinka12 4 years ago

People, who stay at luxury properties are luxury themselves. They don't have time for bad reviews and motivation (staying at 5 stars, but expecting 3?)

Busy with meetings or even relaxing, why would a well-mannered lady or respective gentleman complain about people, who made him like that? I wouldn't imagine let's say Donald Trump (even with his attitude) complaining about the receptionist, finding a time to write a bad review. Different level, different game.

But once the property is slightly less than a luxury (I guess majority in the world?), it needs to fight unreasonable behavior of guests, which includes bad reviews as well.

How many 3 star properties in the world? And how many people think that "I am a client, I am choosing"? How many 3rd world countries that full of people who spend 1 month salary for 1 night stay?

And how many hosts, who experienced "I paid for 1 star, but must be 5"? ? And one question to professional complainers: if you are that smart, why are you poor?

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michael beeston 4 years ago

Katerinka.................Maybe !!!..agree..But don't we all try to be the perfect host under difficult people sometimes.I like you point about luxury..............if its 5 star for instance there should be !! nothing (and I mean NOTHING) to complain about ........Correct !!!

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michael beeston 4 years ago

When you come to Australia one day come and stay and enjoy ..........you would love it.............Champagne on the balcony haha...enjoy.

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Craigmoniecottage 4 years ago

Hi Michael Sounds fantastic where abouts in Oz are you and what are your charges per night for this unadulterated luxury. Making a trip in the next 12 months to Oz maybe we can treat ourselves.

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michael beeston 4 years ago

hahahaha Craigmoniecottage...............thanks, we charge $250 Dollars per night for Xmas and April and then down to $180 per night BUT for you guys a special deal as long as we can have a few beers and wines together on the Balcony.WELCOME anytime !!!...Michael. ..During the Commonwealth games we charged $400 per night..damn good money !!!

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michael beeston 4 years ago

Location Surfers Paradise.Queensland Aussie........

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Craigmoniecottage 4 years ago

Hi Michael - can't quibble with that - excellent rates (do you make the wine yourselves ha ha) -good for you. Prices in U.K. for the standard you are working to are generally higher - would be interesting to compare costings etc. I think in uk. our o'head costs might be higher but I am not sure about food - I think some parts of Oz are dearer for food i.e. bacon prices seems to be very high out with you guys when we watch some of these comparison shows in U.K.

Be interested to know.

Have a good day and definately worth a few glasses of fizz/wine if we get out your way. Getting quite a few folks now from Oz. as it is coming into winter there. Had folks the other day from Adelaide (had just arrived and left behind 40 degrees to come to 11 / 12 degrees in the Scottihs Highlands) They were feeling the cold allright!! but they got a warm welcome

C

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michael beeston 4 years ago

Hi Craigmoniecottage...................Thanks and yes I used to make my own wine hahaha but not anymore !!!......................I agree our place and its luxury is a bit out of place in Surfers.there are 1,000s of apartments and Hotels...Surfers Paradise is the most visited tourist place in Australia..a bit like California.............so we have to ALMOST compete on prices, some of the prices on the tourist strip are incredibly low..like $160 a night for 4 people for 2 days.Not worth it !!..Backpackers rates..............We could charge $340 per night BUt would only get 40 or 50 people a year so we also have to be competitive, although our prices are normally much higher than the opposition and we ONLY have either 1 or 2 people MAX staying, Honeymooners/Anniversary/Business people/Overseas guests..Chinese/Asian/Russian stuff like that...not many Brits as its too expensive so they go for the Cheapest normally (haha..its true)..Also we were in the UK last year and bloody expensive compared to Aussie..........I think a McDonalds hamburger costs something like 3 or 4 Pound ??..in Aussie 30%cheaper and a Pint in a Surf Club equal to 3 Pound..how much a pint in the Uk..say London/Cardiff.??..Petrol in Aussie (average) 65 pence per litre....its gettingf colder in Surfers as well....night time 12 degrees daytime still 26 (lovely) Not really a winter at all..........The Surfers Paradise Surf Clubs offer breakfast Buffet (as much as you can eat for are you ready !!!...........6 Pound !!!! includes eggs/bacon/orange juice/toast/cereal EVERYTHING...........that's one of the reasons we don't do any breakfast for the guest..Great talking to you and hope this helps a bit with the comparison. We found the Uk bloody expensive. !!!.For instance what is the hourly rate for a cleaner in the Uk(average.........here in Aussie its 14/15 Pounds)

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michael beeston 4 years ago

Rita went shopping yesterday to the local supermarket and these are some of the food items converted to Pounds.Enjoy....

1. Milk (2 litres) 1 pound

2.potatoes (2 kilos) 3 pound

3.Apples (Royal 1kg) 1.80 pence

4.Butter (500gram) 2.77pence

5. Rump Steak (1 KG) 12.40pence

6. Sausages Beef(Thick 1 kg) 3.50 pence

7. Sugar (2 kg) 1 pound

8. chicken drumsticks (1 kg) 1.60 pence

9.Case of Beer (lager 30 cans x 375) 24 Pound

Just an indication of average Aussie prices............Bacon(average 3 pound per kilo..can be cheaper or more expensive dependant on the cut)

"M" what are the prices for similar in Greece ?/ and Katerinka in the Philippines ??..curious to say the least.

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Hello!!! Michael....you forgot about the champagne.... This weekend I have a very special guest and we are always out for drinks .....having a great time. Next week when I go to the supermarket I will let you know. Give my regards to Rita...
Cheers...
PS in Paros at Barbarossa fish restaurant they charge the 3 lt of Champagne 6.000 Euros.!!!!

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michael beeston 4 years ago

Hi "M"..say a big hello to Laura from us and enjoy...

Champagne (we can't call it that in Aussie but sparkling wine in a Champagne bottle !!)

We buy an Aussie Sparkling called Yellowglen Pinot Noir Chardonnay (same wines as Champagne) its very very nice

750 Mil bottle ,,normally Australian $17.00 but we buy 4 dozen at a time so we get it for Average $9/10 per bottle.

Your 3 litre is AMAZING !!! price..Have fun with Laura and we are out for Mothers Day today and yes !!.a few Champagnes hahaha.

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Thanks Michael, we are having a wonderful time....wish you were here...The weather is excellent for this time of the year!!!!The sun...the sky...the sea...the company...everything is perfect...Luxury in simplicity...
Happy Mother’s Day....

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michael beeston 4 years ago

so glad..we also wish we were there............off to Melbourne/Sydney next week to see the Grandchildren BUT off to the Beach this afternoon..........................Yippie !!!y next week..time to see the Grandchildren.

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M Adamopoulou 4 years ago

Wow!!!Michael this red convertible is fantastic.... Yes I wish I was there.... You never know...sometimes dreams come true...
Have fun with your grandchildren...