Amenity Essentials for the Perfect Guest Bedroom

Best Guest Room Essentials

“Come and knock on our dooooooooor. We’ll be waiting for youuuuuuuu.” Sorry this post just made me burst out in song a little bit.

Because ever since I refreshed our spare bedroom for guests ahead of the holiday season, I’m like, “Bring on the crowd!”

I brainstormed ALL of the amenities and essentials a guest could ever want or need to help you make friends and family feel as comfy cozy as possible.

If you own an Airbnb, this can be a helpful resource for stocking your vacation rental too.

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure here.)

By the way, if you want to skip this post and simply shop what you need, you can find all of the guest bedroom amenities I recommend here.

A Comfy Guest Bed

1. Comfortable Mattress

We LOVE this budget-friendly mattress and all of our guests have so far too. It’s less than $350 for a queen. We made it even more squishy and cozy with this gel mattress topper. It feels like a cloud! If you can’t provide anything else, a comfortable bed is the best amenity you can provide.

2. Soft Sheets

We have these sheets on all of our beds. Totally hooked!

Our guests always comment about how soft they are. Always choose white. White feels clean (hence why hotels have them) and can be bleached.

3. Different Varieties of Sleeping Pillows

Some people prefer foam, some prefer down, so throw in a couple of both. Hotels usually offer a variety of fillings in their sleeping pillows, so consider the same for your guests’ comfort. We love these gel pillows the best though.

4. Plush Duvet

This down alternative duvet comforter is our preference, warm but not too heavy and totally squish-able. If you prefer real down, this budget-friendly goose down duvet insert feels every bit as amazing as the luxury versions.

Temperature Control

5. Extra Blanket

If guests get cold in the middle of the night, they’ll appreciate an extra blanket within reach. This one is sooooo soft and warm.

6. Ceiling Fan or Box Fan

This is a must-have for any hot-natured visitors! We have this ceiling fan with a bright overhead light in our guest room, and it circulates air like a champ. If you prefer not to install a ceiling fan but want something “pretty”, this vintage style stand fan is beautiful and functional.

Equipped Nightstands

7. Alarm Clock

This clock is great because it has an extra port to plug in a mobile charger and guests can play music on it through their phone.

8. Sound Machine

We just picked up this sound machine that does a good job of blocking out noises around the house when you’re trying to sleep.

If you really want to pamper your guests, a Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock and Sound Machine combines both with better quality white noise and smart capabilities.

9. Fresh Flowers

It’s a fancy little touch and so thoughtful. If you can’t do fresh, fill a vase with artificial flowers and spritz them with a floral scent.

10. Books and Magazines

I stock our guest bedroom with a variety of reading material with some favorite reads of my and Robert’s just in case guests need to read a chapter or two to wind down for the night.

Related: The Greatest Coffee Table Books for All Interests

11. Bedside Tables

I found vintage MCM nightstands for our guest room for a steal! Don’t forget to check Facebook Marketplace for secondhand nightstands, if you don’t want to splurge for new.

Related: Simple Bedside Table Decorating Ideas

12. Trinket Dish

It helps to have a small dish to place jewelry or coins on the nightstand to prevent any rogue earrings from rolling away.

13. Bedside Lamps

These lamps are great for reading that guests can swivel all directions to customize the best reading light.

14. Extra Phone Chargers

We keep a universal phone charger in a drawer in the room just in case guests ever forget theirs.

15. Power Strip

Power strips always seem to come in handy, especially for people with other electronics like laptops and iPads. (I prefer one with a long cord that I can place under the bed but still easily access.)

Convenient Items

16. Full Length Mirror

I always appreciate when a hotel room has a full length mirror, especially if someone else needs to be in the bathroom while I put on my makeup.

17. Wall Hook

Wall hooks come in handy all the time for hanging up towels or purses or a robe, etc. This hook was meant for a lantern but I love how large it is!

18. Wastebasket

It’s always frustrating when you have trash and nowhere to toss it. I like that this wastebasket has a lid.

Guest Desk / Vanity

19. Vanity or Desk

Sometimes it’s not possible to put on makeup in the bathroom if others need to use it, so a little vanity or desk with a small tabletop mirror comes in handy. Guests might even need to get a little work done while they’re visiting, so it helps to have one for them to use. We had a lawyer friend stay with us last summer who was very thankful for that small office desk space. I found ours on Facebook Marketplace for $50 and painted it years ago, but this black secretary desk is similar. Don’t forget a chair!

20. Tissue Box

I dressed up a tissue box with this marble cover.

21. Notepad and Pens

It’s nice to have just in case guests need to jot down anything.

22. Chocolate or Candy

Robert immediately swooped in and stole these chocolates right after I took this picture so maybe wait to put those out until guests arrive. 😉 Little thief.

23. Bottle of Water

In case guests need a swig in the middle of the night, having some bottled water nearby is really helpful.

25. Blackout Shades and/or Curtains

In case guests like to sleep in or need the room pitch black from any street lights, invest in blackout curtains or window shades. We are so happy with these velvet curtains.

Related: Best Luxury for Less Amazon Curtains, Rods & Window Shades

26. Nightlight

It’s especially nice to have if you have children visiting who need a light. I really like this 2-pack dimmable nightlight, so I can place one in the guest bedroom and one in the hallway leading to the bathroom to help visitors walk through our home easily at night.

27. Television

Include a TV remote with instructions. Bonus points if you have a streaming stick (if it’s not a smart TV) so guests can have access to movies and TV episodes. Some guests like falling asleep to a television show. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive or fancy. Have your streaming services already signed in with a guest profile so your visitors can have instant access.

Guest Welcome Basket

28. Extra Toiletries in a Basket

Include:

• mini bottles of shampoo
• conditioner
• body wash
• hair gel
• hair detangler
• hair styling mousse/cream
• lotion
• toothbrush (I stock a big bag of these biodegradable individually packaged bamboo toothbrushes.)
• toothpaste
• floss
• mouthwash
• comb
• saline solution
• contact case
• headache medicine
• stomach medicine
• heartburn medicine
• allergy medicine (especially if you have pets and your guests might be allergic)
• Liquid IV or Gatorade packet
• nail clippers
• Q-tips
• lint roller
• feminine hygiene products
• loofah
• shower cap
• razor
• chapstick
• snacks and treats

Basically, go buck wild in the travel aisle at Target or buy them in bulk if you tend to have a lot of guests stay over frequently. Have a little stock pile of travel sized toiletries set aside. After guests leave, replenish the basket.

29. Extra Towels

White towels are preferable so they can be bleached (plus, they just feel extra clean and hotel-like). These are my absolute favorite towels that we’ve used for years. I tuck them in the bottom of the welcome basket.

30. Wi-Fi Password

Display your Wi-Fi network name and password in a cute picture frame. Feel free to print my guest Wi-Fi printable to display in your own guest room.

31. Spare Hairdryer

I always seem to forget my hair dryer and have to bum one off of the friend we’re staying with. This compact hair dryer is small and cheap but does the job.

32. Portable Crib

A basic pack-n-play stowed in a closet is really helpful for guests with little ones. It comes in handy even if guests are only visiting for the day and their baby needs a nap mid-afternoon.

33. Empty Hangers and Closet Space

Total confession: Our closet is still a mess. Workin’ on that one. But it’s good for guests to have access to a little bit of closet space in case they need to hang any clothing.

34. Luggage Rack

We have this fold-up luggage rack that works perfectly for guests to easily access their suitcases. It’s now discontinued but this rack is similar.

35. Steamer or Iron

Keep a mini ironing board tucked in a closet too. It’s definitely not necessary but it’s helpful. This steamer is great for tucking away when needed.

36. Small Coffee Maker or Tea Kettle

Honestly, can I have this in our primary bedroom, please and thank you? This mini Keurig is compact and perfect for the job.

37. Clean Bathrobe

A robe is especially handy if the guest bathroom is down the hall or if you just want your guests to feel at home. How nice would it be to have a spa robe just like they have in hotel rooms? Disposable slippers are great to have too.

38. Diffuser and Essential Oils

I personally use and love this diffuser. Include a bottle of lavender essential oil to help guests relax. An essential oil based linen spray is nice to lightly spritz on the sheets too.

Related: 16 Natural Hacks to Make Your House Smell Amazing

39. A Candle

You can keep some flameless candles on the dresser set on a timer to turn on at dusk. It’s just a nice touch to add some coziness.

40. Hamper

I often use the provided laundry bags in hotels, especially for wet swimsuits. Having a simple pop-up hamper available can be helpful.

This seems like a lot (and let’s be honest, it is… it’s above and beyond). But of course, you won’t be buying this massive list of things for one guest. Usually a guest will only use a few things out of your provisions, so once you stock your room, you can just replenish your stash as needed for years to come.

More Guest Bedroom Ideas

• Home Office Guest Room Ideas
• 10 Cozy Bedroom Ideas on a Budget for the Best Sleep Ever
• Simple Bedside Table Decor Ideas
• Modern Vintage Beds for a Low Budget
• How to Make a Bed Like the Magazines

Whew! That was a lot, but I’d rather give you an overload of amenities, so that you can pick and choose how much or how little you want to provide to your visitors. Are there any other hotel guest room amenities you would add?

Do you have a guest room in your house and go all out to welcome friends and family into your home? I get totally giddy setting up our mini hotel room.

“Be not forgetful of hospitality, for by it some have entertained angels unaware.” – Hebrews 13:2