When selecting a guest room, be sure to pick a room that has a connecting bathroom and one that is not near a busy part of the home like a child’s bedroom. When a guest feels part of the home, but also separated, they are much more likely to feel comfortable. Having a quiet area away from the hustle and bustle - as well as curious children - can lead to a relaxed, sleep-filled night. If your guest arrives in the evening, be sure to turn on soft lights and light candles for a welcoming effect.

If possible, include a sitting area for your guests by placing a comfortable chair or settee near a side table with a lamp. Include a blanket and pillow as well as a small selection of books and magazines. As space permits, you can add a desk in the room as well, stocking it well with pens, stationery and stamps. On the desk (or on the dresser if space does not permit a desk) provide a vase of fresh flowers and a basket of brochures on local favorites, including restaurants, museums, movie theaters and stores.

The bed in the room is the most important piece of furniture, and will play a big part in whether or not your guest will be comfortable. Try to have a double bed or larger in the room and provide plenty of sleeping pillows – two medium or firm and two soft pillows. To get hotel quality sheets, starch and iron for crispness and spray with linen spray available from home stores like Pottery Barn. Sheets should have a thread count of at least 200, and are best when the thread count is 300 or above. Because temperatures affect everyone differently, provide a heavy- and light-weight blanket. Add an extra special touch by printing up a small card with the next day’s weather on it, attaching an individually wrapped chocolate then placing below each pillow.

While many of us use guest rooms for extra storage, resist the urge to use your closet for out-of-season clothes, or anything else. Your guest should have adequate closet and drawer space, and since many don’t travel with hangers, provide a variety for dresses, trousers, jackets and blouses. Placing an ironing board and iron in the closet will allow guests to get the wrinkles out without feeling like they are bothering their hostess. Be sure to include linen spray, as well as starch and a water bottle.

Stock the bathroom with essentials they might have forgotten (a great time to use all those little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, shower cap and soap you brought home from your last hotel stay) in a basket. You can also include specialty candles, lotions, bubble bath, loofah, bath salts and even a gift certificate for a massage or pedicure at a local spa. Clean towels should be easily accessible, including two large bath towels, two face towels and one washcloth per person. If possible, provide a freshly cleaned terry cloth robe and slippers for added comfort. Add a hamper for disposal of towels, and pick up frequently so fresh towels can be replaced.

To provide a welcome gift for your guest that adds an extra luxurious touch, prepare a gift basket with homemade goodies (be sure to include the recipe) or store-bought snacks. Cheeses that do well at room temperature would be nice paired with crackers and a cutting board and cheese slicer. Place linen napkins in the basket and several bottles of water. It is also a good idea to invest in a small coffee pot to leave in the room as well as local ground coffee, sweetener, cream and several mugs.

With adequate planning and a few personal touches, your guest room can become a sanctuary even the most luxurious hotels can’t emulate.