The perfect guest room

The guest room often becomes a catch-all for all your unwanted things but with the summer coming that can means visitors, so here's how to create "the perfect guest room":

When you start to plan your guest room, think about what you'd expect to find in a 5-star hotel and try to make your room measure up to that standard. Your budget may not have enough in it to let you create a getaway oasis, but you can clear the space, arrange what's necessary, and provide a quiet place to relax.

1 -- The Best Bed Your Money Can Buy
Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. If you can't afford a new or good used bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. They're really quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor. A good night's sleep is important for everyone and if you have a lot of people under one roof you want to make sure everyone is in a great mood!

2 -- Bedding Upgrades
Beyond clean bedding, think about adding wonderful bed linens and comfort items often supplied by fine B&B's: a featherbed mattress topper, a choice of pillows, a cozy down comforter, extra blankets, and freshly ironed pillowcases. This about the season too - extra blankets or flannel sheets for winter and fresh cotton sheets for summer. When it comes to purchasing the bedding look for the sales more department stores have regular linen sales.

3 -- Fresh Linens
Always have an extra set of bed and bath linens available for your guests. Accidents DO happen! Or you may have one of those wonderful guests who insists on changing the sheets when they leave. Let them do it! And thank them profusely!

4 -- A Place to Set Down a Suitcase
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. No one likes to have to stoop over to the floor to pull out a clean pair of socks. Even a chair is better than nothing!

5 -- Keep the clutter out!

The surfaces should only be covered with the essentials maybe a clock, a small calendar, a bottle of water and some fresh flowers.

6 -- A Comfy Place to Sit
Some people absolutely do not sit on a bed! And your guests shouldn't have to. Place an upholstered armchair or side chair in the room with a table and lamp close by.

7 -- Good lighting!

It's always nice to have a light control near the bed, so your guest won't have to stumble around in the dark, just to turn a light on. If nothing else, provide a good reading light near a chair or over the bed. Another fixture or lamp near the desk would be great. A small night light is helpful and a lighted magnifying make-up mirror is a real luxury!

8 -- Hanging Clothes Storage
If your guest room shares space with a home office, clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes. Don't forget a supply of 6 or 8 hangers. A simple hook on the wall or behind a closet door can hold a robe, coat, or a purse.

9 -- Drawer Space
If you have an extra chest of drawers, how perfect! But at least clear out one or two drawers for small items. Both you and your guest will feel better with odds and ends out of sight.

10 -- Simple Basics
I need to have a lighted clock next to my bed. An alarm clock or clock/radio is even better. Provide paper and pens or pencils, scissors, tape, tissue, and a hair dryer and have all the bases covered. If you don't have an extra iron and ironing board to offer, be sure to tell your guest where they can find yours. A phone in the room will be a much-appreciated bonus item.

11 -- Provide a Set of Keys
Put together several sets of keys to your home (and car if your guests will be using it). Color-code the sets and keep track of who has what. Keep a simple log (where you can find it) of who has which colored set, and check them in when they're returned.

The list of things you've just read might seem very long, but the things on the list are very simple and logical to provide. By thinking of what you would like to find in a fine hotel room, you'll be on your way to creating a perfect guest room.