What should a "functional guest room" contain?

lmdbww

What besides a bed and at least 1 nightstand do you consider a necessity?

Trying to figure out what we can fit in the official guest bedroom in our next house and whether it's functional or not...  We would probably be doing a full bed but i'm unsure if more will fit because of the window and closet layout.

FWIW we don't get guests often, maybe a few times a year tops, and usually only for a weekend.  Personally when we go away I never unpack my clothing and always live out of my travel bags, but I don't know what "normal" people do.

MommyLiberty5013

I like many hangers in the closet. Wall hooks. A luggage rack or some place off the floor to set a suitcase. Also, if you can fit it, a chair. A mirror, preferably full-size, a clock that DOES NOT TICK, but has an alarm. Neutral and relaxing colors. A comfy mid-firm/pillow top mattress that isn't too one way or the other, NEW or newer non-allergenic pillows (no down fill)...I can't stand it when people pass on their flat, used ones to the guest room when they buy new ones for their master. If it's a hardwood floor and gets cold, then a rug. Also, ample drawer space (personally, if I'm staying longer than 2 days, I like to unpack my bags in a dresser and not live out of my suitcase.) I also can't stand it when people put all their old clothing or junk  in a guest room and take up all the usable space.

This is what I try to offer my guests and what I enjoy when I travel. :O)

jessicah628

I think you're fine as long as there's a bed, at least one open drawer, and somewhere to hang things. A clock and mirror are both nice to have as well. 

brianabrad

In our new house, our guest room will contain a full size bed and bed side table. I think we might also put in the extra little 13 inch tv we have, depending on place of the cable jack. I really don't think you need to overdo the guest room. We get guest often, at least one a month, but they are friends and they are just happy to have a place to sleep that isn't the floor or couch. I might mentioned these are often my DH's male college friends.

In our townhome, we have the guest room set up as just our extra storage space and I hate it. There is a lot going on in that room! In our new house, since we will have 3 bedrooms and space for a dedicated guest room I'd like to make it a little more comfortable for them but won't be spending a ton of money to do that.

Passanie

Sounds like you've already got the basics. I never unpack either when staying with someone. The only thing I like is a chair or something to put my backpack on, though it's not a necessity. I would ditto the clock that doesn't tick thing if you have a clock. Omg, I cannot sleep with a clock ticking in the room, or anything else that makes noise, for that matter.

Jason&Christy

I think pps covered it well. When I travel for training, usually 1-2 nights, I stay with my cousin and I absolutely love that she has one of those folding luggage rack things.  I never unpack. She also keeps a fan in the room which I appreciate because I like a little noise at night. Really, I'm just happy she has room for me and we get to spend time together.

dairygirl19

All I need is a bed and someone to show me where the towels are.

 

Surfinbride

dairygirl19:

All I need is a bed and someone to show me where the towels are.

 

Me, too. I'm simple... I like a nice pillow and a towel that doesn't look like it's been used by the dog.

When I stay with friends/family, I don't expect much. I'm there because I enjoy the people. My mom has giant down pillows that she got on super-clearance because they are made with stabbing feather quills. IMO they don't count as functional b/c it's impossible to sleep when you are being poked in the head.

 

MrsMelB

dairygirl19:

All I need is a bed and someone to show me where the towels are.

 

Ditto. I use my cell phone as an alarm and I have a portablt light up mirror in my luggage. Done.

tbridetobe

Not required, but a fan or white noise machine is nice because other peoples' houses always have noises different than your own, so it's nice to have something to cover up those noises to allow the traveler to get to sleep.

JenniferTCU

In my guest room, I have a bed, a nightstand, a dresser, hangers in the closet, a luggage rack and a TV. The connecting bathroom is stocked with toilet paper, towels, hand cloths and soap. I think there's also a traveler's kit of toothpaste and toothbrush.

candreco

Everything pp's have said, plus decent window coverings- good shades, blackout curtains, something that really blocks light.

jacksjerseygirl

I know not everyone has the ability but honestly I try to make my guests feel as comfortable as I would want. It doesn't matter to me if we have ppl stay one or ten weekends out of the year. 

 

- king bed with nice sheets and blankets

- nice pillows not over worn

- dresser (we have big closets so I put it in the closet to save floor space)  with hangers. 

- night stand - lamp - alarm clock (I always leave bottled water on the night stands along with a decorative dish with something sweet and something savory)

- chair

- collapsae luggage rack in closet

- wall art/mirror

- black out blinds/curtains

- I find a lot of ppl like fans that make a bit of background noise so I usually have one in the closet.

- in the past I've had tvs but this time I decided aagainst because our guest rooms are on lower level with our family room

- guest bath I keep stocked with nice towels, travel tooth paste, extra tooth brushes, mini deodorants, shampoo etc.  

 

I know it sounds like Im running a hotel but when guests stay with us it is important to ME that they are comfortable and feel welcomed.