This post was updated on 7/28/2025.

Ever wonder how many friends and relatives you really have?!? Buy a home on a lake, and you will find out quickly. In the Eight years since we bought what will someday be our retirement home on a lake about an hour and a half from where we now live, we have hosted twice as many guests as we ever have in the city. And while we LOVE hosting our friends and family, we have had to learn a few tricks for keeping everyone comfortable. Here are my seven favorite tips for preparing for overnight guests.

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Tip #1: Create a Sleep Sanctuary

It’s important to create a comfortable space. Nothing is comfier than crawling into a freshly made bed with soft sheets at the end of the day. Remember, you want your guests to feel pampered. My favorites are these beautiful sheets from Cariloha. These are made from bamboo and are super soft and cool to the touch, which is a bonus at the lake. I like them so much, I’ve added them to every bed in the house.

Tip #2: Offer An Assortment of Pillows

Pillows! Offer choices – seriously, I can’t stress this enough. People are so particular about their pillow habits. I like to provide a few downy fluffy pillows, some flat pillows, and memory foam options for each guest to choose from. I’ll admit, as an Airbnb host, I take this to extremes: I leave two of each pillow type in the top of the closet, clearly marked “soft,” “medium,” and “firm” on the tags. While you might not go to this level, simply having a variety of pillows on hand will go a long way in keeping your guests happy!

Tip #3: Welcome Guests with Refreshing Beverages

Have cold drinks or perhaps a cocktail at the ready… depending on the guest and the time of day. This is one of those small gestures that speaks volumes about your hospitality!

A pretty carafe of fresh water and a glass on the nightstand in their room is always welcome. It means they don’t have to venture out for a drink in the middle of the night or early morning. You could even add a few slices of lemon or cucumber to the water for an extra spa-like touch!

If you know your guests enjoy wine, especially at the end of a fun day at the lake, consider leaving a bottle of wine (red or white, depending on their preference or the season) and a couple of glasses on a side table. This little touch immediately says, “Relax, you’re on vacation here.” For non-wine drinkers, a couple of local craft beers or sparkling waters are also fantastic options. It’s all about making them feel truly catered to and at ease.

Tip #4: Provide Designated Space for Personal Belongings

Provide a place to put their things. Whether it’s a place to leave an overnight bag or a dresser drawer, your guests need a place for their things. My rooms are small, so I am a fan of luggage racks. If a dresser is available, dedicating a few clean, empty drawers for their use is a wonderful touch.

Another thing I’ve learned from being an Airbnb host is that guests LOVE hooks. They are just so easy while on vacation. Consider adding a few hooks on the back of the door for coats or towels as well. Just making sure there’s an obvious, tidy spot for them to unpack a bit will make them feel much more settled and at home.

Tip #5: Stock Your Nightstand

Provide a nightstand by the bed to hold a reading light, a phone charger, and a speaker. It’s the little details your guests will appreciate. I also like to add fresh flowers, and if I know the person well enough to know they aren’t bothered by fragrances, a softly scented candle to make the space even cozier.

Tip #6: Stock the Bathroom with Essentials and Extras

They will be using the bathroom, leaving clean towels in an accessible location, and letting them know they are for their use. Also, store extra toilet paper in a handy location so it is easy to spot.

I like to leave a basket of toiletries in the bathroom (including new toothbrushes and other essentials) in case they have forgotten anything.

Tip #7: Offer Guests Local Options to Explore

Leave your guests some options for things to do. I like to leave a list of local highlights. This way, they are free to spend some time alone exploring the area if they wish. Visiting and catching up is wonderful, but some free time alone can be a very nice break for both your guests and you as well.

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With a bit of planning and these simple tips, you can transform your guest room into a welcoming haven for all your overnight guests. Small gestures go a long way in making visitors feel truly at home. After all, happy guests make for happy hosts and wonderful memories that will last long after they’ve headed back home.

Cheers to having your home filled with friends and family.

Until next time,

-Libbie