The Well-Dressed Guest Room: Luxe Layers, Thoughtful Touches & True Hospitality

Summer tends to bring houseguests—from long-weekend visitors to spontaneous family drop-ins. And while offering a place to sleep is kind, creating a retreat is unforgettable. In our home, the guest suite has its own entrance just off the backyard, and preparing it has become one of my favorite rituals. I think of it as designing a boutique hotel experience: peaceful, practical, and filled with thoughtful touches that make guests feel seen.

Read on to find out how to make your guests feel welcomed in every way.

1. Invest in Bedding That Speaks “Stay a While”

High-quality linens are non-negotiable. I love using all white, crisp percale or buttery bamboo sheets layered with a quilted coverlet and a plush duvet or comforter. One of my favorite, reasonably priced brands is Quince. Add a few cloud-like pillows (both down and alternative for preferences), and top it off with a lightweight throw at the foot of the bed. It’s these small indulgences that signal: you’re welcome here, and you’re not in a rush to leave.

Design Tip: Neutral bedding with texture—think matelassé or fine linen—creates a serene base that works across seasons and lets accent pillows or throws add personality. Or for the full hotel feel- go all white.

2. Elevate the Essentials: Towels & Toiletries

Stock the ensuite (or bath setup) with spa-quality towels—thick, white, and neatly rolled. Try this easy tutorial to impress your guests with your mad skills. If you haven’t discovered Coyuchi yet, they have some great towels.  I like to tuck in a basket with extras: a hairdryer, makeup towels, and a simple toiletry kit with items they may have forgotten (toothbrush, razor, mini deodorant, travel-size face wash, Q-tips, dental picks). These touches anticipate needs, making your guests feel at ease without having to ask. Don’t forget the extra toilet paper!

This year I made some fun mini ‘his’ & ‘hers’ baskets filled with some necessities specifically geared towards both. For the hers, I included a hydrating face mask, mini deodorant, sweet-smelling (but not too strong) lotion, a gua sha, and some mini-sized perfumes. ‘His’ included beard balm (so many of our men have one right now, men's facial mask and some masculine smelling soap.

3. Curate a Thoughtful Snack & Beverage Station

Skip the basic granola bar and bottled water. Instead, elevate the snack tray to feel personal and indulgent. I usually include:

• Glass-bottled sparkling water or a small chilled carafe with lemon slices

• Chocolate-covered espresso beans or gourmet sea salt caramels

• A handful of artisan mixed nuts

• A mini coffee bar

• A linen napkin and handwritten welcome note

Optional: A mini fridge stocked with bubbly or berries is a delightful surprise in warmer months. We don’t have a fridge in the room, but right outside the room at the BBQ we have one and I stock that with yogurt, water, cheese, and fruit.

4. Add a Welcome Sign & Personal Touches

Because our guest suite has a private entrance, I love hanging a personalized sign on the door that says ‘Kastner (last name of the party) Suite. ' It sets the tone for a stay and makes them feel like the special, welcomed guest that they are. 

Inside, I usually place a small bud vase with fresh greenery or a seasonal bloom from the yard. (you may know by now my love for flowers!) A stack of vacation-type books or a guide to local coffee shops and wine tasting rooms adds a thoughtful touch that feels like you're welcoming them into your lifestyle, not just your home.

5. Create Comfort Through Flow & Function

Ensure the lighting is layered (overhead + lamp + nightlight), outlets are accessible, and there's a place to rest a suitcase or hang a coat. I keep an extra phone charger and a cozy robe available as well—it’s amazing how those little details elevate the entire stay.

In the end, it’s all about layering hospitality into the design. I make every effort to have the guest space reflect how we live—hopefully it translates as warm, generous, and curated. Whether you're hosting family for the holidays or friends for a summer weekend, these details create more than comfort—they create memories.

Want the full checklist, product links, and my styling tips for creating your own guest suite experience? They’re all inside this week’s issue of The Curated Edit—my bi-monthly newsletter for design-loving hosts who value comfort, beauty, and elevated living. Subscribe here to get it delivered straight to your inbox.

"Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury."

– Coco Chanel

Lisa