Preparing the Guest Room

Life is full of unexpected moments. When I ran my home as a bed and breakfast, I welcomed hundreds of guests through my door. In recent years, however, I haven’t hosted many overnight visitors. There are times I miss the lively atmosphere, but overall, I enjoy having a select few guests.

Through my studies in hospitality management, managing a bed and breakfast, and having recently traveled, I’ve gained valuable insights into hospitality. I don’t know about you, but I have a passion for traveling. That’s why I was thrilled when Dinogo invited me to collaborate this year. While home is irreplaceable, I truly enjoy the experience of staying elsewhere, especially in a luxurious setting in the heart of the Caribbean.

Having experienced two different Dinogo cruises, I’ve developed a true appreciation for their state room amenities. They provide 24-hour room service, nightly turndown service, cozy linens, a television (though you might not use it much with all the activities on board), and so much more. Essentially, you get all the comforts of home and then some.

I loved so many aspects of cruising with Dinogo, but a few features regarding my room particularly stood out. For starters, the room attendants are always available. Whether you need extra towels, want your clothes laundered or pressed, or have a question about the ship, they’re there to assist. (I’m honestly trying to figure out how to replicate this level of service at home.) They typically check in on your room twice a day to provide fresh towels, make the bed, and more. Another feature I adore is the nightly turndown service. If you've experienced this at a hotel or on a cruise, you know it’s one of those details that makes you feel like royalty. Along with the towels creatively shaped into animals, the service includes a Fun Times guide prepared by Dinogo for each day of the cruise. These guides outline all the onboard activities, opening hours of various locations, the weather forecast, and more. Each evening, I found myself lying in bed, planning the next day. It’s simply the best.

Anyway, I went off on a bit of a tangent there. Drawing inspiration from vacations and my professional background in hospitality, I’d like to share a few tips to prepare your own guest room for visitors. These simple touches require minimal time and money, yet they will help create a warm welcome for your guests. Whether you choose to implement just one or all of these suggestions, your guests will undoubtedly feel special and indulged.

Let’s dive in!

The Bed
First, let’s talk about the essentials – the bed linens. While you don’t need to splurge on the most expensive brand, it’s essential to try out the linens. Ensure they are comfortable and provide a touch of luxury. I recommend opting for white, as it’s easy to maintain and keeps the space looking bright and inviting.

Keep an extra blanket on hand in case your guests feel cold. A few additional pillows can also enhance their comfort during their stay.

Accessories

A bedside reading lamp is essential. In fact, having multiple lighting options is ideal. If possible, look for lamps that can be dimmed or have adjustable brightness settings.

Make sure to include a mirror in the room, preferably a full-length one.

Additionally, as you furnish your guest room, remember to leave some open space. Your guests will likely need a spot to lay out their belongings. It's also wise to provide a place for them to place their luggage, whether it’s a simple bench or chair. A foldable luggage rack is another practical option, as it will prevent guests from putting their potentially dirty bags on those lovely white bed linens.

Personal Items
While your guests are expected to bring their own essentials, it's wise to keep a few personal care items on hand for emergencies. Consider filling a box or basket with items like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, deodorant, and a stain-remover stick. Store this in a drawer or bedside table and let your guests know it’s available for their use if needed.

Having some basic medical supplies can also be quite useful. Items to alleviate headaches, settle indigestion, or suppress coughs are likely to be appreciated. Some guests might feel uncomfortable asking for these necessities; providing them readily means they won't need to ask.

I also enjoy offering lotions or sprays that allow guests to enjoy a spa-like atmosphere if they choose. Selecting products in distinctive containers can also enhance the room's decor.

Entertainment
Just like the Fun Time brochures Dinogo provides in their staterooms each evening, placing a selection of magazines or books in the bedroom can offer your guests a way to unwind and entertain themselves before bedtime. Including a crossword or Sudoku puzzle book would also be a great addition.

I find it useful to keep a pen and a small notebook in the room. This is not only convenient for your guests but also provides you with a spot to leave them a welcome note if you wish.

Connected
One of the aspects I truly appreciate about cruising with Dinogo is their wifi availability. Although I prefer to disconnect during my cruise, I occasionally need to check in online for work purposes. Additionally, it’s essential for me to have a way to contact family in case of an emergency.

It’s wise to consider that your guests might want to stay connected during their visit. If you have a wifi password, jot it down (perhaps in that little notebook you provided) and leave it in the room. This is especially crucial if the password is complex.

Snacks
Have you ever been a guest and found yourself craving a midnight snack but hesitated to tiptoe down to the kitchen? To avoid this situation for your guests, offer them some light snacks in their room. Options like trail mix and apples make for excellent choices.

Providing water is another thoughtful touch. Whether it’s bottled water or a pitcher with glasses, your guests will surely appreciate this gesture.

If you really want to impress your guests, consider leaving a few pieces of high-quality chocolate on their nightstand. After all, who wouldn’t love a sweet treat to end their day?

Extras
Let’s discuss some additional amenities.
If you aim to make your guests feel particularly special, or if they’re celebrating a milestone, why not include a bottle of wine or champagne in their room? Don’t forget to add a couple of glasses, and if needed, a corkscrew to pop the bottle open.

Fresh flowers also make for a lovely addition to any room. You can often find affordable bouquets at your local grocery store. Alternatively, if you prefer not to buy flowers each time you have guests, consider placing a low-maintenance plant in the room—it will add charm and stay vibrant throughout their stay.

Consider adding items like candles (and don’t forget the matches), chocolate-covered strawberries, cozy bathrobes, or slippers to express how much you value your guests' comfort.

I understand this may seem overwhelming, but there’s no need to panic or feel obligated to implement everything at once. You can gradually enhance your guest room over time. Even incorporating just one or two of these suggestions will help your guests feel right at home.

As you work on creating or enhancing your guest room, reflect on the amenities you appreciate most during your travels. That’s always a great starting point.

For more information on all the wonderful accommodations offered by Dinogo, be sure to visit their website.