It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes overnight hotel stays feel so luxurious. Even an average-rated hotel stay can evoke a certain “je ne sais quoi,” — that feeling of utter relaxation that floods over you as soon as you open your room’s door and set foot in your temporary home. The holidays are peak travel time, and many of us are preparing to host family and friends at our apartments. If you’re hosting for the holidays this year, you’ll want to give guests the best experience possible. You can recreate the relaxing vibe of a hotel for an experience they’ll cherish, and we’re showing you how to do it right. Follow our simple suggestions to give your guests the hotel treatment in your apartment. It may not be the Ritz, but it’ll be the next best thing.
Welcome Drinks
Many luxury hotels offer a complimentary “welcome drink” to guests at check-in time. The hospitable gesture sets the tone for the rest of the stay and goes a long way in making guests feel appreciated. You can do this on your own by having drinks ready for your guests when they walk through your front door. Pour some glasses of Champagne, or prepare a simple cocktail to get the holiday party started upon their arrival.
Bathroom Toiletries
Hot showers are essential to feeling refreshed after a long day of travel. Before your guests arrive, prepare the guest bathroom (or communal bathroom) with some extra touches that will make it easier for them to relax and unwind. Clean linens are a must, but include some other things too, like new shampoo and conditioner (travel-size is fine). A new toothbrush, razors and a shower cap are also thoughtful choices. These small additions will help your guests feel comfortable and right at home in your apartment.
White Sheets
Hotel beds are like big, pillowy clouds. The fact that they’re almost always dressed in crisp white sheets helps give them their dreamy appeal. To recreate the vibe of a welcoming bedroom wonderland, purchase some all-white bedding for your guest room. If you’re tight on space and your guests will be staying on a blow-up mattress, that’s all the more reason to put a little extra thought into their bedding situation.
Pillow Treats
When it comes to hosting for the holidays, small gestures go a long way. You can often find pillow mints waiting for you when you return to your upscale hotel room. This small gesture can be easily be replicated, which will make a great impression on friends and family staying at your apartment. Leave a mint or another small treat, like a chocolate square, on your guest’s pillow before they arrive.
