To ask what would be in your perfect guestroom and how do I be a good host?

[GuestTiger]

PILs are visiting for a month (from overseas) to meet their first grandchild. They are staying with us. We're turning our bedroom into a guestroom for them. It's a small room but has an ensuite, king-size bed, a wardrobe and chest of drawers.

How do I make it comfortable and welcoming? I've bought some 300TC bedlinen. Should I buy new towels? Are white towels better? How many towels per person? Which products should I put in the ensuite?

Obviously I'll empty the wardrobe and chest of drawers and deep-clean everything.

There is a small table and a lamp but no space for a bedside table.

Any tips for making them feel at ease?

Some of the posts on this thread are hilarious. Yes, you want guests to be comfortable, but these are the OP's PILs. She isn't after an AA Rosette or whatever B&Bs want to have these days.

Thanks for all the advice

Baby is 10months, it's taken a while to sort visas.

We have 2 bedrooms, we'll sleep in baby's room, clothes going into office.

I really want them to feel at home and welcome

We don't know who the baby belongs to or how "new born" it is. I'm guessing if flights etc needed to be organised from a far flung country (I'm guessing as they're staying sooooooo long!) the baby must be at least a month or two old.
I'm also guessing that the op has more than one bedroom so she's simply giving the inlaws the one with the ensuite so they don't clog up the communal bathroom.
Clean bedding, clean room and towels should suffice.

Opps cross post with op there!

OP, I think it's lovely that you're going to so much trouble. It makes a change from people who hate their in-laws and resent have them to stay even for a weekend.
The one thing I often find frustratingly missing in guest rooms is a bin. It can be a tiny one, but especially if you're putting makeup on and removing it, you need somewhere to chuck tissues, cotton wool etc.

So we have...

water carafes and glasses
sleep spray
guide books
table
chairs
shelves by the side of each bed
magazines
flowers
nice linen
bin
hangers
2 brand new bath towels.
2 brand new hand towels
a clock
extra throws
books
wifi code
full length mirror
TV
hairdryer
laundry basket
waste bin
tea making facilities
air freshener
pen and paper

I am . Unless your ILs are minor royalty there is no need for all this bollocks. A comfy clean warm bed and a towel for each of them is all that is needed. Are they not able to ask for a glass or a pen if they need it?

I would be mortified if my DIL thought she had to go to all this fuss but then I'm down to earth and don't like people putting themselves out.

Christ, my guests get clean bedding and towels. And directions to the local supermarket in case they run out of booze/snacks while I'm at work

Yes, those leaky books get all over your boobs shrunkenhead

Glad to hear that your baby is older, so you're not going to be in any discomfort.

Maybe in the kitchen rather than guest room, but maybe a list of activities you all or they could do? Eg library, local open days, maybe shop for shoes for grandchild? A copy of the family planner showing existing commitments you have?

Tea making facilities? In a guest bedroom? Are they not allowed to use the kitchen and take it back with them if they so choose? The most I provide in this way is coasters.

As long as all the linen is clean and the bed will be warm, then they will be comfortable. Flowers would be a nice touch for an extra welcoming feature but it's by no means necessary.

I think it's lovely OP that you want to put in a little effort and I'm sure they will have a wonderful time meeting baby.

When my parents visit from abroad, in the guest room clean bed, wardrobe and there is bedside tables and a lamp ( Mum likes to read) alarm clock I always put fresh flowers in there (again mainly for mum) and then they have the en suite which has clean towels and shower gel shampoo and extra toilet roll.

You don't need tea and coffee making stuff in the guest room or a TV I assume these people will have access to the kitchen/sitting room as my parents do.

I hope you have a lovely time OP you sound very thoughtful