Having guests to stay is always a pleasure, these small acts of thoughtfulness will allow you to up your host/hostess game – beware though, they may not want to leave! Here are a few suggestions – none are affiliate links just things I like and are all available in/ships to Switzerland.  

A Fragrant Welcome

Tap into the 5 senses. Smell is one of the most dominant and having a sweet smelling home/guest room creates an important first impression. Fresh flowers is always a lovely gesture as are scented candles, do choose carefully though to keep your air quality healthy.  I love this range made in Switzerland from organic soy wax.  They actually do smell like the Swiss mountains and Silberhorn has a small rock crystal to keep afterwards. I Sonja. the girl who set up this business and she is doing good things!   Girl from the Mountain

Experiment with Decor

In this guest room I designed for a client the room was small and uninteresting so we painted the walls with Farrow and Ball Brinjal and added an oversized statement headboard. You can have fun and experiment with your guest room, don’t forget a decent light by the bed to read and I like to add a small dish for jewelry.  You can see more of this room which was part of a project in St. Moritz on my projects page

Cosy Bedding

Having cosy hypoallergenic bedding is a great choice. This is from a local company in Zürich and is made in Europe from plant based, Lyocell and Tencel mould resistant, breathable and washable whats more in years to come when after their lifetime of use they are compostable. Details here.  Moving from feathers is in my opinion a good idea in terms of health hygiene because the industry behind feather production when you look into it is cruel and unethical.  I am so glad we have alternatives! 

Hydrate

Fill a carafe with water and place in their bedroom so they do not have to make the trek to the kitchen in the middle of the night.  Having the glass fit over the top of the bottle keeps it fresh and takes less space on the bedside table. This one below is clear and there are also recycled versions available. 

Tech Tips

Set up a charging station your guest room with the WiFi code nearby so they have all the right plugs in all the right places without having to ask!  This bamboo one has a pull out drawer so you can attach the cables you need, and slide it closed for a sleek look and because bamboo regrows quickly is more sustainable than many other woods. 

 

Hanging Space

Guest rooms may be tight on space, but nobody actually likes to live out of a suitcase, consider installing a simple rail like this metal one that is ceiling mounted, hangers plus a small basket for their smaller items.  I like how it would blend into the walls when not in use.  Here shown in cashew it comes in black and white too. 

Soft Fluffy Towels

Have a supply of fresh towels in various sizes for your guests, I particularly like using this company because they are such good quality and wash so well for years! They now offer organic cotton, in many colours. I always give my guests darker towels so they don’t have to worry about make-up marks. Christian Fischbacher at time of writing are offering a 25% discount if you trade in undamaged bed or bath linens so they can forward those to Caritas Switzerland that offers help those in poverty in over 22 countries.  

Bathrobe & Slippers

Nobody has space to pack these so a give your guests a 5 star feeling and provide a roomy robe and slippers. These are cotton waffle from IKEA are cheap and cheerful at around CHF 25.- for the set! 

Lie Of the Land

Of course you guests are there to see you, but they might like to get out and about a little on their own, especially if they are a couple.  We all have Google at our fingertips BUT having a real map (call me old-fashioned I love a paper map I like perspective!) and some useful local guides: highlights in the area, best cafe, local shops to visit….  give them the idea to go out and explore for a few hours – so you have a little time to miss them! Have a spare cotton tote bag they can take to bring back goodies. 

 

I hope this has inspired you to level up your hospitality style, I’m sure your guests will appreciate and you will receive lots of compliments!