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Quality linens and soothing scents. Personalised touches and thoughtful little extras. Lifestyle journalist Gina Jackson on how to make your guests’ stay five-star.
You’ve slept in a lot of beautiful places. What makes a great stay?
There are so many factors that come into play: I always expect excellent food, razor-sharp service and chic interiors whenever I stay at a hotel. But it’s the little things that truly make for a standout stay: being welcomed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and personalised touches in the bedroom, such as a handwritten note when you check-in and a complimentary minibar that you’re encouraged to enjoy.
Is there anything the best luxury hotels do that we can replicate at home?
Lots of things, such as dressing the bed with high-quality linens that feel that bit more luxurious and taking extra care to make each bedroom welcoming: think beautiful flowers by the bedside, freshly plumped cushions and snuggly throws on the bed. Plus, a curated selection of books, or magazines, to flick through.
Any easy wins for hosting overnight guests?
Have a think about what might make your guests’ stay extra special. Leave a tray of mini body lotions and toiletries by the sink. This is super helpful in case they forget something essential: keep it stocked with soap, a new toothbrush and a delicious-smelling fragrance. Kit out the room with a pair of slippers, fluffy bathrobe and even a nightwear set: this will make your guest feel especially pampered. Lastly, always have something edible (and ideally homemade!) in the bedroom for your guest to snack on. Take it up a notch with a make-your-own gin and tonic bar, or similar.
What about touches to make a guest room feel festive?
The first step is to add Christmas decorations: you don’t need to go overboard, but a few tasteful additions will go a long way. Whenever we spend the holidays with my husband’s family, my mother-in-law always leaves personalised stockings for us in our bedroom, along with bowls of homemade Christmas cookies. These are both such thoughtful touches and help to dial up the festive spirit in the lead-up to the big day.
How about for upping the cosy factor?
In the winter months, lighting a fragrant candle and tucking a hot-water bottle under the covers is going to elevate your guest bedroom, and just make it feel that little bit more welcoming. Dress surfaces in the room (such as the bed and armchair) with cosy materials: think cashmere blankets and fluffy rugs.
Thinking beyond Christmas, what are the best investments you can make in a guest bedroom to give it longevity?
It’s possible to make even a small space feel luxurious by investing in good-quality linens and interesting artwork. Throughout the seasons, you can simply update the fabrics you are using to dress the room. In summer, I prefer lighter, linen bedspreads, whereas in the colder months, I favour quilted bedspreads and shaggy faux-fur throws.
If you only do one thing with your guest space this festive season, what should it be?
Adding just a few luxe touches can make all of the difference in making your guest bedroom just that bit more special: a few fragrant candles and cosy slippers for your guests to enjoy.
If you’re the guest at Christmas, do you have any advice on good guest etiquette?
Of course, you should never turn up empty handed, so make sure to bring a thoughtful gift with you: a gorgeous-smelling candle, or something to nibble on. Make sure that you’re a respectful house guest, too: at the end of your stay, it’s always helpful to strip your bed, and leave your towels in a neat pile. And once you’re back home, remember to send your host a thank-you card.
If you could spend Christmas anywhere other than home, where would it be and why?
I grew up spending the Christmas holidays in Hong Kong, celebrating the festive season with my extended family over there. For me, it doesn’t quite feel like Christmas when I’m not there.
Gina Jackson is a freelance lifestyle journalist and photographer. She is a regular contributor to “Condé Nast Traveller”, “Evening Standard”, “The Times” and “House & Garden”. Gina’s books, “British Boutique Hotels” and “London Hotels” (Hoxton Mini Press) are out now. Follow her on Instagram at @ginagoesto.
For wrapping up to delight others (and one thing for keeping to herself)
“I’d give my husband a snuggly hot-water bottle and cashmere bed socks. He’s always complaining that our bedroom is too chilly, so these should keep him warm in the colder months.”
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“My parents love lighting candles in their home, so I’d gift them one of The White Company’s huge indulgence candles: I have one of these myself – in Winter – and it smells divine, as well as lasting for ages.”
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“For my sister, a hamper of bathroom essentials would be perfect, as she loves being pampered, and prioritising her Sunday bathtime ritual: a fragrant candle, luxe body lotions, and skincare.”
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“My parents-in-law often have lots of house guests staying with them, so I’d give them a new set of blankets that they can drape across their guest bedrooms.”
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“I’d love a cashmere two-piece, as these are my favourite thing to wear in those lazy days between Christmas and new year. They’re perfectly cosy for lounging around, watching endless movies and eating one too many chocolates. Best of all, they still look stylish and somewhat elevated.”
shop nowGifts to welcome them to the world. Outfits for any adventure. Everything for the sweetest dreams.
