What Is Usually in a Guest House? Common Features & Amenities
When one is planning to book a guest house; what usually comes with it? Unlike hotels, guest houses provide a homier feel, and a traveler tends to get a different experience from what he or she gets when in a hotel. But if you are thinking of going to one – what exactly can you expect when going into one? Thus one might wonder whether some of these amenities and facilities differ greatly from those found in a hotel.
We’ll guide you through each of the key areas that can be found in a guest house – from the bedroom and bathroom to the living area and kitchen. If you are a first-time guest house visitor or simply interested in learning about guest houses, read further as we give you the full details. It might come as a shock to learn all the amenities a guest house can provide.
At the end of this post, you’ll understand some of the characteristics of a guest house as well as some of the services it typically offers. Okay, so let’s start with a list of what one can usually expect to see in a guest house so that you’d be ready for the next time you decide to book a stay there.
Common Features of a Guest House
In most cases, guest houses are more personal compared to the commercial hotels that are available in the market. Often they are concerned with comfort, coziness, and home-like interiors, as well as individual approach. Whether it is a section with a room-like setting or a limited and confined living space the ambiance is deliberately home-like.
1. Guest House Amenities
Many facilities that go with guest house staying are easy to use and quite minimalist but they serve their purpose well. Unlike most hotels, guest houses are more basic but have a few extra amenities that go with the needs of the stay.
| Amenity | Description |
| Free Wi-Fi | Most guest houses offer free Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your stay. |
| Air Conditioning | Some guest houses provide air conditioning to keep you cool during warmer months. |
| Heating | A heating system is usually available to ensure comfort during colder seasons. |
| Television | A TV is often available, although the selection of channels may be limited. |
| Breakfast | Many guest houses include a complimentary breakfast, usually simple but tasty. |
These are only some of the more popular features available in guest houses. As for the variety of products, it can also depend on the locality, as well as the price level. For instance, some guest houses have other features such as swimming pools or gardens.
2. Guest House Services
Guest houses are hereby described as having a more personalized service offered to them compared to say hotels. The owner and I always like to have the staff around. They are happy to talk and answer your questions. They are also willing to tell you about things you need to do around the place. Here are some common services you can expect:
Personalized check-in/check-out: Guest houses offer faster service than large hotels. In big hotels, travelers may have to wait up to half an hour to check in or check out. But, guest houses provide a quicker process.
Local recommendations: People working in guest houses are usually well-informed about the area. They can recommend good dining spots, interesting sights, and attractions. They may also know about other things that tourists might not be aware of.
Luggage storage: Before check-in or after check-out, if you prefer to keep your bags, it is quite possible that guest houses will offer this service of storage.
3. Guest House Room Essentials
About what is located inside the room, guest houses are equipped with most of the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay of the guest. It is fascinating to understand that even though the rooms themselves might not be as grand as those of some of the best hotels, they are mostly comfortable and warm or else have a cozy look.
| Item | Description |
| Bedding and Linens | Fresh linens, including sheets, blankets, and pillows, are provided. |
| Towels | Clean towels for your use, typically one set per guest. |
| Toiletries | Basic toiletries like soap, shampoo, and conditioner are usually available. |
| Closet or Wardrobe | A small closet or wardrobe to store your clothes during your stay. |
| Mini Fridge | Some guest houses offer a mini fridge for your convenience. |
It is impossible to include all the features of a modern hotel. But, the main goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere. The focus is on simplicity, without adding too many extra options.
4. Guest House Furnishings
Usually, guest houses are rather oriented toward comfort, so the furniture in them provides a comfortable atmosphere. Here’s a quick overview of common items you may encounter:
| Furniture | Description |
| Beds | Comfortable beds, usually queen or full-sized, depending on the room. |
| Chairs and Tables | A small table with a couple of chairs for sitting and eating. |
| Lamps | Lamps or soft lighting for a cozy atmosphere. |
| Decor | Items like artwork, rugs, and plants enhance the room’s charm. |
These furnishings are made to provide a home atmosphere wherein one can feel free to be rested after a day’s tour or after working.
What’s Included in the Kitchen?
Your guest house may have cooking facilities. If it is a self-catering establishment, you will likely find a small kitchenette with the essentials. Here’s what is typically included in the kitchen:
| Item | Description |
| Stove or Hot Plate | A small stove or hot plate for cooking meals. |
| Microwave | A microwave for easy heating of food. |
| Pots and Pans | Basic cookware for preparing meals. |
| Utensils | Forks, spoons, knives, and cooking utensils are usually available. |
| Plates and Cups | Dishes, cups, and glasses for eating and drinking. |
Not all the guest houses may have provision of a kitchen. but if they do, the necessary utensils for a short stay will always be provided. And, it helps to inquire ahead if your intention during your visit is to prepare some food for yourself.
Common Features in Guest House Bathrooms
Many guest house bathrooms include all the necessary things that one might need during the stay in the house. Although the bath areas may not be as spacious as those in spas, the amenities provided are usually enough to meet the user's needs.
| Bathroom Feature | Description |
| Shower or Bathtub | A basic shower or bathtub to clean up after a long day. |
| Toilet Paper | Toilet paper is usually replenished during your stay. |
| Shampoo and Soap | Basic shampoo, conditioner, and soap are provided. |
| Towels | Fresh bath towels, usually one or two sets per guest. |
The bathroom is often much less spacious compared to the one that exists in a grandiose hotel but it is perfectly adequate and should be sufficiently big for the length of a single stay.
Guest House Decor and Style
Guest houses are famous for their individual comfort with a focus on a homelike atmosphere and sometimes even kitsch. If you are lucky, you will find those aspects that mimic the specific culture of the place or preferences of the owner, making the stay rather cozier. Most guest houses are retro, with an exciting blend of old furniture, artwork, pottery, and fabrics; it gives a warm home-style atmosphere.
Why Stay in a Guest House?
In that case, why should one choose to stay in a guest house? There is a certain number of people always in search of the character of the place, comfort, or the experience the place offers. Here are some reasons why a guest house might be the perfect choice for your next trip:
- Personalized Experience: This is because guest houses provide confined accommodation services to their guests compared to the bigger hotel business. The atmosphere of a homespun environment of ownership or staff renders it possible for you to feel at home.
- Comfortable and Cozy Atmosphere: The guest houses are meant to be comfortable where the rooms are so furnished and decorated in a welcoming manner.
- Budget-Friendly: Guest houses usually cost less than big hotels, so they remain an excellent cost-to-quality ratio kind of accommodation.
- Quieter and More Peaceful: Guest Houses are usually situated in residential places. So, one finds that guest Houses offer a more calm and serene environment as compared to the hotels.
- Relaxed and Homely Vibe: As compared to formal hotel accommodations, guest houses are more comfortable where one can really ‘chill’.
They are perfect for anyone who is in search of homely, and inexpensive accommodation.
If you are looking for comfortable, individual accommodation in a guest house we can recommend MC Lodges. It is one of the most hospitable lodges, with friendly staff, and offers guests comfortable accommodation at a surprisingly reasonable price. If you are on a business or leisure trip or even exploring new places, then friendly and comfortable rooms, along with great amenities, and a homely touch, make it the ideal place to find some solitude. Given the desire of MC Lodges to give as homely a situation as possible and to maintain a level of hospitality, guests will have a great time.
FAQs
What is the difference between a hotel and a guest house?
Guest houses are normally smaller institutions compared to hotels which are medium or large with standard services for guests.
Are guest houses cheaper than hotels?
Certainly, compared with hotel accommodations guest houses are relatively cheap and provide simple amenities.
Do guest houses provide breakfast?
In many guest houses accommodation and breakfast are provided free of charge, though very basic and home-cooked.
Can I cook in a guest house?
Depending on the kind of guest house some will provide you with a kitchen several for cooking while others may offer you a group kitchen.
Are guest houses suitable for families?
Investigating most of the guest houses, they also request families many of them provide quality rooms and accommodation than hotels.
Conclusion
All things considered, guest houses provide travelers with lodging accommodations with exclusive amenities. Guest houses offer the necessities of a hotel room. They also have beautiful interiors. The warm recommendations from hosts make them feel at home. This makes guest houses one of the most comfortable places to stay. The amenities of the facilities might not be compared to the five-star hotel. But the location and the house-like structure of the building are very effective. That is why if you are in Nelspruit on a business trip or just visiting the city as a tourist, a guest house should be your next home away from home.
So, the next time you are planning to take accommodation at a guest house. You know what to expect, triple comfort, good order, and all the necessary facilities for a good and pleasant stay. Happy travels!
Leave a Reply