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Now that everyone has read our previous blog post, 7 Tips For Creating A Welcoming Guest Room, you can be pretty sure that the next time you stay with friends you’ll be getting some fabulous accommodations. What you need to know now is how to be the perfect guest; after all, with a guest room like that you’ll want to be invited back! Not that you need to be told how to be the perfect guest- we know you’re charming, polite, and you have the best manners. But with these tips you can take it to the next level and be a super-guest!

1. Let your hosts know your schedule. Be very specific about when you’ll be arriving and how long you plan to stay.
2. Bring a gift. You don’t have to go all out and drain your budget- it’s just a token of your appreciation. You can’t go wrong with a box of chocolates, a nice bouquet of flowers, or something for the house.
3. Be neat and clean. Someone else’s home is not a hotel. You need to be responsible for cleaning up after yourself. Make the bed every morning, hang up your clothes, and keep your things in order.
4. Keep a low profile. Don’t disrupt the usual household routine.
5. Offer to help. Ask if there are any household things you can help with. Especially before you leave- offer to strip the linens, and get your used towels together. Always ask first, though, because different things are helpful to different people.
6. Follow the house rules. Be respectful.
7. Don’t crowd your host. When you stay with friends you’ll all want to spend time together, but it’s important to give your hosts some space, too.
8. Come prepared. Make sure you bring a toothbrush, chargers, and other basic necessities.
9.  Treat your hosts to dinner. Or to the theater if they’ll enjoy that. It’s a great “thank you,” and it’s a way of pulling your weight.
10. Be independent. Don’t rely on your hosts to see to all your needs- plan for your own transportation and entertainment. Don’t expect them to put their lives on hold to tend to you.
11. Communicate. If you have questions, ask. Don’t go poking around looking for things. And give them a rough idea of your schedule regarding when you’ll be in the house for meals, etc.
12.  Say thank you. A “thank you” note, email, or phone call once you get home is a really nice way to let them know their hospitality was really appreciated.

Staying in a hotel is expensive and tends to be impersonal, so if you can go away and stay with friends or family you’ll save money and have a richer experience. Follow these tips and they’ll keep on inviting you back!

What do you do to be the perfect guest? Share with us on Facebook and Twitter!

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