How to Prep Your Guest Bathroom for Weekend Visitors

If you have overnight guests heading your way, we're sharing our editors' top tips for turning a guest bathroom into a welcoming retreat that will rival any hotel. Like any good host, you already know to put fresh sheets on the bed and wipe down the bathroom before visitors arrive, but complete a few of these easy tasks in your guest bath and your friends and family may never want to leave!

Most importantly, make sure the entire room is squeaky clean. Treat yourself to a day off from cleaning; hire a professional cleaning service to do the dirty work.

Brighten up the bath with a vase of fresh flowers and add a subtle aroma with scented soaps or potpourri.

Stock the bathroom vanity with the little amenities your guests may have forgotten to pack, such as cotton balls, toothpaste, a toothbrush and a razor. Even the most organized travelers will forget something, so having those items readily on-hand will save them frustration. Neatly corral toiletries and other accessories on a pretty tray, to give guests the boutique hotel treatment.

Replace a worn or dated shower curtain or liner and switch out an old bathmat with a new, super-plush model.

Splurge on bath towels, washcloths and hand towels for overnight guests. A great tip is to buy guest towels in a color different from your regular towels, so you'll always have the "good" towels ready for overnight guests.

An illuminated or magnifying vanity mirror is a thoughtful addition that older visitors or guests with impaired eyesight will really appreciate.

A bathroom filled with the subtle fragrance of vanilla, sandalwood or citrus will make a long soak even more relaxing. Add a match cloche that doubles as decor.

If space allows, provides guests with a basket or bin for stashing used towels and linens.

With the ever-shifting rules regarding flying with liquids, many guests may plan on simply purchasing toiletries once they reach their destination. Save them a trip to the store by placing shampoo, conditioner, soap and a razor in the shower.

There's nothing like the looming deadline of out-of-town guests to fast-track repairs you've been putting off. If you're handy with a wrench, swapping out or repairing a leaky shower head is something you can quickly tackle yourself.

Sea sponges, bath salts, loofahs and bath brushes are items you'd typically expect to find in a spa or high-end hotel. They're also inexpensive items you can pick up at your local dollar store. Fill a tubside bin or cabinet with an assortment to treat your guests to a spa-like experience.