How to make a guest room feel like a boutique hotel for under $100

Making your guest room feel polished doesn’t mean you have to do a full renovation or blow your budget. Most boutique hotel details come down to comfort, cleanliness, and thoughtful touches that make someone feel considered.

And the truth is, a lot of those upgrades don’t cost much. With under $100 and a little strategy, you can turn a basic room into a space that feels high-end and welcoming without trying too hard.

Swap the Lamp for One With a USB Port

Having a place to charge your phone without crawling under the bed is a small thing that makes a big difference. Table lamps with built-in USB ports or outlets are easy to find for $20–$30, and they immediately make the space feel more modern and guest-ready.

It also gives you a chance to ditch an old, dusty lamp for something that feels cleaner and more intentional. Stick with a neutral base and a simple shade to keep it versatile, no matter who’s staying over.

Add a Luggage Rack or Folding Stool

Instead of making your guests bend over to live out of a suitcase on the floor, give them a dedicated spot to unpack. A folding luggage rack or sturdy stool can usually be found for $30 or less and goes a long way toward making things feel hotel-like.

Look for something in wood or black metal to keep it from looking too dorm-room. When not in use, it can fold up and store easily in the closet, which helps keep the room tidy when it’s not hosting anyone.

Set Out Matching Towels and Toiletries

Guests shouldn’t have to guess which towel is theirs or rummage through your cabinets for shampoo. A small stack of clean, matching towels and a simple tray with travel-sized essentials can make your space feel polished without spending much.

Pick up a 4-pack of white towels or hand towels from Target or Walmart, then add small shampoo, lotion, and toothpaste from the dollar section or travel aisle. It shows effort and makes people feel taken care of—even if it cost you under $15.

Use a Solid White Sheet Set

There’s a reason hotels stick with white bedding: it always looks clean, it feels fresh, and it goes with everything. You can find a decent microfiber or cotton sheet set for under $30 if you shop around, and it’ll instantly upgrade even an old mattress.

Stick to bright white and avoid loud patterns or colors that can feel dated. Even if your bed isn’t fancy, this makes it feel pulled together. Bonus points if you give them a fresh pillow or two that still has fluff left in it.

Add a Nightstand Tray for Keys and Jewelry

One way to make your guest feel like they’re not living out of a random room is by creating a spot to set their things. A nightstand tray—even something basic from Dollar Tree—gives them a spot to drop keys, jewelry, or a watch without losing it in the covers.

If you don’t have a real nightstand, use a stool or small side table and top it with a basic tray or shallow dish. It’s a $5 fix that adds structure and intention to the room fast.

Hang a Mirror Somewhere Convenient

A full-length mirror is ideal, but even a mid-sized one over the dresser or behind the door helps guests get ready without needing your bathroom. You can find decent mirrors at places like IKEA, Target, or even Walmart for $15–$30.

Stick to plain black, wood, or white frames that blend in. It doesn’t need to be heavy or designer—just large enough to be useful. Hanging it at a height that actually works (instead of too high) makes the room feel guest-ready in a more functional way.

Leave a Water Carafe or Water Bottles

No one wants to tiptoe to the kitchen in someone else’s house at 2 a.m. for water. Leaving a carafe or even a couple of bottled waters on the nightstand is a small gesture that goes a long way.

You can find a glass water carafe with a cup lid for under $20 on Amazon or just use a mason jar if you’re doing it on the fly. Add a paper coaster or napkin underneath and you’ve recreated the basic hotel convenience at almost no cost.

Add a Blanket They Can Reach

Don’t make your guests hunt through closets to find an extra blanket. Fold one at the foot of the bed or lay it across a chair so it’s easy to find if the room gets chilly. Lightweight knit throws, fleece, or waffle blankets are usually under $25.

Stick to soft textures and neutral colors that go with the bedding. It’s not about layering the bed like a designer—it’s about giving someone the comfort of choice without making them feel like a burden.

Put a Power Strip Near the Bed

Between phones, watches, tablets, and whatever else your guests travel with, a single outlet doesn’t cut it anymore. Add a slim power strip near the bed so they don’t have to unplug lamps or go digging.

You can find compact ones for around $10–$15, and they instantly make your setup feel more thoughtful. This is one of those behind-the-scenes upgrades that makes a big difference, especially for older homes with fewer outlets.

Add Something Personal Without Going Overboard

A small vase with greenery, a local snack, or a card with the Wi-Fi password makes the room feel less like a storage overflow and more like it was meant for them. You don’t have to get fancy—this is the $5-and-under section.

Keep it minimal. A single stem in a small bud vase from the dollar aisle or a snack bar on the pillow does the trick. It’s about making them feel welcome without trying to impress anyone.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.