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The Guest House Etiquette Guide [Know Before You Go]
Guest House Etiquette Guide
Guest houses “feel different” than hotels.
In a guest house, you’re often staying inside a person’s home and may even be sharing space with them. This makes guest houses (also spelled “guesthouses”) great for meeting and interacting with other travelers and a host, but also intimidating if you’re someone who is accustomed to the standard hotel experience.
In this guide, we’ll cover the guest house etiquette you should know.
We’ll explore how guest house stays differ from hotel stays, how check-in works, differences between the private and shared space rentals (including shared bathrooms and kitchens), how to check out, breakfast rules, plus answers to frequently asked questions (like whether tipping is expected and which amenities are essential).
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
Table of Contents
What’s Different About Guest Houses?
Generally, service is more casual in guest house stays (in comparison to typical hotel stays). In guest houses, you’ll often share spaces with a host and other guests. While expected etiquette can vary, you’ll find a few general rules apply in most guest houses. Some hosts post house rules and guidelines (quiet hours, bathroom rules, etc.) for guests to see, others don’t.
If you’re brand new to guest houses and want to learn how they work, click here. To learn about how guest houses compare to hotels in atmosphere, price, safety, privacy and amenities, click here. For the 8 types of guest houses (with 5 examples of each), click here.
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
How Check-In Works
Hotels employ full-time staff members.
However, guest houses are often family-owned and operated, and do not hire any staff. This is why many guest houses only accept guests between certain set hours. For example, it’s common for a guest house to only operate between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm (meaning nobody is available or working overnight).
Many guest houses do not have a reception desk, and the host often lives in or nearby the same property as their guests. In my experience, it’s common for a host to ask their guests when they plan to arrive (if booked online), then adjust their preparation accordingly.
Typically, your host will greet you at the entrance and give a brief room and property tour, then explain the important things you should know (WiFi password, how to enter the property, etc.). Some hosts prefer to spend time chatting with guests, others don’t. I’ve had memorable chats with hosts just after check-in.
Let your host know ahead of time if you’ll arrive late. Some properties only check guests in between certain hours (for example, 2 pm to 8 pm). In some cases, the earliest check-in time could be as late as 6 pm. If you book on Agoda, check-in time is shown on your confirmation email. To learn more about how check-in and checkout work in guest houses, click here.
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
Interaction With Your Host
In a guest house, it can sometimes feel as if you’re staying in someone’s home rather than in a lodging business. For example, you might notice your host cooking in the communal kitchen or see children playing in common areas during your stay. This is all part of the guest house experience, and it’s why guest houses are an ideal way to experience the local culture (daily life, customs, language, etc.) of a region.
The level of interaction between you and your host depends on the service they want to offer. Some hosts are keen to interact with guests, others are not. Some invite guests to share meals and conversations. You’ll get a feel for a host’s style by reading past guests’ reviews on their listing. Some hosts handle all duties themselves, others split duties amongst family, friends and/or staff. For many, hosting isn’t their full-time job (particularly in the case of budget guest houses).
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
Etiquette For Private Rentals
Guest houses can rent private and/or shared spaces.
In a fully private rental, expect to have private/sole access to your bathroom and (possibly) a kitchenette. Private room entrance is sometimes included. Fully private rentals are equipped with enough amenities so that you'd only need to leave your room to enter the common areas or to leave the property.
In my experience, the nightly rate for a fully private rental will usually start at about the same price range as 2 and 3-star hotel rooms in the area. Some “private rentals” require guests to share a bathroom or kitchen access (common in budget guest houses). But always read a listing’s full room description prior to booking.
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
Etiquette For Shared Space Rentals
As a guest house guest, expect to share some spaces. This typically won’t include shared bedrooms (though some guest houses offer dorm beds). Rather, kitchen access and bathroom access could be shared between guests. Guest house common areas are often smaller and more compact than typical hotel lobbies. Compared to the private rentals, shared space rentals are more common at the lower nightly rates.
Shared Bathroom Etiquette
It’s not uncommon for guests to share a bathroom in a guest house (especially in mountain guest houses). If a rental includes a shared bathroom, do not assume you have permission to use the toiletries inside (such as toothpaste and shampoo) unless your host says so. These items could belong to other guests.
Expect to bring your own toiletries to a guest house, including toothpaste, a toothbrush, shower soap and shampoo (sometimes included, depending on host). You should store them in a toiletry bag, if possible.
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For the full list of items every traveler should bring to a guest house stay, click here. Shared guest house showers are typically the busiest during mornings and evenings. If showering during those times, be aware of other guests waiting (especially around checkout time, when guests are more likely to be in a rush). Afternoon hours are typically best for long showers.
Shared Kitchen Etiquette
Shared kitchen access is common at all price points, as many guest house properties were originally built to operate as family homes, so they only have a single kitchen. If you share a kitchen, it’s likely between you and other guests (and potentially your host as well).
In my experience, hosts commonly allow guests to use kitchen facilities (fridge, stove, etc.) to cook or store food brought from outside. Label your food with your name and checkout date if there are other guests also in the property. This helps a host know what to keep or throw out during and after your stay.
Wash what you use (utensils, pots, etc.) and return all dishes to where they belong. Don’t eat food that’s not yours. In my experience, hosts will typically tell me if I can use particular condiments in a shared kitchen. If unsure whether you can use something, simply ask.
To find guest houses that provide kitchen/kitchenette access on Agoda.com, simply click “More” (below the search bar), then select the “Kitchen” filter under the “Room amenities” section (screenshot below).
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
Breakfast Rules
Breakfast rules vary by property/host.
In my experience, guest house breakfasts tend to be more relaxed and flexible than hotel breakfasts. For example, it’s common for a guest house host to ask their guests what time they want their breakfast to be served, rather than assigning a set time for them. The person who cooks your breakfast is also very likely to be your host themselves or a member of their family.
Some guest houses provide a standard breakfast, some offer a menu, while others do not provide breakfast at all. Some breakfasts are served buffet-style, others are served à la carte. For a buffet-style breakfast, it’s not unusual for guests to be expected to take their used dishes to the sink after finishing the meal. Just observe the situation in your particular guest house. To find a guest house that includes breakfast on Agoda.com, click “More” (below search bar), then select “Breakfast included” under “Room offers” (screenshot below).
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
How Checkout Works
Checking out of a guest house is straightforward. If you’ll check out early (prior to 8 am), tell your host a day prior (many guest houses lack overnight staff). You might be asked to leave the room key and depart without seeing the host (if unavailable). To learn all about guest house check-in and checkout, click here.
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I Tip My Host?
Tipping your host isn’t standard/expected. In a hotel, the reception, cleaning and bar staff are typically all different individuals. In family-owned guest houses, fewer people take on more roles. If you enjoy any part of your stay (breakfast, tours, etc.), consider leaving a tip to show your appreciation. Also consider tipping if you did not have time to tidy your room.
What Are The Essential Amenities?
Guest houses don’t usually provide as many amenities as hotels do - including hygiene products. Essential amenities you should expect to find in a guest house include: a towel (per guest) and hand soap. For the 5 things you should consider bringing to a guest house stay, click here. As with all types of accommodation, you’ll generally receive more amenities when you pay for a higher nightly rate (within the same property).
*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this guide helpful.
For many travelers, it can feel a bit odd checking into a guest house the first time - as if you’re in a stranger’s home. For a smooth stay, follow the guidelines above and always respect a host’s house rules! To learn more about guest houses, explore our other guides below.
Enjoy your travels!
How To Find Great Deals On Guest Houses
Agoda.com is a great place to book a guest house online. You’ll find properties for groups, solo travelers, couples and families. For today’s deals on guest houses in your destination, click here. If you’ve never stayed in a guest house before and just prefer a step-by-step guide showing you how to find and book your ideal stay, follow our Guest House Booking Guide.
Learn More About Guest Houses
Introduction To Guest Houses
Get Started With Guest Houses
Guest Houses vs. Hotels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]
Guest Houses vs. Hostels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]
Know Before You Go
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