Etiquette Experts Outline Rudest Hosting Habits for Overnight Guests

A HuffPost roundup gathers etiquette professionals to name the rudest things hosts do when overnight guests stay and to offer practical fixes that keep hospitality respectful and comfortable. The piece emphasizes that guests deserve to be treated with kindness and that good hosting hinges on thoughtful, simple practices rather than lavish splurges. "The fact is everyone likes to be treated with respect and kindness," said Jackie Vernon-Thompson, founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette. "Therefore, there are a few etiquette protocols that a host should consider to ensure their overnight guest feels comfortable, welcomed, respected and appreciated."

Not Providing Clean Sheets Or Towels is listed as a basic misstep. Hosts are reminded that freshly laundered linens and towels should be easily accessible, even if the house isn’t spotless in every corner. The guidance stresses that the most basic need for a guest is a comfortable place to sleep, ideally private, and that a host should test a bed beforehand to confirm the mattress, sheets and duvet are in good condition. If a host cannot provide clean sheets or towels, advance notice and a request for guests to bring their own are acceptable. But guests should not be left without toilet paper or bath products; the host should supply these essentials. The idea is to treat the stay as a temporary hotel experience, with thought given to comfort and convenience.

Hovering over guests is discouraged. The etiquette experts advise giving visitors space to unwind, read, nap or simply be themselves. If a guest withdraws to their room, hosts should refrain from hovering or peeking at what they’re doing. Don’t press guests for updates on private phone calls or emails, and avoid turning off lights the moment a guest leaves a room. The aim is to respect the guest’s downtime and privacy while maintaining a welcoming presence.

Ignoring allergies and dietary restrictions is another common pitfall. Before the guest arrives, the host should discuss any food allergies or sensitivities and plan accordingly. Not all accommodations are possible, and that is OK; the point is to talk through concerns in advance. If a guest has severe allergies to certain foods or fragrances, adjust cleaning products or air fresheners and consider whether a dog on the premises is appropriate. If possible, stock the fridge and pantry with the guest’s favorite foods and drinks and even place preferred flowers or soaps to create a familiar environment.

Not Welcoming Your Guest Into Your Home is highlighted as a crucial moment that sets the tone for the entire visit. Hosts are encouraged to greet guests at the door, help them settle, and offer a chance to freshen up before providing light refreshments. A tidy, prepared space helps communicate that the guest’s travel is valued. If a host can’t be present for arrival, leaving a warm note with basic guidance on where to find essentials and how to make themselves comfortable is recommended. Give guests a tour of the space and provide a closet or storage area so they can unpack without feeling intrusive.

Not Sharing Important House Information can leave guests feeling disoriented or reliant on improvised navigation. Etiquette guides suggest providing easy access to essential details such as the Wi-Fi network and password, the locations of towels and toilet paper, and the mornings’ coffee arrangements. Some hosts even suggest a written note with practical tips and potential quirks of the home, such as how to exit a bathroom door or when the hot water becomes available. It’s also advised to designate which bathroom is for guest use and to clarify which areas are off-limits to help prevent awkward mistakes.

Not Failing To Communicate About Plans And Expectations can create tension. The guidance recommends discussing schedules in advance so everyone knows when people plan to rise and what the plans are for the next day. It’s important to include guests in plans without demanding they adopt the host’s routine rigidly. Flexibility is key, and hosts should avoid pressuring guests to adhere to a strict schedule or to participate in activities they’re not interested in. This includes balancing quiet time with shared activities and recognizing that a late Zoom call or a late-night meetup may not be feasible for the host’s household.

The overarching message is that good hosting is accessible with simple, thoughtful steps. Hosts do not need to lavishly redecorate or fund elaborate outings to be courteous; they need to communicate clearly, respect privacy, and prepare for common comfort needs. The etiquette experts interviewed emphasize that the Guidelines vary with the relationship to the guest and the nature of the visit, but the core principle remains consistent: treat guests the way you would want to be treated yourself, and that means consideration, clarity and courtesy.

For hosts looking to balance hospitality with everyday life, the recommendations offer practical, budget-conscious strategies: test a bed in advance to ensure comfort, provide clean essentials, and keep private moments private while staying attentive to guests’ needs. If you cannot accommodate every preference, acknowledge it ahead of time and offer alternatives when possible. The article also cautions against turning host duties into a checklist that dismisses guests’ autonomy or comfort, urging instead a cooperative approach that invites guests to feel at home without overstepping boundaries.

In sum, the piece frames overnight hospitality as a culture and etiquette issue as much as a practical matter. Respect, preparation and clear communication can transform what might otherwise be an awkward stay into a respectful, comfortable visit. The guidance serves as a reminder that generosity does not require perfection, but it does require thoughtfulness and consideration for the person sharing your space.