A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

The key to a memorable visit is to make your guests feel welcome, at ease and comfortable in your home, said Las Vegas resident Michele Morgan.

“I’ve had so many people say they never want to leave. No one ever comes here and says ‘I’m not coming back.'”

Morgan, who has been in the hospitality industry for 25 years, offers her houseguests amenities that rival the finest hotels — right down to the “Do not disturb” sign. She bases her treatment of guests upon her own experiences — both good and bad — at hotels and private residences worldwide.

“I’ve been a guest in so many people’s houses that I couldn’t wait to get out of and swore that would never happen in my house,” she said.

Morgan and her husband, Dr. Phillip Devore, have two dedicated guest rooms in their home, which are often occupied. The rooms are appointed with luxurious linens and bedding, extra pillows in a variety of firmness, extra blankets, slippers, luggage racks, a source of music, a clock and tissues. One even has a mini refrigerator that is stocked with a variety of beverages.

“Put everything out that you could imagine them needing. You don’t want your guests to have to rummage through your closets for tissues or to find out what time it is.”

She also makes sure there is a place for them to put their personal items, whether it is the empty drawers in the dresser or space to hang clothing in the closet.

Before any guests arrive, Morgan prepares for her visitors by making sure the guest rooms are clean and fresh, including the linens. Among her horror stories of visits to other people’s homes include finding obviously used sheets on the bed and seeing cockroaches in the guest room.

She said vanilla or cookies and cream scented candles and classical music create a welcoming ambience for guests’ arrival, as do fresh flowers, which she says “are a must.”

A special touch Morgan provides for her visitors are plush robes and luxury towels for “His Lordship,” “Her Ladyship” and “Morgan-Devore guest” that she had embroidered by her logo wear and gift business, Morgan Specialties.

Her towels, sheets and robes that are strictly for guests harken back to her childhood days when her mother brought out the good dishes for company.

She also makes sure the guest bath is well-stocked with fresh toothbrushes, a spare hairbrush and travel-size toiletries.

“There’s nothing worse than going into someone’s home and getting used soap,” she said.

One way she tries to make her guests feel comfortable is by giving them a short tour of the home and an explanation of how things work and where items they might need are located. Anticipating her guests’ needs is another.

“Most people don’t show up suddenly. I always call a week before they come to see if they have any special needs, what their likes are and what their habits are,” she said.

And there’s always a small basket filled with goodies, snacks and beverages waiting for them when they arrive. She also provides a listing of current Las Vegas shows and tours along with reading material.

Her visitors don’t leave empty handed either. Morgan prepares a brown bag lunch or snack filled with nonperishable food items such as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, juice box, water and candy bar that they can take with them to the airport.

For those who don’t have the luxury of a dedicated guest room, there are alternatives to having guests sleep on the couch.

Of course, most of us are familiar with the sleeper sofa that hides a full-size bed or the futon that converts into a sleeping surface. Now there’s another alternative. Hollandia International, a luxury bedding manufacturer, has developed an ottoman that converts into a bed.

The new Convertible features a Vita talalay latex mattress that is specially vented for increased air circulation and a cool feel. It also offers zoned support and is infused with aloe vera for extra softness.

The ottoman has a slipcover top that is offered in more than 250 fabrics. It has a suggested retail price of $900.