How to Write a Thank You Note After an Overnight Stay

Being invited to stay overnight in someone's home is an honor—one you shouldn't take lightly. And as the guest, you have certain responsibilities toward the host.

Valuing Your Host

Have you ever worried that being an overnight guest is an imposition to your host? In most cases, the host wouldn't have invited you if they felt that way. Regardless, it's important to show your gratitude with a note to say thank you for hosting, even if you already brought a host/hostess gift.

Staying overnight in someone's home can be an enjoyable experience for both the host and the guest if you show respect for each other and don't forget to follow proper etiquette guidelines. However, it still requires a considerable amount of work for the host, which you must recognize as the guest.

Think about all of the things your host did to prepare for your visit. Chances are they purchased extra food, washed sheets, planned events, and rearranged their schedule to accommodate you.

While you were there, they entertained you, cooked meals with you in mind, and dealt with disruptions to their normal routine. And after you left, they had to bring their house back to pre-visit order.

What Goes in the Thank You Note

When writing a thank you note after spending a night or more in someone's home, the first sentence should have the words "thank you," "appreciate," or something along those lines. The next sentence should expound on that by expressing something specific and positive about your stay.

Feel free to mention more than one detail you enjoyed about the visit. For example, you may want to write about the comfortable accommodations and the delicious meals. Close with a statement about the future, such as an offer to reciprocate.

When to Send the Thank You Note

Don't wait long to send a letter of appreciation to your host. If you do it the day you get home (or sooner if you have other stops along the way), it won't weigh down your to-do list after your trip. Never wait longer than a couple of weeks to send a thank you.

Overnight Stay Thank You Note Samples

Thank You Gift

If you spent several nights in someone's home, it's a good idea to send a gift along with your thank you note:

• Gift card to a favorite restaurant
• Spa basket
• Coffee table book
• Photo album with pictures from your visit inside

The gift doesn't have to be elaborate, but it should be something you know your host will like.