Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: How have things worked out - Guest Suite

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Nov 27, 2005, at 11:52 AM, Chris ScottHanson wrote:

> A guest suite with two or three guest rooms can share a bath, 
> especially if the sink(s) are in the hall and not in the shower/toilet 
> room.

My guests have not liked the sharing of a bathroom with strangers at 
all. We have two rooms sharing bath and a wide range of people staying 
there frequently. So it isn't like someone who is of similar age or 
interests is sharing. A 30 year old young woman is not likely to enjoy 
sharing with a 50 year old, rather flirtatious man three times her 
size, for example.

> I would be interested to know how folks are finding their guest rooms 
> working out for them, after these many years now of experience...
>
> Are they well used?

Ours are very well used. A hot-bed hotel sometimes.
> Is the management, cleaning and scheduling system working?

We recently went to a system of storing sets of linens in bins in the 
office -- two bins for each room. Then people can take more time to 
wash sheets and return them to the office rather than try to return 
them to the guest rooms, the keys to which were by then in possession 
of someone else. Even with extra keys, no one wants to break in on new 
guests.

> Do you wish you had more or fewer guest rooms than you have?

No. I think 2 is about right. It allows families with children to stay 
or more that one guest to stay.

> Is there anything else you would change about your guest room 
> situation?

I would recommend two baths if you can afford it or at least putting 
the shower and the toilet and sink in different rooms.

I've objected to fees for the guest rooms unless there are fees for the 
exclusive use of other commonhouse facilities but it is a good income 
source if you are in a place like DC where lots of people like to 
visit. If we had private baths, more of my friends would stay here and 
pay the $25 than stay elsewhere. So the guest rooms could be viewed as 
income (donations).

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org