We have an en suite guest room and a casita at the AZ house, and the lower-level walkout of our cabin is a private guest apartment that includes a sitting area and dry bar. I’ve posted many pics of these spaces over the years here. DH is currently building out another bedroom with bunk beds opposite the apartment area of the cabin’s lower-level which I posted recently here.
Our guest spaces are maintained for guests only, no storage creep from the rest of the dwelling. Each features a fully stocked medicine cabinet, nightlights, coffee machine, hair dryer, essential toiletries, soaps/body wash, shampoos/conditioners, fluffy towels, robes, nice hangars, extra blankets/pillows, etc. and the closet/dressers/nightstands are completely empty for guest use only. Years ago I read an article that encouraged hosts to spend a night or two in their own guest room to determine what it might be lacking. From that experience and our years in hotels, I’ve attempted to ensure nothing is amiss. Before guests arrive, I stock the mini fridges, turn down the bed, fill the bedside carafe with ice water, and put a vase of fresh flowers, a small bowl of fruit, and assorted K-cups/pods on the dresser or table. Our goal with guests is to provide them ample space, storage, supplies, and total privacy so they do not feel they are imposing on us in any way. We encourage long-term stays. When they leave, I do not want them to attempt any stripping or cleanup. I am happy to take care of all of that.
When our son left for his first duty station, I turned his casita into a guest apartment that acts as my she-shed on occasion.