We don't have a guest bed, much to the annoyance of my family. We *do* have a futon as our couch. So, anyone who really needs to stay with us, gets to sleep on a futon in the living room. This serves to limit the duration of their stay nicely! I too don't do well with people in my space. I've never really had a helpful house guest - most of them will yell for me every time they want a glass of water, not lend a hand with dinner in any way, etc.