why are they sleeping over? If they were babysitting so we could attend a late evening event, and we were getting home at midnight or later, I would give them their bed of choice.

I'd also try out the guest room mattress and see for myself. I had a friend with a guest mattress that was so bad. . . . . we eventually stayed in a hotel

Well, I would, but I would be annoyed about it for the reasons stated above.

Yes, we have done this, for more than one night. But it is very hard in an apartment. There is only the one main bed, for us; the other room we have is an office, not set up for a bedroom. So DH and I have had to set up an inflatable mattress or similar for us, while in-laws take our bed.

No, never, no matter where they lived.

And if my ILs lived in Bowie they would never spend the night. Sheesh.

OP, that's ridiculous. Let them drive home or let them suck it up for a night and use the guest bedroom. In the situation you describe I would NOT give them my bedroom. If the guest room mattress is really uncomfortable (have you slept on it yourself?) you should change it. If not, then too bad so sad for them.

No.

OP here. Forgot to add that they have no issues driving at night. Also, they do not like the (empty) guest bedroom foam mattress.

Yes.

We do all the time, but my in laws live six hours away. We also give it up for the grandparents because stairs are hard for them (our master is on the main level).

I would not if my inlaws lived 25 minutes away, unless they were baby sitting over night and I was heading out of town. I'd offer to drive them home or, if they couldn't get home for some reason (snow?), they should stay in the guest room / futon / whatever.

I would give them the kids room, but not my bedroom.

some older folks have a hard time driving at night, that may be the issue. can your DH drive them home or maybe sleep over their house?

Maybe. Usually when we have guests, they will take one of the kids' room. if there was a problem with one of the kids' room (no elec, hot, etc), I would definitely give inlaws our room.

Would they be staying late? Do they feel comfortable driving at night? Will staying over provide them with something they wouldn't get otherwise (such as time with the kids in the morning)?

I'd offer to drive them home at the very least.

And would it make a difference if they lived in Bowie and you live in Silver Spring? (we're talking 25 minutes)