I have friends coming to town in 3 weeks what would ?

Consider getting them a basket of things to snack on in their room. You know how expensive these things can be in a hotel, and it certainly is convenient for them.

Is it possible for you to pick up the friend at the airport or wherever? and take them along to the hotel as well as the snacks in a little food snack hamper (I'd include alcohol in that and water and juice maybe) and some chocolates too as if they were staying with you in your home you would have stuff for them to eat and drink. Even a bunch of lovely flowers would be nice. Check with Reception at the hotel by phone if you want to leave something in the room before the guest arrives there (if they are going straight there by car or whatever). Also you could have a note there as well with the goodies saying Welcome to ...wherever ..and leave your phone number to ring you and say we will go out for dinner tonight or will you come over tonight for dinner or I will take you out for dinner - that would make them feel very welcome.

Snacks, fruit candy, candles. Just small things

Fruits, cans of coffee or soft drinks and snacks.