A little nighttime reading
HOW TO MAKE A BED LIKE A HOTEL BED -- WITH THE LUXURIOUS, PAMPERING FEEL.
Have you ever stayed in a hotel room and practically jumped into bed with joy? All those fluffy pillows, the perfectly tucked duvet and super-soft sheets. Sleeping in a fancy hotel bed can be such a treat. No wonder - it seems like every hotel chain has its own brand of bedtime heaven these days.
If you've ever wondered why hotel beds are so comfortable...and if you’re looking to re-create that indulgent, pampering hotel bedroom environment, check out these helpful tips:
Upgrade your mattress
The foundation of an inviting bed is a comfortable mattress. Hotels invest in high-quality mattresses because they know this is fundamental to the bedroom experience. Most hotel mattresses are innerspring and thicker (coupled with a boxspring) for a traditionally plush and luxurious feel.
If you’ve had your mattress for more than 7 years, it’s likely time for a new one. Luckily, there is a new kind of mattress war going on, with a number of online competitors offering “bed-in-a-box” options for lower prices. So now, that high-end mattress feel is more within reach.
Looking for the comfiest new mattress? Get insider tips with Slumbr's Unbiased Mattress Buying Guide.
Pile on the pillows
There’s nothing like sinking into a bed with big, fluffy pillows surrounding you. For a queen or king-sized bed, we recommend adding 4-5 pillows. You can reserve 2 of the pillows to "stand up" against the bed frame. It's your call whether or not to "chop" your pillows!
Most hotels will include a down or down/feather pillow along with down alternative options. These kind of pillows give you that sumptuous, plush environment. In our Slumbr Pillow Menu:
- Our Vela Down + Feather Pillow offers that hotel pillow feel - scrunchable, crisp, supportive and soft
- Or try our Orion Down Alternative Pillow for a supple hypoallergenic down alternative option
- For the most luxurious feel, our Cassiopeia Luxe Down Pillow is the ultimate in soft, lofty indulgence
Invest in sumptuous sheets
71% of people say they sleep better on clean sheets. It’s not surprising. Imagine slipping into a bed with cool, clean sheets. It makes a difference, and hotels know this. Hotel bedding is the standard for most people of quality and comfort.
Most hotels do not use a fitted sheet on their beds. Instead, they use one flat sheet on the bed, tucked into the mattress using hospital corners for a smooth fit. Then they place another top sheet under the comforter or duvet. Hotels primarily do this so they can stock the same sheets and save cleaners' time in making beds. But it also gives a very neat and clean fit. No saggy fitted sheet pockets or overstretched elastic corners that wear the sheets out faster.
Hotels typically use 300-thread count percale sheets made from a long-staple cotton, such as Egyptian or pima cotton. As you may have heard, high thread count specs are a marketing gimmick. 300TC in a high-quality cotton like Egyptian or pima is usually all you need for that luxury feel.
Choose percale sheets if you like that crisp, cool feeling. These kind of sheets will soften up over time and give a really classic feel. Percale sheets tend to feel lighter and more breathable, perfect for summer months. Hotels like percale because they hold up really well and get better with more washes. However, if you prefer a silkier, smoother feel with luster and drape right away, choose sateen sheets instead.
And in the world of sheets, you often get what you pay for so don’t be afraid to splurge a little for better-quality. They’ll last you longer and feel better over time.
Choose white linens
Almost all high-end hotels dress their beds in white linens, from an all-white duvet to spotless white sheets. The whiteness exudes a modern coolness. Hotels have also found that the all-white color scheme reads fresh, new and renovated. It creates a calming focal point for your room that’s almost spa-like and meditative. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that white linens are easy to bleach.
Just make sure that the rest of your room, including your headboard, isn’t too cold or stark. Warm accents around the bedroom can keep the space luxe and cozy.
Add a featherbed
Featherbeds add a plush, cozy, cloud-like factor to the bed. This is often the element that makes a hotel bed feel really comfy, making you want to sleep in and cuddle up. No need to spend lots of coin on a fancy featherbed; discount store versions often do the trick when coupled with quality pillows and sheets.
Fold and smooth like the pros
Again, hotels use flat sheets instead of fitted bottom sheets, using a hospital fold. After laying a flat sheet over your mattress, tuck the 4 sides of the sheet under the mattress. You'll have leftover material still sticking out at the corners. Create a 45-degree angle with these corners, and firmly tuck them under. Also make sure to fold down your comforter or duvet to show off your pillows.
Luxury hotel beds are also smooth and wrinkle-free. No need to steam or iron all your bedding though. Instead, keep a spray bottle filled with water near the bed. Spray your duvet and sheets with a light mist of water. Wait a few seconds. Then gently shake out or smooth the linens with your hands across your bed.
Not convinced it’s worth it? Why reserve that luxury feel only for times when you travel? With sleep so precious, you deserve to feel good every night in your bed.
