Those bedrooms you see in the movies, in catalogues and on adverts for 5 star hotels…they just look so comfy, hey? So damn sinkinable. So inviting that we’ve tried to bed down on the pages of a glossy magazine depicting one, just to feel something.
We know what you’re thinking; the consistent, narrative thread which runs through these gorgeous bed arrangements must be money. A bed which looks this soft, this fluffy, must be the result of big bucks, right? They’ve probably hidden some fat stacks beneath the mattress, you’d assume. You might be surprised, then, by what we’re about to reveal.
It’s actually eminently doable to get your bed and by extension, your bedroom, looking as glam and luxurious, but for less. Here’s how to achieve that 5 star hotel bed at home this summer.
Selecting A Five-Star Mattress
In your pursuit of a mattress that would rival the repose offered by a five-star hotel, attention to detail is paramount. Think of it as selecting the cornerstone of luxury for your personal retreat. The mattress must not only cater to your comfort preferences but also embody the essence of opulence found in the most exclusive accommodations. A mattress that provides a balance between supportive and plush, akin to those found in high-end hotel suites, is ideal.
For those who dream of sinking into a bed that hugs their form, a high-density memory foam mattress may be the ticket, while a pocket sprung mattress echoes the traditional, sumptuous feel of a heritage luxury hotel.
It’s essential to test these mattresses in the same manner that a connoisseur would sample fine wine – with time and attention to the subtleties of their composition. And as with any premium investment, consider the longevity and the materials; natural fibres like silk and cashmere can add a layer of breathable indulgence, enhancing the five-star sleeping experience night after night.
We’re big fans of the Elite mattress from Emma, which boasts springs, foam and Air Grid support, helping control body temperature beautifully (perfect for imagining you’re in a tropical country’s luxury resort, hey!) and offering cushioned but firm support.
When it comes to materials, the choice is as crucial as the hotel’s thread count on their Egyptian cotton sheets. Natural latex or organic wool mattresses offer a cooler slumber, perfect for mimicking the climate-controlled environments of opulent hotel rooms. Synthetics may not always provide the same level of luxury or temperature regulation, so opt for materials that will elevate your sleep to those of a grandiose suite. Eco-friendly options not only mirror the sustainability efforts of prestigious hotels but also often surpass traditional mattresses in comfort and longevity.
By choosing wisely, your bed becomes more than a mere piece of furniture; it becomes a nightly five-star experience.
Read: Where to stay on Koh Samui, Thailand
Topper The Class
Indeed, upgrading your mattress will be something you’ll never regret. After a period spent clocking up restful, deep slumbers, you’ll wonder why you didn’t so sooner.
However, if splashing out on a new mattress isn’t an option, consider investing in a mattress topper to replicate a similar effect but for much less investment. A topper can transform a lumpy, bumpy and uncomfortable mattress into one which will have you ‘oohing and ahhing’ every time you slip into your bed.
Bear in mind that a topper can warm your bed up or cool it down, depending on the material it’s made from. Memory foam toppers, due to their dense material, can interrupt air flow, causing you to wake up all clammy – not ideal for summer, that’s for sure.
Instead, choose a topper specifically designed with cooling technology and high breathability, perfect for the warmer months as it can help regulate your bed’s temperature, which ends up with a better night’s sleep when all is said and done.
A Darn Good Downer Or Quilt
It’s getting warmer and summer is around the corner. As such, we understand if youre moving your mouse north west right now, ready to click that red cross button and file this article in ‘things to read in winter’. The need for cosiness is less pressing with hotter months on the horizon, we agree, but you can still achieve that hotel room bed without making it a stuffy, stifling night’s sleep.
Yep, we get that nobody wants to spend their summer nights kicking off the duvet cover, but to emulate a super-soft, plush hotel bed that’s cool and comfy, the addition of a down comforter is a must. To be more specific, a lightweight down comforter made especially for summer is what you should be seeking.
If feather’s ain’t your thing and makes you sneeze more than those pollen filled, hazy dog days of summer, then choose a hypoallergenic alternative. For a 5 star sleep experience, ensure you opt for one made from a natural, breathable material like bamboo or cotton, perhaps with sweat wicking features, too.
A lightweight, box stitched, quilted bedspread is a good alternative to a down comforter in the summer months – just add soft cotton sheets underneath (more of that later). Many 5 star hotels use them to add texture and a pop of colour. You can channel this energy at home by opting for bedspreads with a box stitching style and thin padding; great in summer as they allow air circulation and keep your body cool.
Headboard Heaven
Without fail, luxury hotel beds boast beautifully upholstered headboards. It gives the bed that wow factor, and that extra bit of drama and opulence that you want when forking out on a luxury hotel room.
The headboard in a bedroom is akin to the majestic centrepiece of a five-star hotel suite; it sets the stage for an atmosphere of elegance and luxury. When selecting a headboard, envision the grandeur of a high-end hotel room. A towering, plush headboard, upholstered in rich velvet or soft leather, can instantly elevate your bedroom to the level of a presidential suite. The texture and fabric are as important as the design, with buttoned or tufted details adding a touch of sophistication reminiscent of the world’s most luxurious lodgings.
Consider the design language of the most opulent hotels when choosing your headboard. A headboard with intricate wood carvings can reflect the bespoke nature of a boutique hotel, while a sleek, wingback design can bring the modern chic of an urban five-star hotel into your bedroom.
For those who value both form and function, a headboard with integrated reading lights or concealed compartments can add a practical yet stylish element, much like the well-thought-out amenities of a luxury hotel room. In essence, the right headboard is a statement of luxury; it’s not just about creating a visual anchor for your bed, but about replicating the sumptuous, pampered feel of a lavish hotel stay, every single night.
Moreover, it provides a strong statement backdrop for all those pillows that luxury hotel rooms have. Speaking of which…
The Perfect Pillow Mix
When it comes to that luxury look, more is definitely more, especially when it comes to pillows. Start with oversized square pillows; we recommend 65 x 65 cm continental pillows which add support, depth and interest to the bed and really bring home the luxury hotel look.
Next, top with your regular size pillows. In fact, some luxury hotels offer a pillow menu – an a la carte menu, if you will, of different luxury pillows designed to cover the range of sleeping styles for different guests. While we’re not suggesting that you own all the different types of pillows out there, it’s worth doing your research to find out what kind of pillow best suits you (try several sizes out in a bed or bedding shop; no one will give you funny looks, we promise). Once you’ve found your pillow, to emulate that five star look we’re fans of Oxford pillowcases, which have a decorative fabric border around the edge.
Here’s how to layer your pillows: toss the white large pillows along with the headboard and the textured pillows on the facing side. Add the decorative cushions or small sized pillows to the middle for an added texture.
Make It Count with Quality Bedding
Slipping between the sheets should provoke a satisfied groan, even if you’re sleeping alone, we think. To provoke that feeling at home, first you’ve got to say goodbye to old scratchy sheets and splash out on some quality bedding – we’re talking about those silky yet crisp sheets that every luxury hotel has.
Don’t be parsimonious here; considering the average person spends 33 years in bed, spending good money on quality bedding shouldn’t be seen as frivolous. Quite the opposite, in fact; it’s an investment in your future years of quality sleep.
On your journey to sumptuously soft sheets, getting your head around the different types of thread count is important. Thread count is a way of measuring the vertical and horizontal threads per square inch of your bed linen. Put simply, the higher the thread count, the more threads there are in the linen.
Why should you care? Well the higher the thread count, 800 for example, the denser and more luxurious the feeling of the material. However, you needn’t splash out on ridiculously high count sheets; a thread count of 300 (or higher) is about right if you’re to achieve the feel of a 5 star hotel bed.
No matter which thread count you choose, the primary indicator of quality is the fabric. Steer clear of any polycotton (polyester and cotton mix) and instead opt for linen rich in cotton; think percale with a high cotton percentage, Egyptian cotton with long fibres that promote breathability and softness, or smooth Supima sheets which many regard as the best cotton that money can buy. Remember in the summer months a sheet is sometimes all you sleep under – so make it count.
Stick To Classic White
In most luxury hotels, you’ve probably noticed that the bedding is reliably, consistently white. This is because all white bedding creates something hospitality professionals call the ‘halo effect’, where guests think that a hotel suite is brand spanking, sparkling new just because of those white sheets, and this leads to a more positive overall impression of the hotel; ‘what’s beautiful is what’s good’ and all that.
So for a fresh, luxe hotel-inspired space, white bedding is always best. You can always introduce a pop of colour with the aforementioned decorative pillows and quilted bedspread if you wish.
The Bottom Line
Pheeww, that was some deep dive into the mechanics behind the perfect hotel room bed and its application in the domestic setting. We’re exhausted, are you? We think we need a lie down…
Going somewhere? Do yourself a favour and check out these 5 hacks to check your hotel is the real deal. You won’t regret it!
