If you've always wondered why you get such a great night's sleep when staying at a hotel, blame the bedding. Hotels create that cloud-like sleep space using a few layers of bedding essentials and you can create your own hotel-inspired bed at home — and do it without spending a fortune. Here's how to create that hotel-inspired sleep experience on a budget:
1. Invest in a Better Bed
Most luxury hotels contract with the same manufacturers of premium mattresses that you can find at your local mattress store — they aren't necessarily exclusive to the hotel room. Products with brand names like Simmons Beautyrest and Serta are found in the world's best hotels, and if you want to get that quality and comfort at home then there is no substitute for finding the same thing.
2. Add a Feather Bed
The feather bed is one of the key pieces of a hotel bed and one that many people don't realize makes a world of different for your sleep experience. This 'bed' sits on top of your mattress under the mattress topper to create another layer of cushioning. This means your body never really touches your regular mattress because the feather bed is a fluffy layer between the mattress and sheets. You'll need to rotate this mattress every week or so to get the most out of it. Find the best deals mattress toppers during the end of winter bedding sales and during the warmer months when retailers are looking to sell off heavier bedding items.
3. Get a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is designed to protect your mattress and can also keep your sheets in place. However, not all mattress toppers are the same. You can add another layer of padding for extra comfort while you sleep with a cushioned mattress topper. These are thicker than standard mattress toppers and will sit right on top of the feather bed. You can find these at a discount at your local store during a sale season or on the clearance racks.
4. Pick Up a Down Comforter
The trick to getting that pricey down comforter at a great price is to shop for one during the warmer months or seasonal sales. Late spring and summer are the best times of year to get closeout prices on heavier bedding so you can find a down comforter and other down bedding on sale. You'll need a fluffy down comforter to really make you feel like you're sleeping in a cloud.
5. Buy Extra Pillows
Most hotels provide at least four to six pillows per bed to provide extra cushioning and support. You can surround yourself with soft pillows to create a nest while sleeping. Make your hotel-inspired bed by adding a few more king or queen size pillows to your sleep space. You can find some great deals on high-quality pillows made with real feathers or synthetic materials that provide extra support online and during sales seasons.
6. Invest in High-Quality Sheets
You don't need to spend a fortune on sheets to create a hotel-like bed but you do want to buy a set of high-quality sheets that will stay in good shape after several wash cycles. The higher the thread count, the denser and thicker the fabric. Luxury hotels typically use 300-thread-count sheets and pillowcases to make those five-star bedding experiences. Mattress Firm also sells great bedding accessories.
Creating that dreamy sleep experience you enjoyed at the hotel can be a reality with a few key bedding pieces. Pick up these bedding essentials during the sales season or seek out deals online to create your own hotel room at home.