Luxury sleep: How high-end hotels are redefining sleep for guests
A high-quality bed can transform a simple stay into a restful and rejuvenating experience
Ever wondered why the bed in a luxury hotel feels like a cloud? It’s not magic—it’s all about the right mix of materials, design, and tech.
In the world of high-end hospitality, the bed is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a factor that can define the entire stay. For hotel guests, sinking into a meticulously crafted bed after a day of sightseeing or business, is the ultimate indulgence. A good night’s sleep is a luxury in itself, and for many, it’s one of the defining features of their hotel experience. Studies have shown that 73 percent of hotel guests report that they sleep better in hotel rooms than in their own homes.
This article was originally published in the latest AccomNews print edition. [Read it here.]
Research from Hotels.com, based on a survey of 2000 U.S. adults, revealed that the design and quality of hotel beds play a significant role in this phenomenon. The study highlights factors such as quieter environments, physical exhaustion from hotel amenities like gyms and pools, and the ability to escape everyday stressors as key contributors to a restful night’s sleep. But at the core of this sleep revolution is the hotel bed itself.
But what sets these luxury hotel beds apart from the ones at home? The secret lies in a combination of advanced technology, premium materials, and expert craftsmanship. From custom-designed mattresses to high-thread-count linens, every detail is considered to ensure an indulgent, restorative experience.
For a five-star experience, investing in top-tier bedding is no longer optional; it’s a critical component of a hotelier’s service offering. A high-quality bed can transform a simple stay into a restful and rejuvenating experience.
The bed’s impact is so significant that it often shapes the lasting impression of a hotel stay, influencing guest satisfaction, guest reviews and ongoing loyalty.
To learn more about how to elevate the guest sleep experience, AccomNews spoke to SlumberCorp’s Neil Morten and Group Commercial Manager at AH Beard Peter Deveny.
How do high-end hotel beds elevate the guest sleep experience, and what should accommodation providers consider when choosing the right option for their space?
Neil Morten: Comfort and support are the prime considerations for accommodation providers in elevating guest experience, guest retention and return custom. The premium product option will have a combination of high-quality supporting spring systems, preferably pocket coil springs to reduce and minimise partner disturbance thereby providing a more restful sleep, combined with high quality comfort fill layers that reduce pressure point discomfort and disburse body heat.
Peter Deveny: Guest expectations are much higher now than what they have ever been, due mostly to the growth in sales of high-end beds through retail channels. Many guests have very high-quality beds in their own homes, and they expect that if they are staying in a high end hotel, that the bed will give the same, or an even higher, level of comfort and luxury than what they have in their own bedroom. Think of what you want the guest to experience and shop accordingly, buy the best quality bed your budget will allow and don’t forget things like high quality linen and duvets, and great pillows, with variations in fill and feel.
How are adjustable bed bases transforming the guest experience and what are the key features to look for?
Neil: Adjustable beds provide a premium guest experience with multiple function options available including zero gravity setting, various adjustable head and leg lift settings to suit each individual, get out of bed electric assistance, lower lumbar support adjustment and massage functions.
Peter: Again, many more adjustable bases are being sold through retail channels, and we are seeing growing demand in the hotel space. Look for features like adjustable head and foot incline, Zero G for complete relaxation and integrated under bed lighting that turns on when the guest gets out of bed. Massage is another popular feature, but consider the impact on the rooms around as the vibration can also mean noise that transfers to surrounding rooms.
How can hoteliers balance sustainability and luxury? What are the key considerations when aiming to meet guest expectations across both?
Neil: Purchasing Australian manufactured products is paramount to ensuring positive sustainable outcomes. Australian producers are consistently innovating their production processes, monitoring and examining component supply and ensuring the highest standards are met, investigating sustainable alternatives and partnering with industry affiliate groups where sustainability, recycling and minimising environmental impact is at the fore. Buying Australian made is the key to ensuring the highest standards are met and products are manufactured to world class levels, utilising the best components available.
Peter: This has been a key challenge for the bedding industry generally, and one we are much better at than we’ve ever been. Most responsible Australian manufacturers are now using materials and manufacturing techniques that make as much of the mattress as possible able to be recycled or recovered and there is a growing national network of recycling and dismantling facilities that can sustainably recycle or dispose of your old beds.
The most important thing that hoteliers can do is to plan for the end of life of their beds. Set aside a budget for responsibly disposing of your old beds; we do it when we replace the tyres and oil in our cars, and a bulky product like a mattress can be much more problematic to dispose of sustainably.
Look to partner with local charity and relief organisations. If your beds are clean and in good condition, they will most likely be very welcome.
Turning up at your local charity store with 100 beds to dispose of is not going to be welcome, so plan ahead and initiate the discussion well ahead of when you are planning to replace your beds.
Sleep wellness is a growing trend. How can hoteliers best capitalise?
Neil: Australian manufacturers are constantly on the hunt for innovative environmentally friendly components and materials. Products that are organic, contain natural materials such as cotton, bamboo, wool, silver and copper are some of the innovations Australian manufacturers use in their production that enhance sleep wellness and contribute to a healthier night’s sleep.
Peter: Get serious about providing a premium sleep experience. This means not just considering the bed, but all of the elements in the room and surrounding spaces that contribute to a great sleep environment. Engage sleep wellness experts who can help put together a programme that effectively addresses the challenges that many people deal with that prevent them from sleeping well.
Ultimately, the bed is a key part of the sleep experience, but it needs to work harmoniously with the rest of the room to deliver a truly premium sleep experience.
Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.