As a light sleeper who’s struggled with her fair share of insomnia, I’ve always believed that nothing compares to a good night’s rest in your own bed. But with the rise in sleep tourism in recent years, I’ve been thrilled to see many hotels stepping up their sleep game and revamping their rooms to help guests clock in some quality shuteye.
To be fair, I don’t spend much time in my hotel room while traveling, especially since I tend to plan packed itineraries. But during a recent 10-day trip to Europe, I found myself appreciating the value of a well-designed bedroom that expedites your journey to la la land.
On the last leg of my trip, I checked into Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower. As an avid Francophile, I was psyched to take in the stunning Eiffel Tower views from my room and the hotel’s rooftop (spoiler alert: they’re worth the hype). I was exhausted after visiting two other countries before arriving in France, yet I didn’t really have sleep on my mind. But after walking 25,000 steps on my first day in Paris, I returned to my room and was relieved to sink into the sumptuous bed.
The room’s sleek, sleep-friendly design got me thinking that I might want to give my own bedroom a makeover to capture the same tranquil-meets-luxurious vibe, so I reached out to Hilton’s design and wellness pros to get some tips for designing a bed that’ll give you the best sleep of your life.
1. Don’t Overdo It
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Decorative pillows are cute and all, but the nightly ritual of removing them from your bed and finding somewhere to store them isn’t exactly relaxing. When it comes to creating a sleep oasis, less is more.
“The best rooms feel inviting and effortless, helping people relax almost instantly. To recreate this at home, start with a clean, uncluttered bed setup and avoid over-styling the space. Hotel rooms often feel more calming because the bed looks simple, polished and thoughtfully layered,” Amanda Al-Masri, Hilton’s Global Vice President of Wellness, says.
2. Define Your Bed With Spatial Cues
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Thinking outside the box and focusing on unique design details can make a major difference while creating a luxurious bedroom.
“Subtle spatial cues, like a canopy, alcove, framed headboard or layered materials around the bed can help create a greater sense of comfort and definition within the room,” Nick Solomon, Hilton’s Global Head of Design, Lifestyle Brands, says.
For instance, many of Hilton’s Canopy boutique hotels are known for using canopies to “define the sleeping area within the room” and reinforce the focus on “thoughtfully zoned, restorative spaces.”
While selecting a bed frame, Solomon recommends looking for designs that “balance structure and softness while creating a sense of retreat.”
“That doesn’t necessarily mean traditional drapery. It can take the form of an architectural frame, sculpted headboard or layered detailing that anchors the room,” Solomon says.
3. Choose Natural Materials for Your Bedding
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With guests checking in and out of rooms every day, luxury hotel beds get a lot of traffic. Yet, the bedding always seems to be up for the job.
Solomon says high-quality cotton and polyester blend sheets are the key since they “offer a soft hand feel, breathability and durability.” Additionally, a premium down-and-feather duvet insert is another great option to keep you cool during the summer months and warm during the winter.
Al-Masri calls high-quality linens “a must,” but notes that you don’t have to break the bank to upgrade your bedding.
“Quality doesn’t always have to mean luxury and high price tags,” she says. “Natural, breathable fibers are always a good idea when it comes to bedding.”
Above all, durability and consistency are critical.
“Sheets and pillows should hold their shape and softness over time,” Al-Masri says.
4. Use Multiple Varieties of Pillows
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Everyone has their own pillow preference (personally, I prefer a side pillow), but luxury hotels do a good job of creating a universally appealing pillow setup for every type of sleeper.
To recreate that same vibe at home, Solomon suggests using two down-and-feather soft pillows and two synthetic firm pillows (or any mix of soft and firm pillows) to create a “welcoming sleep environment for stomach, back and side sleepers.”
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5. Consider Your Firmness Preference While Selecting a Mattress
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Mattresses are known for providing a solid foundation to a supportive bed. Since every guest is different, luxury hotels specifically design their beds to account for a variety of sleepers and firmness preferences.
At home, we all have the luxury of playing favorites and selecting a high-quality mattress that suits our specific needs.
“Spend time learning your mattress and pillow preferences and do your research to ensure selections line up with how you sleep best,” Al-Masri says.
Bonus Tip: Design a Calm Sleep Area
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Your bed is the most important element of your bedroom, but you should also create an environment that’s conducive to relaxation.
“Warm lighting, tactile finishes and a subdued palette all contribute to an atmosphere that feels inviting, relaxed and thoughtfully composed. The overall goal is to create a space that feels personal, intuitive and restorative,” Solomon says.
If you’re looking to recreate that zen feeling you get while staying in a luxury hotel, Solomon recommends prioritizing “tactile, refined materials.”
Integrated features like lighting or shelving can also “enhance both function and comfort, supporting rest and relaxation,” he says.
Al-Masri says there are several “crucial variables” that matter while creating a peaceful sleep oasis.
“It needs to be quiet, dark and the right temperature (usually cool), and you need to feel comfortable in the sleep environment,” she says.
Sources:
- Amanda Al-Masri, Hilton’s Global Vice President of Wellness
- Nick Solomon, Hilton’s Global Head of Design, Lifestyle Brands
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