Ever wondered what makes hotel stays truly memorable?
It isn’t the lobby. It isn’t the pool. It’s the bed.
Look…
Bedding is often the biggest (and still underrated) factor in the guest hotel experience.
In fact, according to J.D Power research guests who slept better during their hotel stay scored their experience 114 points higher on a 1000-point scale. That can mean more positive reviews, return visits, and profit.
The Problem
Buying beds for hotels is harder than it sounds. There are interior design elements to consider as well as guest comfort and durability concerns. But get it right and your guests will be sleeping soundly…and booking again.
In this article we break down hotel bed buying in-depth so you can equip your rooms with comfy beds that will delight your guests and keep them coming back for more.
Here’s what we cover:
- Why hotel bedding is more important than ever before
- Things to look for in quality hotel beds
- Hotel interior design tips for bed placement
- Hotel bed buying mistakes to avoid
- How to buy beds for your hotel or inn
Why hotel bedding is more important than ever before
Hotel guests have become spoiled.
When average daily rates hit an all-time high, customers naturally expect more from their hotel stay. They want value for money. And what better way to ensure value than a great night’s sleep?
Let’s take a look at what studies show:
Hotel guests that rated their sleep as “excellent” during their stay scored their hotel overall 114 points higher out of 1,000. J.D. Power also found hotels that invested in sleeping surfaces saw increased satisfaction scores.
That said…
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that bed comfort was one of the strongest predictors of guest satisfaction with sleep. If your beds aren’t comfortable, your guests won’t sleep well and they’ll remember it.
Remember. Guests spend ~⅓ of their time in hotels asleep in bed. Make that experience incredible and your guests will compliment every other detail.
Things to look for in quality hotel beds
Not all beds are created equal.
High-quality hotel beds share common features that appeal to the majority of sleep positions and body types. Let’s review these characteristics to know what makes up a quality mattress that will keep all of your hotel guests comfortable night after night.
- Medium-firm feel. Hotels typically opt for a medium-firm mattress because it suits most sleepers. The feel is supportive, but still allows for some cushioning.
- Long-lasting durability. Your hotel beds will see a lot of traffic. Whatever you buy should be made to withstand regular use. Look for high-density foams and durable coil systems.
- Limits motion transfer. Whether your guests share a bed or not, they don’t want to feel their partner move around all night. High-quality mattresses limit movement.
- Regulates temperature. Hotels should skip mattresses that retain heat. Mattresses with cooling technologies and breathable material are best.
- Provides strong edge support. Guests like to sit on the edge of the bed. A high-quality mattress will have strong edge support so guests won’t feel like they’ll roll off.
Many luxury hotels provide guests with plush pillowtop mattresses for the ultimate comfort. Hybrid mattresses are also popular combining memory foam comfort with traditional innerspring support.
Hotel interior design tips for bed placement
Ever noticed how hotel beds are always placed perfectly?
That isn’t an accident. The placement of your hotel room beds should follow basic interior design principles.
When executed correctly, designing around your beds can make rooms look luxurious while keeping guests comfortable.
Bed Placement
When guests first enter their hotel room, you want them to see the bed. Make it the focal point of the room by positioning it as they walk in. This doesn’t mean your bed needs to be in the centre of your room. Leaving enough space on either side to walk by comfortably is key.
Don’t underestimate lighting near your guests’ beds either. Moveable lights for reading and dimmers are great. Invest in curtains that block sunlight if your rooms don’t already.
Lastly, your headboard. An attractive headboard ties the room together and serves a purpose. Whether guests are reading in bed or watching television, a comfy headboard is necessary.
Hotel bed buying mistakes to avoid
Hoteliers tend to mess up hotel beds more often than you would think.
Listen…
Sleep might be the most important aspect of your guests’ hotel experience. Don’t ruin your ratings by skimping on beds.
Here are the worst mistakes hotels make when buying beds:
- Buying beds that are too cheap. Bedding is an investment but buying inexpensive beds will cost you more in the long run. Not only will they wear out faster, but they also don’t feel as comfortable.
- Not differentiating between room types. All rooms in your hotel don’t need to be furnished exactly the same. Putting money into plush mattress and pillows for suite rooms can earn you higher reviews.
- Purchasing beds without buying proper bedding to go with them. Don’t forget about pillows and sheets. There is no use in buying a luxury mattress only to place flat pillows and rough sheets on top. Guests will notice.
- Not testing out beds ahead of purchase. Order samples before you buy in bulk. The majority of hoteliers will have staff members sleep on potential mattresses and provide honest feedback.
- Buying and forgetting. Once you buy beds for your hotel don’t forget about them. Rotate mattresses and keep notes on wear patterns. All mattresses should be replaced every seven to ten years.
J.D. Power research found hotels that invested in room furnishings saw increased scores in bed comfort.
How to buy beds for your hotel or inn
Now it’s time to get into the nitty gritty…
Below are the steps we follow when advising hoteliers on how to buy beds for hotels.
Step 1: Know your target audience.
If you’re catering to business travellers, you will likely want a bed with firmer support. Family-friendly hotels might want durability over everything.
Step 2: Set your budget.
Know how much you are willing to spend. Keep in mind that while cheap beds may be cheap for now, they will need to be replaced more often.
Step 3: Find reputable suppliers.
Do your research when buying hotel beds. You want to work with suppliers that have experience creating beds specifically for hotels.
Step 4: Test out your options.
Ask for samples. This cannot be stressed enough. Having your employees sleep on beds you are considering for your hotel is crucial to know what you’ll be bringing to your guests.
Step 5: Remember the entire sleep system.
When thinking about hotel beds, don’t forget about mattress toppers, pillows, and even bedding. All of these play a factor when guests are rating the quality of their sleep.
Step 6: Plan for the future.
Make sure your supplier can provide you with the same mattresses down the road. Eventually, you will need to replace your beds and it’ll be convenient if you can order from the same company.
Find beds that provide your guests with comfort and durability at a price that fits your budget.
Wrapping Up
The beds you choose for your hotel will make or break the guest experience.
Remember…
Customers who slept well at your hotel will score you higher than guests who didn’t. They will write positive reviews and become return customers. But hotel guests who have any trouble sleeping will remember the poor mattress and mark your hotel down.
Here’s a recap:
- Invest in mattresses with a medium-firm feel
- Apply these hotel interior design tips when thinking about bed placement
- Don’t make these hotel bed mistakes
- Test out beds before purchasing them
- Consider every detail of your guests’ sleep system
Hotel guests only think about beds. If the rest of your hotel shines, they’ll forget about the small things that didn’t meet their expectations.
…and that includes their stay if they didn’t sleep well!
Sleep is one of the most important factors of your hotel guests’ experience. Provide them with comfy mattresses that they can’t stop thinking about and watch your ratings soar.
You know what they say…
Sleeping customers are loyal customers.