Best Bedding Picks For Guest Rooms That Feel Like A Hotel

A five-star sleep experience at your home is a perfectly achievable reality you can offer your guests. All it takes is the right bedding thoughtfully selected, comfortably layered and warm enough to make them feel pampered.

A hotel-quality bedding requires long-staple cotton sheets with a 200 to 400 thread count. Place a fluffy, down alternative duvet insert and a mix of soft and firm pillows to cater to all sleeping preferences. These carefully selected layers collectively build the luxurious sleep abode. 

Stick around, because we are breaking down exactly what choices turn your humble bed into the centrepiece of your hospitality. 

The Bedding Guide for Guest Rooms

• Fabric Choice

The foundation of any extraordinary bed is the sheet set, and here is where you must choose the correct fabric. A luxury hotel would never dare put anything but natural fibres on its beds, and neither should you.

The hands-down winner is high-quality cotton, specifically long-staple varieties like Egyptian or Pima cotton. These fibres are longer and finer than regular cotton, which means they can be woven into a much smoother, stronger and more lustrous fabric.

They actually get softer with every wash, instead of pilling and getting scratchy. For those who tend to sleep warm, a Percale weave is your best bet. It is a simple, one-over, one-under weave that feels crisp, cool and matte. 

If your guests are typically chilly or you simply want an ultra-smooth, slightly heavier drape with a subtle sheen, then a Sateen weave will deliver that creamy, silky sensation that some people find extremely luxurious. 

• Thread Count & Ply

The phrase ‘thread count’ has caused more confusion in the bedding arena than any other term. For years, you have been conditioned to believe that a higher number automatically equals better quality.

But that is a complete myth, often perpetuated by manufacturers who use cheaper, multi-ply threads twisted together to inflate the final count artificially. The real benchmark of quality lies in the ply.

You want single-ply yarn, meaning one fine, long thread is used, giving you a sheet that is stronger, softer and more durable.

When you combine single-ply yarn with extra-long staple cotton, a thread count of 300 can honestly feel far superior to a 1000-thread-count sheet made from short-staple, multi-ply fibres.

The latter will feel heavy, suffocating and may even degrade quickly after a few cycles through the washing machine. A 200-to 400-thread-count bed sheet made from pure cotton can offer softness that your guests will melt into.

• Duvet

A wonderfully fluffy, voluminous layer, the duvet, gives you the look and feel of a hotel bed. They are the essential component for adding visual plushness and providing adjustable warmth, which is absolutely vital since guests’ temperature preferences vary wildly.

For maximum, cloud-like puffiness, a down duvet insert is great in bringing lightweight warmth, but many people steer clear due to allergies or ethical concerns. 

The best solution is an excellent down alternative insert, filled with cotton, which presents great loft and is easy to wash, which is a big win for busy hosts. When choosing the weight, consider a mid-weight duvet.

This strikes a good balance, preventing overheating in milder months while still providing enough substance for cooler evenings. Duvet covers are necessary too. A pure cotton cover in a neutral shade will maintain that desirable hotel aesthetic. 

Opt for a cover with corner ties that secure the insert to prevent it from bunching up. Changing a duvet cover is much simpler than washing an entire comforter. This ensures a fresh, clean layer every single time.

• Pillow Varieties

Pillows are probably the most personal element of any guest’s sleep experience. You will want to place a minimum of four sleeping pillows on a queen-sized or king-sized bed, ideally two for each person. But the key is to vary the firmness and filling.

Use two firm or medium-firm down-alternative pillows, for the pair closest to the headboard. These are perfect for side sleepers who need a high loft to keep their spine aligned or for guests who like to sit up and read without their head flopping back.

Then, introduce two different options. One soft, squishy down or down-alternative pillow for stomach sleepers who need minimal neck elevation.

And one firm, supportive memory foam or dense fill pillow, which is a blessing for those who need substantial head and neck support or are side sleepers with broader shoulders.

This simple act of giving them a choice is incredibly empowering and shows a level of thoughtful consideration that guests will genuinely appreciate, sealing the deal on that five-star feeling.

Also, do not forget to use pillowcases. They can protect your pillows from accidental spills and keep allergens and dust mites locked away.

• Throw Blanket

A throw blanket instantly adds a touch of hotel-style luxury. It brings texture and warmth to the bed while adding a pop of colour, think mustard, teal, or blush tones. It’s also a practical, lightweight layer for extra comfort without disturbing the entire bed. Choose high-quality, tactile fabrics to match your climate and style.

The Psychology Of Hotel Aesthetics

There is a reason why virtually every top hotel around the world relies on a sea of pure, crisp white bedding. It is a calculated and brilliant psychological move that you should absolutely replicate in your guest room.

White is the ultimate visual symbol for cleanliness, purity and effortless opulence. When a guest sees a perfectly made, all-white bed, their mind instantly registers a sense of calm and hygiene.

Furthermore, white sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases are very practical for you as the host. They can all be washed together at high temperatures. This ensures that they come out looking sparkling every time, which is a challenge with coloured bedding that fades over time.

The Art Of Layering Bedding

Once you have nailed the essential bedding components, the final step is adding those luxurious accents and layers. The secret behind that lush hotel look is not just expensive bedding, but also layering done right.

The goal is to make the bed look and feel like it has been thoughtfully put together. Start with a fitted sheet, then add a flat sheet tucked tightly at the corners. A classic ‘hospital corner’ fold gives that polished touch.

Next, place your duvet or comforter directly on top of the flat sheet. Centre it evenly so it hangs with the same amount of material on both sides. Align the top edge of the duvet so it sits about 6 to 12 inches down from the head of the mattress.

For the absolute crispiest look, you can also tuck the bottom edge of the duvet under the mattress, right over the already tucked flat sheet. This secures everything and prevents the duvet from sliding down. Leave the sides hanging loose for ease of entry.

A decadent throw blanket can be casually draped over a corner. It adds an invitation to lounge. It is not only practical for layering during colder nights, but also adds texture and dimension.

Blue Dahlia: The Complete, Cosy Hotel Room Makeover 

With Blue Dahlia, creating that plush bed straight out of a luxury hotel is now easy and affordable. Our complete bedding collection includes everything you need for your guest room. 

From 100% pure cotton bed linens to pillowcases, we handle all the bedding items, so you can forget the hassle of sourcing pieces individually. So, explore our beautiful range of products and treat your loved ones to a five-star stay today!