A 5-star hotel employee is revealing all the secrets behind achieving that perfectly comfortable yet luxurious bed — and the process is easier than you might think.
A freshly made, fluffy hotel bed is one of life’s ultimate joys. There’s something about hopping onto a bed that isn’t yours and finding unmatched comfort.
If you’ve ever wondered why you effortlessly drift into dreamland so easily in a hotel bed, but toss and turn for hours at home, we’ve got the answer for you — straight from an insider.
It turns out there’s an entire routine behind those luxurious beds and it involves more than just fluffing up the pillows.
Samantha Reed, 41, who has more than 12 years of experience working as a senior housekeeper at five-star hotels in Central London, has spilled the beans on how to achieve that hotel-standard bed at home.
Samantha says: “Guests always ask me how the beds are so comfy. The truth is, it’s not magic — it’s how much care we put into every detail.”
One of the biggest secrets? It’s all about the mattress topper. “A topper makes a world of difference,” Samantha explains. “It gives that soft, cloud-like feel, while still letting the mattress underneath do its job. Hotels replace or clean them regularly so they never go flat, which is why they always feel fresh.”
But the secrets don’t stop there. “We flip and rotate the mattress once a month,” Samantha says. “Otherwise, you get dips where people lie. Turning it keeps everything even and helps the bed stay supportive for years. Most people at home never do it, but it makes such a difference.”
And what about the pillows? They’re not just replaced when they become lumpy. Samantha explains hotels actually give them a special wash. “We clean them with citric acid in the laundry-it’s gentle but powerful, and it leaves them with a really lovely, fresh scent,” she explains. “That’s why hotel pillows always smell so inviting.”
Samantha has also revealed several additional secrets that ensure guests enjoy a peaceful night’s slumber. Selecting the right pillow proves essential when creating the ideal hotel bed. “Hotels layer pillows of different firmness so there’s something for everyone,” shares Samantha.
Pristine bedding also serves a crucial purpose. She says: “High-thread-count cotton washed hot and stretched tightly makes the bed feel new every night.”
Providing adjustable warmth levels for visitors remains equally important. Samantha says: “We use blankets and duvets together so guests can adjust their temperature easily.”
Samantha isn’t alone in endorsing these methods. Sleep specialists at Bed Sava confirm these minor adjustments can create significant improvements at home as well.
The sleep specialists explain: “Mattress toppers can transform a tired bed instantly, and rotating the mattress is the simplest way to keep it supportive. Cotton sheets help with temperature control, and even the scent of freshly laundered pillows can make drifting off easier.”
Hotels refuse to compromise on bedding quality because excellent rest ensures customers return time and again. Achieving similar results at home proves more straightforward than many might imagine.
“Even adopting one or two of these habits – washing pillows properly, buying a topper, or flipping your mattress – can change the way you sleep,” the sleep experts advise.
Hotel beds aren’t magical – but they are meticulously cared for. With toppers, rotations, citric acid-washed pillows, and crisp sheets, hotels create a five-star snooze every night. As Samantha puts it: “Your bed could feel just as amazing if you gave it the same love we do. It’s all in the details.”