by Heidi Labron

Created on: March 21, 2009   Last Updated: March 24, 2009

What is it about hotel beds that makes them feel so different from our own beds? Can we really get that hotel bed feeling in our own bedrooms? Of course! It is just a matter of keeping it simple and finding what works for you.

#1. Purchase the most comfortable bed you can afford. When looking for a new mattress, try to buy something that will last for years and feel comfortable. Many of the hotel beds are now pillow tops, with an extra layer of cushion on top of the mattress itself. If you can't afford a new bed, you can purchase your own feather bed that will lay on top of your current mattress. Not all feather beds are made from feathers, so purchase what you like and lay it across the top of the mattress and you'll instantly feel the difference.

#2. Headboards are essential. Not everyone has a headboard on their bed, but headboards give a sense of importance to the bed and make it look structurally finished. You can buy inexpensive headboards from garage sales, antique stores or even new in catalogs. Refinish them in they need some work or even cover them in fabric that matches your room for a really regal look. Fasten the headboard so that it is sturdy and you'll have the look and structure that make the hotel bed really stand out.

#3. Purchase hotel bedding. Many hotels now offer in-hotel stores where you can actually purchase the same sheets and bedding that they use in their hotel rooms. Keep in mind, this can be expensive, but you might want to make just a purchase of the bedspread or just sheets and augment the look on your own. If you can't afford the same bedding, look for the highest thread count sheets you can afford. Many times these go on sale around the holidays, or at the end of a season, so watch for sales. The higher the thread count, the softer the sheets. And ALWAYS purchase white sheets. This way, you can buy two sets or more and mix and match and you'll never have to worry about mismatched sheets.

#4. Purchase a good wool or micro fleece blanket. Many hotels place a soft wool blanket on top of the sheets to provide a bit more warmth. Like clothing, layering your bedding will make everyone happy. If you are too warm, you can always drop a layer and your bedmate can still keep warm on the other side.

#5. Your outer bedding should be simple. Often, hotels use bedspreads rather than comforters that are already filled with stuffing of some sort. Purchase a well-made, heavy bedspread in a luxurious fabric to replicate the hotel feel and you'll be happy with the result.

#6. Buy a duvet! Aside from everything else, hotel beds feel luxurious because they are soft and feel fluffy and warm. Adding a duvet will help you achieve the loft and warmth and it will last for ages. You can place this under the bedspread or just use it instead of one, adding a simple duvet cover in a simple cotton fabric.

If all of these things are not in your budget, think white above all else. White sheets, layers of white pillows that are regular size and overstuffed, and a simple white duvet with white cotton blanket will make you feel luxurious. Velvet or silk will up the luxury, but you don't need to overdo things. Make your bed the softest place you can imagine and you'll achieve the hotel feel right in your own bedroom.

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