To make a bed like a hotel, prep the mattress by adding a mattress protector, fit the bottom sheet tight, add a flat sheet, fold in some hospital corners, add a blanket or coverlet, insert and fluff your duvet, add the signature hotel fold, and then finish off with some pillow arranging.
There’s nothing quite like staying in a hotel bed. Crisp sheets, plump pillows and a duvet so beautifully tucked in, the room’s aesthetics are immediately enhanced. Through a specific turndown technique, tactful layering and quality linens, beds are made to the highest degree possible – adding that luxury we all know and love. But how exactly do you recreate this look? And what do you need to do so? We’ve put together a simple, repeatable method that’ll help you make a bed like a hotel.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate that luxurious and extra comfortable hotel bed set-up.
High-quality bed sheets (100% cotton or cotton blend, 300+ thread count)
Flat sheet + fitted sheet
Premier Inn Luxury Duvet & duvet cover
Premier Inn Luxury Pillows (& some decorative pillows)
Blankets/throws
For that extra clean and crisp look, you can even iron or steam the sheets as an extra step in the process. Don’t forget, it’s important you wash your bedding if it’s new to ensure any chemicals used during manufacturing won’t come into contact with your skin. Always follow the instructions provided for fabric care guidance.
Making the Bed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Mattress
First things first, start preparing your mattress for dressing by using a clean and fresh mattress protector. Our mattress protectors are both waterproof and comfort-enhancing using a soft cotton polyester blend. If you’re looking for that extra plump surface, pop a mattress topper on prior to the mattress protector. And for that perfect finish, smooth out any wrinkles before you begin to layer.
Step 2: Fit the Bottom Sheet Tight
Now it’s time to apply your sheet. You’ll want to opt for a fitted sheet that matches your mattress depth to ensure the material covers all of the edges. Once you’re happy with your choice, pull each corner tightly over your mattress, ensuring you’re left with a smooth and flat surface.
Top tip: Don’t forget to tuck the sides securely to prevent any bunching.
Step 3: Add the Flat Sheet (Hotel Style)
Next, it’s time to add a flat sheet for that hotel-lux finish. Lay the flat sheet on top, pattern side down so that when you fold the edges later, they’ll pop out subtly but effectively. You’ll want to achieve an even drop on all sides and ensure you’re in a good position to fold hospital corners in the next step.
Step 4: The Perfect Hospital Corners
Hospital corners refer to a bed-making technique that produces folds in a tight, neat and triangular configuration on both bed sheet corners at the bottom of the bed. To master this technique, you’ll need to:
Lift up the hanging edge of the sheet.
Tuck the lower part underneath the mattress.
Fold the lifted area neatly at a 45° angle and tuck again.
Pat down any bumps or creases, emphasising that tailored look.
Step 5: Add a Blanket or Coverlet (Optional Layering)
Once you’re happy with the base, you can start playing around with some layers to create that cosy look. Adding a blanket or coverlet after your flat sheet but before a duvet creates that classic hotel aesthetic that’s structured and helpful for those who enjoy an extra layer as they sleep. When adding a blanket or a comforter, place it evenly over the flat sheet, tucking in the bottom to add that structure.
Step 6: Insert & Fluff the Duvet
The duvet goes on next, which adds depth and that inviting element to a bed. Our duvet is available in a summer tog and a winter tog, so you can create hotel-inspired bed all year long. All you need to do here is shake and fluff the duvet into the duvet cover, ensuring it fills right to the corner. If you’re struggling to distribute the duvet, use the burrito method:
Lay the duvet cover inside out on top of the bed.
Place your duvet on top, aligning its corners to the duvet cover.
Roll them together like a burrito from the closed end to the open end.
Once you’ve fully rolled, flip the cover opening around the ends of the roll.
Unroll and there you have it, a duvet perfectly inside its cover.
Then simply lay it evenly across the bed, leaving room for you to be able to fold it back later.
Step 7: Create the Signature Hotel Fold
Every hotel bed is finished to the highest degree, and this is down to one little secret technique: the signature hotel fold. To accomplish this, fold the top of the duvet and the flat sheet down around 6-12 inches and then smooth everything out. You’re then left with a classic look that’ll make you want to hop into all day long.
Step 8: Arrange the Pillows
Pillows add depth and with more than just the standard 4, the opportunity for more support during the night. You may have noticed that every hotel arranges their pillows differently, but there’s one system that never fails to add a luxurious touch to bed. Here’s how we recommend you arrange yours:
Back row: 2–4 sleeping pillows (standing upright)
Middle row: Decorative pillows
Front: 1–2 accent cushions
To make it even more eye catching, opt for pillows of various sizes and firmness but ensure they match either side to create symmetry.
Step 9: Add the Finishing Touches
If you want to go the extra mile for you or your guests, there’s a few finishing touches you can add to your hotel style bed to really set the tone of the sleep space.
Lightly steam or smooth down the top layer to remove any wrinkles.
Add a folded throw blanket at the foot of the bed as a possible layer and a display item.
Ensure balance throughout to make it extra inviting.
Extra Tips for a True Hotel Experience
Injecting the same level of sophistication into your bedroom as a hotel offers doesn’t end at making the bed. There are a few extra steps you can take to really embrace luxury and make it cosy.
Opt for bright white linens for a clean appearance.
Don’t forget to wash and rotate the bedding regularly.
Keep your nightstands minimal so that the bed does all the talking.
Mist a linen spray throughout the room for a fresh and inviting touch.
We hoped we’ve inspired you on how to make a bed like a hotel does. With a few simple steps, you can elevate your bedroom and sleep experience. If you found this article helpful, read our thoughts on divan beds VS slats.