Creating a sleep refuge for guests can pay big dividends.

By Kim Santana, Steinhafels Commercial Interiors

​Wellness of the mind, body and spirit is a trend long overdue. Properties across the country are enhancing the well-being of their guests with services and amenities, but nothing increases well-being faster or better than a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, a good night’s sleep can be elusive when traveling.  

In my twenty plus years in the furniture and design industry, I have found this to be true: designing a guest room that matches the comfort of a home bedroom is a challenging proposition, but not impossible. The bed remains the heart of the hotel room and is the key investment toward delivering or exceeding guest expectations. You may have been led to believe that this goal is unattainable with a “hotel mattress”. Commercial grade sleep solutions are different from residential because they must stand up to years of guest use. However, Durable does not mean that they must be uncomfortable. In fact, it is possible to create a sleep environment with the same features guests treasure at home.  

When it comes to creating a restful environment, guests are looking for -a cool, dark, quiet space. Sleep studies over the years have found that you get the deepest sleep in a cool bedroom, so let us start there. Keep in mind, what is cool to one person is not cool to another person. You can address these personalized needs by providing customizable affordable options, such as cooling pillows, lightweight blankets that may be layered, and access to the thermostat. To deliver a truly excellent night’s sleep, consider investing in a mattress with cooling technology that has temperature-regulating construction. Due to the advances in mattress technology, cooling mattresses do not need to break the bank, but will in fact build a loyal customer following. This technology is not only a standard in home mattresses, but also a growing expectation when traveling. To provide a restful experience-select mattresses with cooling fabrics and gel foams that assist in stabilizing sleep temperatures. Consulting with a reputable mattress provider is key to ensure you select mattresses that meet this requirement.

​The ability to transform the room to a dark environment is also necessary. Light plays a central role in regulating circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that signals when to be alert and when to rest. Light also affects the production of melatonin, an essential sleep-promoting hormone. In order to allow as much darkness as possible and improve the guest experience, consider light blocking window coverings, sensor activated lighting and televisions equipped with sleep timers.

When it comes to quiet, there are a few simple, inexpensive ways to muffle noises in existing spaces. A few quick fixes include placing throw rugs down on wood or tile floors in the guest rooms, installing noise reducing shades or curtains, and creating quiet zones during specific hours, avoiding such activities as vacuuming common areas.
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Whether a person is vacationing or on a business trip, a good night’s rest is the measure of a good stay. Many simple, affordable tweaks that can be made to a room to increase the likelihood of deep, restful, guest sleep and a fantastic guest experience that keeps them coming back.

About the Author

​Kim Santana, Associate ASID
Head of Commercial Sales, Steinhafels Commercial Interiors

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