How to Create a 5-Star Retreat at Home: Tips Inspired By Luxury Hotels

Ever come back from a vacation and thought, “I wish my bedroom looked like that hotel suite”? Trust me, I’ve been there!

After staying at some incredible places, I realized that you can create that luxurious hotel vibe at home with a few simple changes. And the best part? You don’t need a five-star budget to do it!

Here’s how you can transform your bedroom into a relaxing oasis to feel like you’re on vacation every night.

1. Invest in a Good Mattress

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading to something high-quality that will last. Think about it: what’s one thing luxury hotel beds have in common? A super comfortable mattress that guarantees a good night’s sleep.

• Don’t skimp on quality. Look for mattresses known for durability and comfort, even if it means spending a little more. After all, you spend about 1/3 of your life in bed, right?!
• Loved the hotel bed? Check the mattress label! If you ever stay at a hotel and love the bed’s comfort level, you can easily find out the brand of the mattress by pulling up the bottom sheet. Then, make a note or take a picture of the brand and model to determine how much it costs.
  • Hotels often use medium-firm mattresses, which perfectly balance softness and support. Many hotels partner with high-quality mattress brands; some even sell them directly to customers.
• Try it out! If possible, test different mattresses in-store before making your purchase. It’s worth taking the time to find the one that gives you hotel-level comfort.

2. Create the Perfect Bed – The Heart of the Room

Whenever I walk into a hotel room, I first notice the bed. There’s just something about that perfectly made bed with crisp, white sheets that screams luxury. To recreate this at home:

• Invest in high-quality sheets. Go for Egyptian cotton or a high thread count. It makes a world of difference. I splurged on 1000-thread count sheets once, and it felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.
• Remember comfortable pillows. The right pillow can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and tossing and turning.
• Layer your bedding. Luxury hotel beds are all about layers—duvets, blankets, throws, and pillows. Aim for a mix of textures to create that plush, cozy feel.
• Choose neutral colors. Most hotels use neutral tones like white, beige, or soft grays. It gives the room that clean, sophisticated look. Plus, it’s calming after a long day, just like those moments you get after a full day of exploring a new city.
• Add a bench at the foot of your bed. This is a luxury hotel staple! A stylish bench adds a touch of elegance and provides extra seating or a place to lay out your clothes or luggage. A simple, upholstered bench can help tie the room together, making it feel more spacious and complete.

3. Lighting is Everything

Good lighting transforms a room from average to unforgettable; hotels are masters. I learned this firsthand after staying at a boutique hotel where the lighting completely transformed the room’s vibe.

• Add a bedside lamp or two. Dimmable lights are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere and are also functional if you like to read in bed, as I do.
• Install soft, ambient lighting. Overhead lights can be harsh, so add softer lighting options around the room. I’ve found that small, warm LED lights placed strategically around the room give it that hotel feel.
• Candles for that extra touch. Do you know how some hotels have that signature scent? You can create your own with a candle. Lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood scents are soothing and add to that luxurious, spa-like feeling. (And don’t forget a rechargeable electric lighter!)

4. Declutter Like a Hotel Room

Let’s be real. Hotel rooms feel spacious because they’re clutter-free. I’m guilty of accumulating too much “stuff” and the clutter negatively impacted my ability to relax.

• Hide your everyday items. Use baskets, decorative boxes, or under-the-bed storage to keep things out of sight. When you walk into your room, it should feel like a retreat, not a storage unit.
• Keep surfaces clean. Just like in a hotel, limit what’s on your nightstand or dresser. Maybe a tiny vase of fresh flowers or a chic tray for your jewelry, but that’s it. I always feel more relaxed when my room is tidy, like when I enter a fresh hotel room.

5. Upgrade Your Bathroom for That Spa-Like Experience

The bathroom is one of my favorite parts of staying at a luxury hotel. It’s always pristine, with fluffy towels and amazing toiletries. Here’s how to bring that magic home:

• Swap out your towels. Go for oversized, plush towels. Trust me, it’s worth the upgrade. I recently replaced my old towels with some hotel-quality ones, and I still get excited to wrap myself in them every morning.
• Add some greenery. A small plant in the bathroom can give it that fresh, spa-like feel. Something like a little succulent or a fern is low-maintenance and adds a nice touch.
• Indulge in good toiletries. You don’t need to buy the most expensive products, but having a few high-quality ones (even for show) can make your bathroom feel like a luxury escape.
• Invest in a bathtub tray and create a relaxation station. If you enjoy taking baths, a bathtub tray or caddy is a game-changer. You can use it to hold a book, a tablet, or even a glass of wine, making bath time feel like a luxurious spa experience. Add some candles around the tub, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a serene hotel spa. This simple addition can make your bathroom truly feel like an oasis.
• Add a towel warmer for extra comfort. Nothing says luxury like wrapping yourself in a warm towel after a bath or shower. A towel warmer is an indulgence that takes your bathroom to the next level, giving you that five-star experience right at home. It’s like a warm hug after every shower or bath.

6. Choose the Right Artwork for Relaxation

The carefully curated artwork is one of the most underrated elements in a luxury hotel room. Hotel rooms often feature serene, minimalist art that helps create a peaceful environment. The good news? With the right pieces, you can easily recreate this look at home.

• Go for calming colors. Soft, neutral tones like blues, greens, and pastels promote relaxation. I love abstract prints with calming shades—there’s something about a simple, serene landscape that helps me unwind after a long day.
• Keep it minimal. Avoid cluttering your walls with too many pieces. A single large piece of artwork or a set of two or three complementing pieces will keep the room looking clean and sophisticated.
• Nature-inspired themes. Many luxury hotels use artwork reflecting nature— serene beachscapes, peaceful forests, or tranquil water scenes. Incorporating this style into your home can create the same peaceful getaway vibe you feel while on vacation.
• Personal touches. Don’t be afraid to include artwork that means something to you. Whether a framed photo from one of your favorite trips or a piece from a local artist, having something personal in your space adds warmth without sacrificing the hotel-like tranquility.

7. The Little Details Make a Big Difference

Luxury hotels pay attention to the smallest details, elevating the space. I’ve taken notes from my favorite stays and implemented some of these tricks at home.

• Add a throw or robe. A plush robe in the bathroom or a soft throw blanket over the bed can give your space that luxury touch. I found a super cozy robe on sale, and now it’s my go-to after a long day.
• Keep a tray of essentials. Like in hotels, having some essentials on your nightstand adds a touch of elegance. Consider a small tray with a carafe and a glass for water, a candle, and a vase of beautiful flowers. It’s the little things that make you feel pampered, even when you’re at home.
• Upgrade your scent game. Scent plays a huge role in creating that luxurious feel. Whether you opt for a diffuser with essential oils (this scent is a favorite!) or your favorite candle, the right scent can help you relax.

Enjoy Your Oasis

Turning your home into a luxury hotel room isn’t about spending a fortune—it’s about being intentional with your space and making small upgrades that bring comfort and joy. By incorporating just a few of these ideas, my bedroom has become a true retreat where I can unwind and relax like I would in a five-star hotel.

So, why not treat yourself? You deserve a little luxury every day. Let me know if you try any of these tips—I’d love to hear how they work for you!