One of the things I love most about staying in a great hotel isn’t the fancy lobby or expensive furniture. It’s how relaxed I feel the moment I walk into the room.
You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars a night to enjoy that same feeling. Over the years, I’ve started paying attention to the little details that make hotel rooms so relaxing, then finding affordable ways to recreate them at home.
Here are some of my favorite ideas.
Choose a Comfortable Mattress
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, now is the perfect time to consider upgrading to a high-quality mattress 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 mattress brand by pulling up the bottom sheet. Then, make a note or take a picture of the brand and model so you can look it up.
- 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.
💡 A Traveling Broad Tip: The next time you stay in a hotel you love, take a few photos of the room and use Google Lens when you get home. It can often identify the mattress, bedding, lamps, artwork, or furniture—or help you find similar items for much less.
Create a Bed You’ll Look Forward to Climbing Into
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 comfortable, high-quality sheets. While thread count gets a lot of attention, the material matters just as much. Crisp cotton sheets instantly make a bed feel more like a luxury hotel.
- Don’t overlook the pillows. The right pillow can make the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up with a sore neck.
- 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.
Create a Warm, Relaxing Glow
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to change the entire feel of a room. 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 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 or diffusers for that extra touch. One of the things I notice in many luxury hotels is their signature scent. It’s amazing how a familiar fragrance can instantly make a space feel relaxing. You can create your own with a candle or diffuser. Lavender, eucalyptus, or sandalwood scents are soothing and add to that luxurious, spa-like feeling. (And don’t forget a rechargeable electric lighter!)
Create a Calm, Clutter-Free Retreat
One thing I’ve noticed is that hotel rooms rarely have unnecessary clutter. Everything has a purpose, which makes the space feel more peaceful.
- Conceal your everyday items. Use baskets, decorative boxes, or under-the-bed storage to keep things out of sight. During a recent stay at a Marriott, I noticed the coffee maker and supplies were tucked neatly inside a beautiful wooden box with a folding lid. When you weren’t using it, you simply closed the lid and the countertop instantly looked clean and uncluttered. It reminded me that luxury isn’t always about expensive furniture. Sometimes it’s simply about reducing visual clutter.
- Keep surfaces clean. Just like in a hotel, limit what’s on your nightstand or dresser. A small vase of fresh flowers, a decorative tray for your jewelry or watch, or an elegant water carafe and glass are thoughtful touches that make the room feel relaxing without looking cluttered.
Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa Retreat
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.
- Treat yourself to products you actually enjoy using. They don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes simply upgrading your soap, shampoo, or lotion makes your daily routine feel a little more special.
- Invest in a bathtub tray and create a relaxation station. If you enjoy taking long, relaxing baths as much as I do, 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 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 a simple indulgence that can elevate your bathroom, giving you that five-star experience right at home. It’s like a warm hug after every shower or bath.
Choose Artwork That Helps You Unwind
The carefully curated artwork is one of the most underrated elements in a luxury hotel room. One of my favorite souvenirs isn’t something I buy in a gift shop. It’s an idea. Whenever I stay somewhere that feels especially relaxing, I pay attention to the artwork, color palette, and overall design. Then I look for affordable ways to recreate that feeling 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 or a set of two or three complementary pieces of serene, minimalist art 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
Borrow the Little Touches That Make Hotels Feel Special
It’s often the smallest details that make a hotel room feel memorable. Here are a few of my favorites.
- 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 water carafe and glass, a candle, and a vase of beautiful flowers. It’s the little things that make you feel pampered, even when you’re at home,
- Keep a luggage rack. One of the things I wish more homes had is a luggage rack. Hotels use them for a reason—they make packing and unpacking so much easier and keep your suitcase off the floor.
- Add a bedside charging station. Hotels have gotten much better about providing convenient places to charge phones and other devices. Recreating that convenience at home is an easy upgrade.
- Create a Coffee/tea station. One of my favorite hotel rituals is making a cup of coffee before getting ready in the morning. Why not create a little coffee or tea station 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
One of the best souvenirs you can bring home from a trip isn’t something you buy in a gift shop. Sometimes it’s an idea.
Whether it’s a better pillow, softer towels, a relaxing scent, or simply making your bed each morning, the little details that made your favorite hotel stay memorable can help you enjoy that same feeling long after your vacation ends.
You don’t need a luxury hotel budget to create a space that feels relaxing and welcoming. Start with one or two ideas that fit your budget, and before long, your bedroom may become your favorite place to unwind.