One of life’s best feelings is arriving at a luxury hotel room and finding the bed freshly made, the bathroom spotlessly clean, and a whole host of amenities laid on that somehow they knew you needed when you didn’t even know yourself.
Of course, part of the experience is the feeling of adventure that comes with travel, and the knowledge that you don’t have to do any of the chores which make the rooms look so inviting. At home, this is not the case, but there is nothing to stop you from treating yourself to a few of the luxuries that hotels lay on at home.
Here are some of the easiest and most affordable items you can buy to enjoy that luxury hotel feeling at home.
1. Crisp white bedding – From the Pullman Singapore Orchard to the Plaza in New York, one thing you’re guaranteed to find at five-star hotels the world over are pearly white sheets. Not only are they super soft and breathable, but they also feel cool on your skin.
Many hotel brands today actually sell sets of bedsheets, if you want to guarantee that you’re getting the same thing. However, there’s no reason to pay luxury hotel prices for them. Any bedding made of percale cotton with a high thread count should recreate the effect.
2. Plush white robe – On the topic of cooling cotton goods, another hotel essential which anybody could have at home is a comfy white robe. Whether they are the waffle-style robes or big fluffy ones, the important things are that it is soft, white, and absorb water so that you can wear it straight after a relaxing bath or hot shower.
3. Pillows – A super-soft mattress would be ideal, but this requires a large spend. A good compromise to get some of that five-star quality without the price tag is getting the best pillows you can. Many hotel brands have also started selling these on the side.
4. Scented candles – High-end hotels aim to please all the senses, and that includes smell. Fresh flowers are one way that they achieve this, but they require regular care and changing. It also takes many of them to really fill a room with fragrance.
Another method is a scented candle. Not only do these create a smell that can evoke a destination of your choice, but they also create a generally soothing atmosphere to help relieve stress.
5. Glassware – Sure, you probably already have some basic glassware, like tumblers, wine glasses and highballs. But the ones they use to serve cocktails at swanky hotels and restaurants are not the same as the ones in your kitchen cupboard.
You’re looking for something that is as eye-catching while empty as it is when full. An interesting shape, colour, or texture can add an element of luxury to your drinking experience.
These are just some of the small upgrades you can make that will lead to a little more luxury in your life. To go further, you could spend on a mattress or even some fancy upholstered furniture (and a cleaning service to go with it). But these are the easiest ways to get some of the luxury hotel experience without having to plan a whole trip.