Bedding essentials for cosy luxury

As the air becomes crisper and the nights longer, keeping guests cosy through the cooler months becomes even more important. Whether cuddling up on the couch or rugging up for a deep sleep, quality blankets and linen are irreplaceable for making sure guests have a comfortable stay.

But what are the latest trends and styles for blankets and winter linen? And how can you balance durability and comfort when selecting your linen? To find out, we asked some industry insiders.

This article was published in the new Autumn edition of AccomNews available now. Read it HERE

Jason Commercial Manager Vicki Lugg believes that quality linen is key to a cosy night’s sleep for guests, with blankets essential for offering an additional layer of warmth.

“I also recommend accommodation operators select fresh and plump mattress protectors or toppers as a good base, as well as a cosy quilt for warmth. Offer a luxurious blanket, for additional weight, on those extra cold nights.”

Australian Linen Supply National Sales & Marketing Manager, Helen Hurst, said warm bedding and snuggly blankets are the cornerstones of guest comfort.

“You don’t want nor need complaints from your guests. Year-round it is always in the hotels best interest to have a clean warm blanket either in the cupboard, or better still as a throw at the end of the bed.”

In all areas of hospitality, sustainability considerations are increasingly becoming a factor for guests, and this extends to linen.

 “Choosing good quality bedding and linen that comes with easy-care washing and drying instructions, will give you the most sustainable outcome,” Ms Lugg said.

“A blend of natural and manmade fibres is the most effective, offering luxury as well as durability. Snuggly blankets have been an iconic favourite of Australians for decades and even better, housekeeping staff will have their jobs cut down by half as these blankets take minimal time to launder and dry.”

Ms Hurst believes it is important to constantly evaluate products to ensure the materials are as sustainable as possible. “We are currently reviewing our own products to see what changes can be made in making our products more sustainable for the industry. PET recyclable polyester for blankets and fills is one of the materials we are looking at,” she said.

Unlike linen and blankets for the home, selecting bedding for the accommodation industry requires a careful balance of comfort and a luxury feel, with the durability required to stand up to heavy use.

“Luxury bedding must have a high-quality fabric outer cover, which is robust but sumptuous, and needs to be finished off with quality binding or trim that will withstand commercial laundering,” Ms Lugg explained.

“The filling needs to be lofty and washable so you can offer guests fresh bedding all year round. This will give them the feeling of home when they are away for pleasure or work.”

Ms Hurst said purchasing from a reputable supplier is essential for accommodation operators. “Make sure you are buying commercial grade linen from reliable sources. Avoid purchasing retail products for accommodation properties,” she said. “Invest in high-quality linen that is durable and that can withstand frequent use and washing.”

Customisable bedding for guests is continuing to trend in the hospitality sector with pillow and blanket menus becoming a firm favourite for discerning guests.

Ms Lugg believes that providing guests with additional options is only ever a positive for elevating the overall guest experience. “Offering a pillow and blanket menu will give guests a variety of options to maximise personal needs and comfort, and they will leave your property with a positive, memorable experience,” she said.

“Always remember the comfort of the bed will be the impression that sits in the mind of your guests when they check out.”

Ms Hurst agreed that menus could help provide an excellent experience, however, she believes that perfecting the basics of comfortable and clean bedding should remain the top priority.

“Make sure that the quilt insert and blankets are both in good condition and clean, the quilt insert fill is still plush, and the cover has no major stains and no bad odours, and that the blanket is clean and looks in good useable condition. Ask yourself, would you use these items on your own bed?”, Ms Hurst said.

“Autumn is a great time to start reviewing all bed linen in the rooms to see if anything needs replacing in the lead-up to the cooler weather.”

Sarah Davison

Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.