Buying bedding is a major investment for any accommodation property. To help simplify the process, we have put together this helpful checklist.

1. Comfort and performance: Decide upon the desired sleep system comfort and performance that will deliver the level of luxury consistent with your property image. Then, determine which sleep systems will meet or exceed the comfort expectations of your guests.

2. Bedding manufacture: Find a bedding manufacturer that can deliver on your goals.

3. Purchase better bedding: Purchase the best beds your property can afford. Better bedding increases guest satisfaction, makes a statement about your property and lets guests know that you care about their comfort.

4. Create premium rooms: Consider creating premium VIP rooms or VIP floors by installing special luxury beds with unique sleep surfaces such as cushion firm pillowtops, EuroTops or ultra plush Euro pillowtops, which are immediately perceived as a step-up. These premium rooms can be differentiated from your regular rooms and charged at higher rates.

5. Track satisfaction levels: It’s a good idea to track guest satisfaction with the beds on an ongoing basis. You can do this by adding information to your general comment cards, or creating special comment cards just for feedback on the beds. You’ll gain insight into what your guests really want from the beds and how your beds are performing, both of which can help with future sleep system purchase decisions. In addition, the fact that you are soliciting the feedback of your guests makes the statement that you care about their comfort.

6. Purchase the most technologically advanced beds: Bedding technology has changed dramatically over the past few years and it continues to evolve at a quickening pace. New materials and construction techniques are able to create beds with sleep characteristics unimaginable in past years - beds that provide the support the body needs for sleep wellness with the stability and comfort preferences desired by today’s consumers.

Design, construction and materials vary greatly between manufacturers, so it is important to understand the differences between the various manufacturers and search for a bed that will deliver the sleep characteristics and performance you are looking for.

7. Internal components and performance: While sleep surfaces deliver the initial luxurious feel, the internal mattress components provide proper body support and improve performance, and foundation components affect mattress performance and durability.

When considering new beds for an accommodation property, it’s a good rule to not begin with a set of specifications that may not have kept up with the advancements in technology. The right beds can have a powerful impact on your business not only as capital equipment that impacts the comfort of your guests but also as an effective marketing tool. With the right beds and a carefully planned marketing program, you can raise awareness and improve guest satisfaction to increase occupancy for a better return on investment.