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Miss the luxury of a hotel? I know I sure do! The beautiful lobby, stylish bar lounges, marble walk-in showers, fresh and crisp white sheets…
Part of what makes hotels so great is the attention to detail. Little details of luxury and hospitality make hotels unique and memorable. After visiting different hotels around the world, I’ve picked up little tips and tricks that enhance my at-home experience when I’m not traveling. Bringing back these little hotel joys and luxuries help feed my wanderlust when I’m stuck at home.
In light of all the self-quarantining that we are doing around the world right now, I wanted to share with you ways that I make my home feel like a luxury hotel. This is the ultimate guide to making your home feel like a hotel, with touches of luxury and hospitality.
1. Wear a plush robe and comfy slippers around the house.
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen a few stories of me by now wearing a robe.
I pretty much live in it when I can.
Every day, after coming home from work or the gym, I immediately shower and get into a robe and my UGG slippers.
I love getting in my “comfies” and hotels have some of the nicest.
2. Enjoy a meal in bed.
If you’re with a partner or family member at home, ask them to bring you a cooked meal in bed! (It might be easier said than done lol!) But even if you are solo, it’s still fun to have a meal in bed with a good movie on, even if you cooked it yourself.
I love having breakfast in bed, but I usually don’t have that luxury when traveling for work. Instead, I’m more likely to be coming back to my hotel room from a long day and ready to eat some dinner. Some people may not enjoy eating in their room, but I actually look forward to ordering room service as an introverted traveler.
The hotel is well-priced and offers fast, easy access to Heathrow airport via the Heathrow Express for my early flights back home. There’s not a ton to do at night in the area, so this is my favorite hotel to order in dinner. Not really any temptation to hit the town in this location.
Hotel Indigo London Paddington doesn’t actually have in-house room service, but they provide contact information for all local take-out that delivers to the hotel. Then the hotel will still deliver to your room like normal room service. I like it because they have more options and a variety of meals available. Best part of this hotel is that you can watch movies free with Video on Demand! No additional crazy fees to be surprised by.
Dinner and a movie in bed with some wine - what a joy!
Dangerously messy eater? Opt for just popcorn or dessert in bed instead of a full meal! ;)
3. Select a signature candle.
Did you know that some hotels actually pump scents through their airways to create an overall mood or ambiance when you enter? Hotels are experimenting with zoning particular areas in hotels with certain scents to give repeat guests a sense of familiarity and to achieve new multi-sensory relationships with guests (PremiumScenting.com). To read more on the science of smell in hotels, check out this interesting read by Bloomberg, “Why do fancy hotels use such powerful fragrances.”
When we checked in, they asked us to smell all four candles and select a scent for our bedroom. After we made our selection, the maid would come in daily and light our selected candle in the room as she cleaned and tidied up. We’d always return to our room smelling pleasant aromas. Needless to say, if you’re planning a Mexican adults-only getaway, look no further than UNICO!
Find a signature scent that you love and burn it in an area in the house that you frequent - living room, bedroom, office. Maybe try different scents for different purposes - peppermint or citrus scents in the office to stay alert, lavender in the bedroom to relax.
Here’s a crowd favorite that everyone I’ve ever met has loved - Capri Blue’s Volcano scent.
4. Rub essential oils on your temples before bed.
I love checking in to Westin properties because of their wellness program that focuses on six pillars of well-being:
Sleep Well
Eat Well
Move Well
Feel Well
Work Well
Play Well
As part of their Sleep Well wellness program, Westin provides guests with a complimentary Sleep Well Lavender Balm sample next to the bed. This lovely blend of lavender and chamomile essential oils is perfect to rub on your temples or wrists before you crawl into bed for a restful sleep.
Evi Abeler Photography
You can purchase Westin’s balm directly or if you’d like to try a different blend (or even blend your own), I recommend looking into essential oils from Eden’s Garden. These are pure essential oils, so if you want a balm that can be rubbed into your skin, you’ll either need to blend the essential oils with a carrier oil (e.g. coconut oil, jojoba, grapeseed oil) or purchase the roll-on version.
I like purchasing essential oils because I can use them in a variety of ways - drop in a diffuser, put into a spray, roll-on as a balm, etc. I also particularly like essential oils from Eden’s Garden because they’re reasonably priced but still high quality (100% pure and natural with third-party batch testing and GC/MS reports for every oil). Furthermore, Eden’s Garden is not a multi-level marketing (MLM) company, meaning that the company sells directly to their customers and not through referral kick-backs.
Their synergy blends are heavenly - two of my all-time favorites are Eucalyptus Cardamom and Chamomile Lavender. You can purchase oils directly from the EG site or on Amazon.
If you’re interested in getting started, here are some great starter kits:
6. have a Delicious Cocktail in fancy glassware.
I could have stayed forever in this lobby. It was mid-century modern and eclectic - I absolutely loved the vibe and the plush emerald green couches!
Image courtesy of Booking.com.
The entire hotel had just been renovated and the lobby/lounge area was impressive. The bites were delicious but the drinks were even better! The bartender serving up our cocktails was this goddess of a woman with long gorgeous braids that had gold bead details. She made every drink by scratch based on a person’s preferences.
Image courtesy of whatnowatlanta.com.
I can’t really come close to make cocktails like the one of perfection that I had at the bar, but I can certainly try! Be sure to put your homemade cocktails in fancy glassware...fancy glasses make everything taste better.
And if all else fails, grab some good wine and pour it in an elegant goblet!
“I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.”
6. Try a refreshing cold towel.
When we landed in Thailand, I had pre-arranged transportation from the airport to the hotel. We landed late at night, and I didn’t want to be bombarded by taxi drivers in a country where I didn’t speak the language. (I recommend pre-arranging transportation when you’re in foreign countries where you don’t speak the language!)
As soon as we stepped out of the airport, the warm, humid air came rushing toward us, and we knew we were in Thailand! The driver had cool, refreshing rolled-up hand towels for us waiting in the car. It was such a treat!
It’s super easy to prepare, just get a handcloth completely wet in the sink. Wring it out as best you can then stick in the refrigerator and let cool. Maybe even add a few droplets of your favorite essential oil to experience an uplifting aroma!
7. Put clean, white sheets on the bed.
There’s nothing quite like crawling into a bed with fresh, crisp sheets on. I feel like I sleep better on those nights!
If money was no object, I’d hire a maid service that would put on clean sheets every night!
I know that part of the luxury of staying in a hotel is that you don’t have to make the bed or do the laundry yourself, but since you’re at home, just think about how nice the end result will be!
“A girl and her bed on Sundays are an endless love affair.”
8. Drink delicious spa water.
Water tastes so much better when you turn it into “spa water”!
Here are some delicious water infusions to try at home:
Cucumber, lemon, mint, strawberries
Strawberry, basil, lemon
Honeydew, cucumber, mint
Blackberries, orange, ginger
Blueberries, lemon, rosemary
Pineapple, coconut, lime
Watermelon, kiwi, lime
Grapefruit, pomegranate, mint
Mango, raspberry, ginger
If that sounds like too many ingredients to bother with, try just one fruit, like lemon, lime, or orange to get started. Once you have a tasty infused beverage ready, make sure you serve it out of a fun drink dispenser to complete the experience!
Even just one ingredient is nice - try a citrus, like lemon, lime, or orange. Not only does spa water taste refreshing, but it’s also good for you!
9. Make an adorable towel animal.
Towel animals make me so happy - they are so cheerful and adorable to come to bed to!
Such a happy surprise to come back to our room to find an adorable little towel elephant with rose petals!
I’m no expert at making towel animals myself, but here are some resources to try and learn!
Let me know which one you try!
10. Make a fresh flower arrangement.
A fresh flower arrangement can transform your room. They can all make the room smell nice if the flowers are fragrant, like lilies. Hotel lobbies have some of the most grand flower arrangements I’ve ever seen.
My aunt lives in Maui, Hawaii and has a flower farm. She’s responsible for creating some of these massive flower arrangements on a regular basis for hotels on the island - what a cool job!!
Formerly the St. Regis Princeville - Kauai, Hawaii
Like making towel animals, I’m also not an expert at making flower arrangements, so here are some guides to review as you get started!
“The flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds of today.”
11. Get high quality hangers for your closet.
Sometime after college, I decided to upgrade my closet by purchasing black velvet hangers. I love the extra uniformity that it adds to my closet. I’ve seen wooden hangers more commonly used in hotels but I think velvet are more practical to prevent clothing from slipping off.
Invest in velvet hangers to really elevate the overall look of your closet and help make your home feel like a hotel.
I recommend the premium quality velvet hangers by TechZoo. They are strong, have swivel hooks, are thin, and don’t rub off on your clothes. Also there are color options - black, blue, grey, or ivory.
“I like my money right where I can see it...
hanging in my closet.”
12. Consider a towel warming rack.
I hate coming out of a shower and feeling cold, especially in the chilly British winter months. Wrapping up in a warm towel after getting out of the shower or bath is so delightful.
Maybe you’ve never tried a towel warming rack, but have you ever snuggled into a pile of clean clothes fresh out of the dryer? Sooooo nice!!
If your considering investing in one, look at these different options:
13. Enjoy aloe spray mist after sunning.
Have you ever tried an aloe mist after sunning outside? It’s so soothing on tanned skin and it’s refreshing too.
Their Aloe Hydration Facial Mist can be used on your face or body - I’ve used on both and never had any reactions (and I have extremely sensitive, eczema-prone skin.) Its formula was created exclusively by June Jacobs, a world premier producer of fine skin and body care products.
Thank goodness I can order this online from their hotel shop and have it shipped to me at home - it’s a must-try!!
14. Subscribe to a few luxe magazines.
Have you ever noticed how hotel rooms usually provide 2 or 3 magazines. They’re usually local to the area or align with their clientele’s interests. Since a kid, I’ve loved looking through magazines. I even used to comb through them and cut out images that I liked to put together collages.
When I had graduated and moved into my first apartment and had my first job, I went a little magazine crazy and subscribed to probably 5 different subscriptions! Since then, I’ve narrowed it down to 2 different subscriptions - Conde Nast Traveler and Star magazine (I love the crossword puzzles in the back!)
Getting a magazine in the mail is significantly cheaper than buying in the store, and it’s fun to look forward to!
“I am addicted to ‘Vogue’ magazines, be they French, British - I adore, adore, adore.”
15. Give yourself a nice turn-down service.
It’s always exciting to come back to your hotel room at night and find a sweet treat or little gift waiting for you.
Each bookmark shared Thailand’s lucky color of the day. It was a pretty unique treat to come back to at night.
Palm leaf creatures require a little too much skill for me, so just consider placing a little chocolate treat on the bed as you turn a corner of your sheets down.
Here are some irresistible individually wrapped chocolate recommendations:
16. Invest in oversized towels.
I love wrapping up in a big towel after hopping out of the shower. I hate being cold (in general, but especially when I get out of the shower) so this towel covers me completely. Not all hotels offer oversized towels, but many luxury ones do.
An oversized bath sheet (or towel) is considered to be between 35 x 70 and 40 x 80 inches. Turkish cotton is a popular choice of material for oversized towels.
Once the bath sheet is past its prime, use it as a beach towel or bring it with you to set up a picnic in the park - you’ll love how large it is!
17. Burn Aromatic Incense.
Right when you get out of the car upon arrival at the hotel, you can smell the unique incense. One&Only Palmilla has little incense sticks burning in the flowerbeds all around the entire hotel to give guests a sensory experience and create positive cognitive association.
After that experience, I occasionally burn incense in an incense holder that I got as a beautiful souvenir from India.
18. Soak in a relaxing bubble bath.
When you check in to the hotel, you’re assigned a butler who will help make your experience unforgettable.
On our last night at the hotel, I requested that the butler have a nice warm bath ready after we came back from dinner. He went above and beyond! The bath was super bubbly and there were rose petals and tea light candles everywhere!
You don’t need all the extra touches to enjoy a nice bubble bath in your house. But I’d definitely recommend lighting a candle and grabbing a glass of wine to enjoy!
“Self care isn’t vanity, it’s sanity.”
19. Infuse your shower with calming aromas.
It’s difficult to get there, but absolutely worth the trip. We adored The Peaks Spa while staying there. Even if you weren’t experiencing a spa service, you could enjoy their men’s and women’s lounges with multiple dry saunas, eucalyptus infused steam rooms, and roman tubs and hot tubs.
We went every morning to dip in the roman tub and jump in the steam room. After this morning pick-me-up, you could shower off in the private lounges where every shower had eucalyptus spray inside. It was heavenly to spray this mist in your shower, and it wakes you up instantly.
From that point on, I now use spray and essential oil drops in my shower as a way to breathe easier, relax more, or wake up faster.
20. Enhance your guest bathrooms.
Having a guest spend the night? Make them feel welcome with a little set of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion, just how you would find in a hotel. If there’s a complimentary amenity set that I really love the smell of, I’ll throw it in my bag then set it up in my guest bathroom at home.
Want to take it to the next level? Include a mini mouthwash, make-up remover wipe, and rolled hand towel with your amenity set up.
21. Introduce a fire element.
Fire elements are a must-have at any hotel. Whether it’s a fireplace, candle, decorative piece, or firepit, people love being around the light and warmth of a fire.
It creates a cozy ambiance that people have come to associate with hotels.
Outdoor firepits are ideal for activities like roasting marshmallows for s’mores and indoor fire elements are perfect for canapes and cocktails.
Check out some fire element options that you could implement in your own house:
22. Plant cooking herbs outside.
A popular trend in the culinary world at hotels is the farm-to-table concept. This movement promotes serving local food at the hotel through acquisition from the producer (e.g. local winery, brewery, fishery, ranch, etc.). This not only supports the local environment but also the local economy.
Taking that concept a step further, some hotels have even started to grow their own herbs and vegetables ON SITE.
Some hotels that I’ve been to that have their own herbs, vegetables, eggs, and even bees onsite include:
- One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos offers cooking classes onsite, kicking off in their Herb Garden. Guests can learn how to select the finest fresh ingredients, like indigenous chilies (e.g. habanero and poblano) to favorite local herbs like cilantro and hibiscus tea plant.
- Omni Dallas Hotel harvests close to 100 pounds of pure, raw honey a year.
- The Fairmont Dallas harvests honey from their rooftop garden that's used in the kitchen at The Pyramid Restaurant and Bar. During peak season, the hotel's 2 bee hives can house up to 80,000 honeybees in total and have the potential to produce 60-80 pounds of honey per year.
- Carmel Valley Ranch offers the ultimate "farm-to-table" expeirence with onsite bee hives, herb gardens, and vegetable gardens onsite. Guests can get onsite exposure to the bee hives as a class or they can dine alfresco out in the Organic Garden for special events. Their multiple restaurants also serve seasonal fruits and vegetables that are literally picked within walking distance from the kitchen.
- Similarly, Miraval Austin (formerly known as Travaasa Austin) offers a Farm Harvest experience where you collect fresh eggs from their Cypress Creek Farm to create local dishes made from ingredients harvested off the land.
No need to overhaul your entire backyard into a fully-functioning farm. Start small by planting some fresh herbs, like rosemary, to use in your cooking. The next time you want to feel like you’re dining at a fine hotel restaurant, add some of those fresh herbs to your pan!
23. Reassess your bed’s pillow combination.
Hotels take great care in selecting pillows and color schemes for their hotel rooms. They’re designed to make the bed look cozy and enticing.
Hotel Indigo London Paddington
Consider upping your pillow game by adding decorative pillows. Some decorative pillows types include:
Euro - 25” x 25”
Deco pillow - 20” x 20”, 18” x 18”, 16” x 16”
Boudoir pillow - 12” x 16”
Neckroll pillow - 6.5” x 13”
Adding decorative pillows is an inexpensive and easy way to elevate your home decor. It’s a versatile addition that can add color and pattern to your room’s aesthetic. It’s also a great way to experiment with a trend (e.g. fringe, animal print, tropical) rather than covering the entire room in it.
Here are some beautiful decorative bed pillows that I love:
Consider a monogrammed pillow for an extra special touch.
24. Tech out your bedside.
Have you started noticing that some hotels are adding USB outlets in the lamps or side tables beside your bed? So much easier to charge up your phone, tablet, or other electronics this way than to find a plug somewhere hidden in the room. And, it’s right next to where you’d want to plug in your phone anyway - bedside.
This small convenience is something that I love finding in hotel rooms! Think about updating your room to keep all your tech powered up!
25. Get the Presidential treatment with a premium wine dispenser.
It’s a compact device that preserves bottles for up to 90 days and chills each bottle to the exact temperature setting.
Dream come true for a wine aficionado like me!
The dispenser holds two different standard 750ml bottles.
It precisely serves the wine of your choice after making your selection on the touchscreen.
Pretty fancy, right?!
“Age is just a number. It’s totally irrelevant unless, of course, you happen to be a bottle of wine.”
Other Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like a Luxury Hotel…
Now that we’ve covered how to make your home feel like a hotel, here are some great resources on how to design your home to look like a hotel (e.g. soft color palettes, minimalistic interiors):
10 affordable ways to make your home feel like a luxury hotel - Max Sparrow
7 ways to make your bedroom feel like a boutique hotel - HGTV
10 little ways to make your bedroom feel like a luxury hotel - Real Simple
Which tips did you like best? Which one(s) would you implement at home? How else do you make your home feel like a hotel?
Travel well and often,
author bio
Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.
