Pillow Talk: How to Make a Four Diamond Bed

Travelers staying at a AAA Four Diamond hotel expect luxury accommodations from the moment they arrive.

That’s exactly what they get at the Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Madison, Conn. – especially when it’s time to call it a night.

The hotel’s 32 guest rooms feature solid oak sleigh beds, sumptuous sheets and custom-made mattresses. The property’s housekeeping staff makes sure every bed is made and presented in a way that pretty much demands guests climb in and get comfy.

Hotel employees shared some tips for how they make their beds so inviting. Here’s a quick recap if you want to bring some luxury into your bedroom.

Under Cover

A mattress cover is a small investment that can make a world of difference. It can safeguard against everything from stains – think red wine – to pesky bedbugs.

Strip It

Your bed-making process should start by stripping your bed of used linens right down to the mattress cover.

Layer It

If you have a down comforter but don’t want to invest in multiple duvets, consider triple-sheeting. The first sheet goes above the mattress cover, and the second and third sheets go below and above the comforter. This ensures guests won’t come into contact with anything a previous guest may have snuggled with.

Corner It

Fitted sheets have advantages and disadvantages. Their elastic corners help them stay taut to mattress edges, but these same elastics can wear out over time and make storage tricky. Flat sheets store well, don’t wear out as quickly and – thanks to a special folding technique – give a luxurious look to any bed. Just search “hospital corners” online to find a slew of videos to help you master this tidy bed-making technique.

Fold It Over

Folding the top half of your comforter over itself about a third of the way from the top of the bed adds a nice touch. Go the extra mile by running your hand under the bottom of the fold to smooth out creases.

Fluff It Up

A quick pillow fluff works wonders, as does proper placement. Position your pillows so they rest against the headboard or the wall instead of flat on the mattress.