Travelers often experience groggy mornings during a much-needed vacation or a business trip, after a night spent twisting and turning, hoping for sleep to claim them.

A guest’s unrestful night can reduce your Trip Advisor rating!

Hospitality design is our specialty, and we take the business of comfort very seriously. This then is our bit towards ensuring that all those weary travelers get a good night’s sleep!

Studies show that relaxation and peace of mind can be induced through the sensory responses people have to their surroundings – sight, sound, smell, touch, and feel. The environment directly impacts the human psyche and emotions, which in turn governs a person’s mood. And there is a word for this – it is called biophilia!

We first learned about biophilia from Manek Tandon, an architect and lighting designer in Delhi, and as he explained it, Biophilia explains the human being’s genetic affinity to their natural habitat. Research has shown that biophilic design can improve the physical, mental and emotional health of a human being. And this is not only pertinent to the hospitality industry.

Read further to know what goes behind offering your guests a good night’s sleep.

Bedding
The primary function of a hotel room is to provide guests a place to sleep – a comfortable bed with a comfortable (not the cheapest) mattress, and pillows that take care of the cervical spondylitis issues your guests will most likely be suffering from.

A clean bed should be at the top of your list – stained and crumpled sheets never go unnoticed. If you have an inhouse laundry, use softeners and mild detergents, and avoid those with strong fragrances.

Skip the blankets and stick to duvets. Instead of providing duvets that are too heavy or too light, use medium thickness duvets with the option to layer up in each room. And while a thick pillow may look inviting, it’s a major cause of neck strains and disturbed sleep.

An additional tip from personal experience, while spring mattresses might be popular, make sure they don’t spring your guest off the bed!

Lighting
The color and intensity of the lights you use offer a wide spectrum of induced feelings, really making an impact on the guest’s state of mind.

Using the concept of biophilic lighting, we artificially create natural light in closed spaces, imitating the Circadian rhythm. This means that a closed space can be lit to imitate the day outside – mild white in early mornings, bright during the day, warm nearing the evening and so on. This helps travelers across time zones to get an easier sleep routine.

Can Your Guest Control The Thermostat
Temperature changes during the night cause discomfort, resulting in a sleepless night! Most hotels standardize room temperature. Be empathetic, make sure your guests can control the thermostat without calling housekeeping or the reception desk for help. Automation has come of age, use it to create a holistic experience for your guests!

Color and Material
As a hotelier, make sure your room has a balanced color story and an association with nature through materials and space. Warm colors relax the mind while bright colors indicate activity, and could be unrestful.

Circulation space is of grave importance – assign a place for everything without suffocating your guests and protect them from those painful toe stubs! The use of big glass windows, wood and soft fabrics offers the feeling of a natural habitat and relaxes the mind.

Unwanted light and sound
Are your corridors brightly lit and are they insulated for sound? Is your curtain incapable of keeping out the sun? These factors too hinder a guest’s comfort.
A thumb rule for any bedroom is to give curtains a black-out lining, or blackout blinds along with sheer drapes.

Dim corridors for the night, but install sensors every 8 meters so that guests have enough light to navigate at night, and you are still saving electricity.

Action at Night
Train your staff to ensure that your guests aren’t disturbed at night – activities like calling out to each other across the corridors, being hasty and careless with utilities and creating a ruckus while cleaning can really put your guests off.

The spectrum of services in the hospitality industry has moved beyond the basic culinary and lodging. It has stepped into providing the guests with a holistic experience, which includes a night of good sleep.
So wish your guests “Good night” like you know it’s true and stand out as the hotel that offers a good night’s sleep.

What are the challenges you face in making your room the perfect sleep haven? Let us help you.
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