If you’ve ever stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and enjoyed a fantastic night’s sleep, you’ve probably wondered what type of mattress does Holiday Inn Express use. It’s a common question for travelers who want that same hotel comfort at home. The brand has built a reputation for providing a consistent and restful sleep experience, and their choice of bedding is a big part of that promise.
Let’s look at what makes their beds so comfortable and where you can find similar options for your own bedroom.
What Type Of Mattress Does Holiday Inn Express Use
Holiday Inn Express, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), uses a proprietary mattress called the “Stay Smart” bed. This mattress is specifically designed for the brand to ensure a uniform sleep standard across all its locations. While the exact specifications can evolve, the core design focuses on providing a balanced feel that appeals to a wide range of sleepers.
The typical Holiday Inn Express mattress is a pillow-top design. It combines supportive innerspring coils with plush comfort layers. This creates a feel that is both cushioned and supportive, preventing that sinking feeling some all-foam beds can have.
The Key Components of the Stay Smart Mattress
Understanding the layers helps explain the comfort. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Innerspring Core: A system of steel coils provides the foundational support and durability needed for hotel use. It helps with airflow, keeping the mattress cooler.
- Comfort Layers: Several layers of foam, including memory foam or polyfoam, are added on top of the coils. These contour to your body to relieve pressure points.
- Pillow-Top: The signature feature is a sewn-on pillow-top layer. This is a thick, quilted cushion filled with fiber or soft foam that gives the bed its immediate plush, cloud-like feel when you first lay down.
Why This Mattress Choice Makes Sense for Hotels
Hotels have different needs than the average homeowner. Their mattress choice is a careful business decision.
- Durability: Hotel mattresses must withstand thousands of guests. The innerspring construction is known for its long-term resilience.
- Universal Appeal: A medium-firm, pillow-top design is a safe bet. It’s usually comfortable for side, back, and stomach sleepers, avoiding extremes that might alienate guests.
- Ease of Maintenance: The design is compatible with standard hotel mattress protectors and sheets, simplifying housekeeping.
How to Get the Holiday Inn Express Sleep Experience at Home
You can’t buy the exact commercial mattress directly as a consumer. However, you can recreate the feel. The goal is a balanced, medium-firm mattress with a plush surface.
1. Look for a Hybrid Mattress
Start your search with hybrid models. These combine coils with foam layers, mirroring the construction of the Stay Smart bed. Many major mattress brands offer excellent hybrids.
2. Prioritize a Pillow-Top or Plush Feel
When shopping, specify that you want a “pillow-top” or “plush” model. This refers to the extra cushioned layer on top. Some companies call it a “Euro-top,” which is similar but sewn flush with the edges.
3. Consider the Firmness Level
Aim for a medium-firm feel, often rated around a 6-7 on a 10-point firmness scale (where 10 is the firmest). This provides the supportive base with enough cushioning.
4. Don’t Forget the Bedding
The hotel experience isn’t just the mattress. Holiday Inn Express uses crisp, white sheets with a high thread count and a down-alternative comforter. Good quality bedding can make any mattress feel more luxurious.
Recommended Mattress Brands with a Similar Feel
Several well-known brands sell mattresses that can give you a comparable sleep feel. Here are a few to consider:
- Serta: Serta is a major supplier to the hotel industry, including some IHG properties. Their Perfect Sleeper line or models with pillow-tops are great places to look.
- Beautyrest: Known for their pocketed coil technology, Beautyrest hybrids offer great support and pressure relief. Look at their Black or Platinum lines with pillow-tops.
- Sealy: Another giant in the bedding world, Sealy’s Hybrid series with Posturepedic technology and added cushioning can be very close.
- Simmons: Similar to Beautyrest, they offer reliable hybrids that focus on a balanced feel suitable for most people.
Steps to Test a Mattress Like a Pro
Before you buy, it’s crucial to test properly. Here’s a simple guide:
- Visit a mattress store in the afternoon when you’re alert, not tired.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and remove your shoes.
- Lie down on the mattress in your usual sleep position for at least 10-15 minutes. Don’t just sit on the edge.
- Pay attention to your spine alignment. It should be relatively straight, without your hips or shoulders sinking too deeply.
- If shopping with a partner, both of you should test it at the same time to check for motion transfer.
Caring for Your New Mattress
To keep your mattress feeling fresh and supportive for years, follow these tips:
- Use a mattress protector from day one. This guards against spills, dust mites, and stains.
- Rotate the mattress head-to-foot every 3-6 months for the first few years. This prevents uneven wear.
- Ensure you have a proper, supportive bed frame or foundation. A saggy base will ruin the feel of any mattress.
- Vacuum the mattress surface occasionally during sheet changes to remove dust.
FAQ: Your Holiday Inn Express Mattress Questions Answered
Can I buy the exact Holiday Inn Express mattress?
Not directly. The “Stay Smart” bed is a commercial product made for the hotel chain. However, Serta often produces these models, and you can find very similar consumer versions from Serta or other brands like those mentioned above.
Is the mattress considered soft or firm?
It’s generally considered a medium-firm mattress. The pillow-top makes it feel soft initially, but the coil system provides a firm support layer underneath. This combination is why it works for so many different sleepers.
What kind of pillows does Holiday Inn Express use?
They typically use down-alternative pillows. These are hypoallergenic and offer a soft, supportive loft. Many guest prefer them because they mold to the head and neck without the allergens of real down.
How often do hotels replace there mattresses?
Hotels like Holiday Inn Express usually replace mattresses every 5 to 7 years, depending on usage. This schedule ensures guests always get a comfortable and supportive sleep surface.
Did the mattress brand change recently?
IHG has worked with several manufacturers over time, including Serta and Sealy. While the specific supplier might change, the core specifications for the “Stay Smart” bed remain consistent to keep the guest experience the same.
Are hotel mattresses more comfortable?
They are designed for broad comfort, which many people enjoy. However, “comfort” is personal. The best mattress for you is one that supports your specific body type and sleep position, which may be different from a hotel’s choice.
Final Thoughts on Recreating the Hotel Sleep Experience
Finding a mattress like the one at Holiday Inn Express is about understanding the construction. Focus on a hybrid, pillow-top model with a medium-firm feel. Pair it with high-quality, crisp bedding and supportive pillows.
Remember, the right mattress is an investment in your health and well-being. Take your time testing options. While the hotel bed is a great benchmark, your perfect mattress is the one that leaves you feeling rested and pain-free in your own home every single morning. Many brands offer sleep trials, so you can test a mattress at home for several months to be sure its the right fit for you.