Pillows.com Blog

June 2, 2014June 5, 2014

Most Interesting Hotels Found Worldwide

Going on vacation and escaping reality if even for a little while is always a welcome relief. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, deciding what hotel to stay at is one of the main concerns for most travelers. You want a hotel that is right in the middle of it all but somehow still maintains a certain amount of tranquility right? Most of us book hotels based on comfort but for those who are looking for a more eclectic experience, why not pick one that is in it’s on way, a destination in itself? Below are the 10 weirdest hotel rooms, from hotels made out of ice and Inn’s shaped like Beagles, this list is as strange as it sounds.

1) ICEHOTEL, Jukkasjarvi, Sweden.

This hotel is the world’s largest made out of snow and ice. Each year the hotel is allowed to melt and then is again reconstructed every November. From the bar to your bed, everything is made out of ice or snow.

2) Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood, Indiana

Located in the heartland of the good ole’ USA, this tiny Inn is actually constructed in the shape of a giant beagle. Think Clifford the Big Red Dog but in hotel form. The dog’s head houses a bedroom and a toilet that is disguised as a fire hydrant.

3) Yotel, Heathrow Airport, London

One of the smallest hotels in the world, Yotel is the perfect balance of convenience and comfort. This particular hotel is actually located in London’s airport near terminal 4. Each compartment features a flat screen tv, wireless internet and hour room service. While the rooms are small, for those long lay overs or quick trips that don’t justify the full expense of a regular hotel, Yotel offers amazing convenience at just 25 pounds a night.

4) Hang Nga Guesthouse, Dalat, Vietnam

Known as “The Crazy House” this hotel is constructed as weirdly as it’s rooms. The hotel looks more like a giant treehouse more than a structure that is supposed to in fact provide guests with a good night’s rest. Each room has an animal theme such as The Bear or Kangaroo room.

5) Magic Mountain Hotel, Huilo-Huilo, Chile

The rooms of Huilo-Huilo are actually built into an artificial mountain. Looking out a window you can actually see the hotels waterfall that blows like a volcano, running along the structure. Inside the rooms are wood and offer a simplicity that is almost ironic considering how unique this hotel is.

6) Karostas Cietums, Liepaja, Latavia

This former prison has actually been made into a hotel where guests can experience what life was like for the inmates who were former military persons. This hotel is said to be a hot spot for paranormal activity. The guests who stay here aren’t given much in the way of comfort but for those who are looking to combine both history and adventure, this hotel is perfect.

7) Jumbo Stay Hostel, Stockholm, Sweeden

Located at the Stockholm airport, guests can actually spend the night on a real jumbo jet. Based on how many people are in your party, rooms can accommodate up to three people. As far as showers and bathrooms, for the most part the majority are communal but there a few lucky rooms that do have private bathrooms. While the rooms aren’t grand by any means this hotel does have a bar and café on board.

8) Hotel Kakslauttanen, Arctic Circle, Finland

Constructed in the form of a glass igloo, this hotel is great for those wanting the authentic arctic experience. The igloo’s maintain a normal room temperature and the glass ceiling is perfect for those interested in literally sleeping beneath the Northern Lights.

9) Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

This hotel takes “island life” to a new extreme. In the Ithaa Suite, guests actually have the chance to wake up 16 feet below the Indiam Ocean. Picture a tube but instead of a solid ceiling there is actually glass where you can view schools of fish swimming and see the sun reflecting off the water.

10) Sandcastle Hotel, Weymouth, UK

Made entirely from about 1100 tons of sand and for about $15 a night, guests can fall asleep under the stars. It takes about seven days and a team of four sculptors to complete this hotel that washes away when a big storm hits. If luxury is what you are looking for this is not the hotel for you as guests sleep on sand beds. Oh! There is also no indoor plumbing.

Blog Author – Diana D. Bedding Expert

May 12, 2014May 13, 2014

How to Sleep Well When Traveling

Whether you are traveling for business or fun, we all strive to take with us the comfort that home provides. This can be especially hard for those fussy sleepers who require further measures to ensure a good night’s rest. From sound proof rooms to the right bedding, here are a few suggestions to maximize your comfort wherever you are.

1. Picking a hotel
When choosing a hotel we rarely ever think about sleep, even though that is for the most part, all we do in them. We tend to prioritize location over comfort which is perfectly normal, however wouldn’t it be great if you could get both? Every hotel should provide travelers with a tranquil sleeping environment. From the sheets to the temperature of the room, your hotel room should feel like a home away from home. I tend to be a fussy sleeper when it comes to noise, so choosing a hotel that is known to have a low noise level is imperative, especially in a city. Doing a bit of research before you book a room can go a long way.
Insider tip: Some hotels that are known for being “quiet” or soundproof such as Hotel Americano, New York and Hotel Bel-Air Los Angeles. See more ultra quiet hotels here.

sleep well when traveling

2. Bedding and Pillows
One of the best feelings is crawling into bed at night after a long day at the office. There are many aspects to think about where your bed is concerned. For example, sheets! Pretty self-explanatory right? For the most part yes but when approaching bedding you have to take into account what kind of sleeper you are. Do you get hot as the night goes on? What kind of pillow do you prefer to sleep on? Are there any allergies the hotel should take into account when preparing a room for you? It’s these little details that can mean the difference between a restless night and a peaceful slumber. There are many hotels that offer alternatives for those with allergies so calling ahead and discussing it with someone is highly recommended.

Inside tip: Some hotels have pillow menus or offer down alternative options for those who have allergies. Marriott carries both down/feather and polyester choices that includes the down alternative eco smart pillow (filling is made of polyester balls spun from recycled water bottles!)

Marriott Hotel PIllows

Four Seasons hotel pillows also features hypoallergenic options at many of their properties so that their guests can relax and not worry about allergies affecting their vacation.

Four Seasons Hotel Pillows

3. Room Temperature and Lighting
– The temperature of a room can make or break a hotel stay. Most hotels set their temperatures between 68-73 degrees which is a pretty happy medium when you think about it. Not too hot, but not too cold. However there are those unique individuals who desire teeth chattering temps and there are those who prefer a tropical climate when they are catching a few z’s. If you are one of these people let your hotel know when you check in. If you are someone who gets cold throughout the night, request an extra blanket be put in your room. If you get hot throughout the night, ask if there are any options for perhaps a thinner blanket. Lighting can play a huge role as well in regards to whether your room is too hot. If your room is facing the sun for a good majority of the day, it is likely your room will be on the warmer side. If you can, request a room that only gets a few hours of direct sun light or make sure your room has both blinds and curtains to block out as much heat as possible.

Blog Author – Diana, Bedding Expert

April 29, 2014May 13, 2014

5 Breakfast in Bed Ideas for Mother’s Day

From breakfast in bed to homemade cards, here are five cute and creative ways to pamper your Mom on Mother’s day!

Breakfast in Bed with a twist!

– With a plethora of options to choose from and what could possibly be hours spent on Pinterest trying to find the perfect recipe, these Pancake Skewers are not only fun to make but also add a little touch of whimsy that your Mom is sure to appreciate. With a short ingredient list and easy preparation instructions, serve these bite sized treats with warm maple syrup!

Ingredients:

Your favorite pancake mix (like Bisquick) or recipe
Syrup or vanilla
Powdered sugar
Assorted berries
Skewers cut in half

Preparation:

Whip up some pancake batter and use a measuring spoon or cantaloupe scooper to make your mini pancakes on a griddle. If you are having little ones help serve, you might put a few drops of vanilla in the batter to sweeten up the pancakes. If not, feel free to drizzle syrup galore. Have your kids help you stack a few mini slap jacks on a skewer. Shake some powered sugar over the batch. Then top each stack with yummy seasonal berries.

Beverages Galore

– With breakfast taken care of, how is one expected to choose between coffee, tea and juice? Depending on her beverage preference, start the morning with a nice cup of coffee. Instead of presenting it in a regular coffee mug, try presenting it on a decorative tray along with a cute, colorful mug. Pour the coffee into a French press to give her the option for more. Follow the same guidelines for juice and tea. It might seem like a lot of work, but presentation is everything!

Pretty Little Things

– The beauty is truly in the details and is especially so on Mother’s Day! Flowers are always a show stopper for any occasion but going beyond the cliché of flowers in a vase, why not get creative? The mason jar picture frame adds the perfect personalized touch! The supplies needed for this are: one clean mason jar, paint (whatever color you prefer), paint brush, vinyl shape or sticker and picture, painter’s tape and clear spray paint. The instructions are fairly easy to follow but for those who are more visual learner’s here is the direct link (www.homestoriesatoz.com/crafts/mason-jar-picture-frame-vase.html) for the website.

Instructions

~Step One: Place vinyl or painters tape over jar and paint to create picture frame window.

~Step Two: Cut a picture to size and attach to inside of jar with painter’s tape.

~ Step Three: “Distress” the lettering of the jar by taking a metal file and scraping off the paint where you want the lettering to show.

~ Step Four: Seal the outside of the painted jar with clear spray paint.

~ Step Five: Place a paper cup inside the jar to hold the flowers; otherwise your picture will be ruined.

A Homemade Card

– There really are no limits to what you can and can’t do when it comes to homemade gift cards. Depending on the age of your kiddos, supervision might be needed. Some common supplies for cards are: scissors, construction/scrapbook paper, glue, tape, markers and pens. With some guidance here and there, let your kids go crazy!

Piece de Resistance

– Mother’s day when it comes down to it is all about the pampering! With kids and a ton of things to do throughout the day, slowing down and just relaxing is a luxury not many moms can afford. A bubble bath is the epitome of relaxation and with a kit that has everything from a loofah to a pillow, she will have everything she needs to kick back in the comfort of her own home. Simply put all bath products in a cute basket, throw in a magazine, a bottle of wine and let her be!

Blog Author – Diana D, Bedding Expert