What Products Should I Purchase First?

It’s one of the most common questions we get from potential customers: “We’ve just bought a new property. What products should we purchase first?”

Unfortunately, there’s no single correct answer to this question. In fact, we’ll have questions of our own: How many rooms does your property have? Are you buying a property that was already in use, or building something new? Are you turning your home into a bed & breakfast? Or a country inn, where you’ll be serving breakfast and dinner?

By asking these questions, our staff can gather the information they need to advise customers about the right products for their property.

Owners who are building or renovate will usually wait until work wraps up before contacting InnStyle. That’s understandable, as there are usually construction and inspection issues to take care of before opening.

Still, we always suggest that these owners still look at the furnishings they may need, even if they aren’t ready to purchase.

Mattresses are especially important, and it’s crucial that new owners be prepared to buy them early, as stock from suppliers may not be immediately available. We’ve seen too many customers wait until the last minute and face the prospect of opening without linens. By waiting too long, they may have to purchase linens or other supplies that aren’t of the same quality or price they’d get from a distributor like InnStyle.

Guests are going to judge you by the condition of your beds and bedrooms more than on any other area. They expect a good night’s sleep, and want a pristine room with amenities they may not find at home.

Here’s an innkeepers start-up list of products for new hotel owners:

1. A very well-made mattress

This should be a hospitality mattress, as opposed to a mattress that you can purchase in a retail store. These mattresses are made for hospitality properties (B&B’s, hotels, rental properties). They need to be manufactured differently as guests with varying weights will be sleeping on them. We recommend a medium to firm mattress.

InnStyle is a distributor for Tempur-Sealy’s hospitality division. Their mattresses have a built-up edge which will keep the mattress from weakening when guests sit on the side of the bed. If your guests prefer a soft or pillowtop mattress, place a featherbed or fiberbed on the mattress.

2. Waterproof and bed bug proof mattress and box encasements

These protectors zip totally around the mattress and box spring. These do not have to be removed. Next, a quilted mattress pad that fits around the mattress which will protect your mattress from spills. This mattress pad can be removed and should be washed often.

3. Three sets of sheets and pillowcases

Next on our innkeepers start-up list are sheets and pillowcases. We always recommend three sets of sheets and pillowcases for each room. The one on the bed goes in the laundry as soon as the guest leaves. The second goes on the bed, while the third waits on a shelf for the next guest.

We do not recommend taking the set you’ve just washed and immediately using it for the next guest. The cotton needs to breathe and refresh after going through the washer and dryer. We also recommend extra pillowcases in case of staining or using more than one pillow in the room per person.

4. Pillows

We recommend putting four pillows in each room: two of them soft, two of them firm. You will find that guests are very particular about their pillows. If you do not want to use four pillows per room, we suggest purchasing medium firm pillows but to keep spare firm and down-like pillows on hand. We have a suggested InnStyle Pillow Menu on our website.

It’s also important to invest in some pillow protectors. We suggest bedbug pillow protectors as they can be washed and will still protect your pillow.

5. Towels

For rooms hosting two guests, we suggest stocking bathrooms with six bath towels and six hand towels. But we’d also recommend purchasing some additional washcloths, as the fibers will wear down after sitting in water.

We sell a black facial wipe washcloth that is wonderful for removing makeup and helps reduce stains on towels and pillowcases.

And just as with your sheets, give your towels time to breathe and refresh after they’ve been washed and dried.

6. Luggage Rack

Having a luggage rack saves your mattresses, as it gives guests a place –other than your well-made beds – to put their heavy suitcases.

7. Blankets

While there are many styles of blankets to choose from, we’d recommend a washable blanket. Your need for warmth will vary depending on where you live.

8. Comforters and Duvets

When choosing comforters, we recommend a down alternative with a decorative duvet cover. Duvets can be washed over and over, while the comforter won’t need to be washed unless a stain leaked through the duvet. If you do need to wash a comforter, you may need to find a laundromat, as they are too large for most washers.

Comforters come in different weights and sizes, so be sure to pick the right one. When purchasing your Duvet, it should be the same size or slightly smaller than the comforter. A tighter fit for the comforter is best as it will look fluffier and more luxurious on the bed.

We hope our innkeepers start-up list has been helpful. As always, InnStyle is ready to offer advice or answer questions about our products. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.