Hard as nails bed at a 4-Star hotel in Chennai

Stiff as a board, soft as a feather…oh, just you wait! There is no standard of comfort for the beds of India. Some of the most comfortable rests I’ve had while traveling were in budget guest homes and yes, some of the least restful were in mid-range and 5 star accommodations. Size isn’t the issue, it’s the softness or firmness of the mattress.

Villages

Visiting a friend or family in the village? Good news! Their beds are generally more comfortable than the mid range hotels. Although cots are still quite common in the majority of the country, if you’ve been invited for an over-night, proper arrangements are in place. Bed frames with mattresses, be it spring coil or foam, and bedding are not out of the ordinary. The dreaded fear of sleeping on a charpai is somewhat dated and erroneous. These string cots, meaning four legs, are supportive and comfortable. I’ve only napped on one but could make it through a night.

Trekkers Rs 200 or less

This type of tourist comes prepared with sleeping bags in the event there are no facilities and/or they choose to sleep outside for the night. Ashrams, hostels and cheap homestays will provide some sort of mattress even if just a foam sheet laid on the ground. Bring a pillow!

Budget Rs 300 – 800

These travelers already know that a true bed is a luxury in some parts of the country. The “worst” scenario I faced while in the mountain peaks of Himachal Pradesh was a pile of torn, tattered bug infested mattresses sitting in a corner. My choice was to sleep on that, no blanket, no pillow, or keep moving until the next town 6 hours away. A more common sight will be a queen to king size bed frame, foam sheets or thin (6 inch) mattress with one sheet and a blanket. Sleeping pillows resembling “throw pillows” for decoration in the US are surprisingly comfortable. Best not to question when the last time those linens were washed.

Mid-Range Rs 900- 2000

Guests to these properties begin to have options for twin bedded rooms vs. the standard issue queen/king. Be sure to ask specifically for two beds as double occupancy can be misunderstood. Mattresses are quite common as well as more Western style of fitted sheet + flat sheet + comforter/bedspread and at least one sleeping pillow. Even so, firm sleeping conditions should be expected. Depending on location I.E. Northern region, blankets may be stored in a closet for use on cool nights. Linen changing service is standard between new guests but not always for guests staying multiple nights.

Luxury Rs 2000 & Up

High price tags do not ensure a comfortable bed. Twin bedded and queen/king bedded rooms are easier to find. More luxurious bedding is spotty unless traveling in well known properties such as Taj, Oberoi and CGH, etc. Standard 2 pillows per person is the norm as well as additional blankets.

If you have issues with too firm or too soft, alert your travel agency prior to booking so they can arrange the best fit to your needs. Traveling on the cheap? Most budget lodging tends to group together. This allows you to see many rooms in a short period of time should you need options.

Remember the saying, If you want it to be like home, then stay home.