The right mattress is a pretty big investment, so it pays to know what you’re actually getting for your money. And while there’s no shortage of choice, from Emma and Simba to the countless new brands that have appeared in recent years, working out which one is genuinely worth buying can be tricky.
One way to make the search easier is to look at the mattresses used by hotels. If you’ve ever slept particularly well at a Premier Inn, you can recreate the experience at home, because the hotel chain sells its own mattress to the public.
I’ve had one on my bed for the past 15 months, putting the hybrid design through its paces night after night. It combines springs with several layers of foam, with the aim of balancing support, comfort and temperature control. So, does it actually live up to the hotel-bed hype? Here’s what I’ve loved about it, where it falls short and whether I think it’s worth buying.
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Premier Inn mattress, double
Why we love it
- Medium-to-firm feel offers a versatile sleeping experience suitable for most sleepers
- Cushions shoulders and hips without excessive sinking
- Cheaper than comparable hotel-branded mattresses
Take note
- No sleep trial increases risk if unsure about preferred firmness
Initial thoughts
Unlike other hybrid mattresses, Premier Inn’s 2.0 doesn’t arrive rolled in a box. Rather, it’s delivered to your room of choice free of charge (and your old mattress can be removed for £40), which is a relief as it’s hefty. Because it isn’t vacuum-sealed like many boxed mattresses, there was no noticeable off-gassing smell when it arrived. It lacks the sleek design you’d expect of a mattress hailing from a hotel brand. But this is easy to forget when the bed’s made.
Overview
Like all hybrid mattresses, it’s made of pocket springs as well as layers of foam. One layer in particular concerned me: the gel-infused filling, which the brand says provides bounce and aids movement. As a light sleeper, this was a red flag – I was worried I’d feel my partner moving at night. Thankfully, these fears were unjustified (but more on the movement isolation later).
The mattress is 28.5cm deep, which is noticeably taller and weightier than any I’ve owned before. The height is something I appreciate more than I expected – it gives the bed a substantial, well-made feel, and if you like a mattress with a bit of presence (and extra support), I’d recommend this one. Despite the added height, I didn’t find it difficult to fit sheets onto the mattress, although deep-pocket fitted sheets worked best.
Firmness and pressure relief
The brand says the mattress is medium to firm, and based on my tests, I’d agree; I’d score it a seven out of 10 for firmness. In practice, I find it to be a supportive mattress that keeps my body aligned, and it doesn’t sink around my shoulders and hips. The pillow-top layer adds a plush feel without being soft, which I appreciate.
I found I settled into a comfortable position much faster than I had with my previous Dusk mattress. With my old one, there was always a bit of shifting and readjusting before I felt properly supported. Here, it was more of a get into bed, get comfy, and drift off situation – which, for me, is a strong sign a mattress is doing its job properly.
Edge support
Edge support is another area where this mattress performs well. I feel stable and supported when sitting on the edge of the mattress, which causes a dip of just 4cm.
When lying near the side of the bed, I never feel as though I’m going to slip off or roll toward the edge. I also haven’t noticed myself rolling toward the centre of the mattress during the night, which can sometimes happen with softer designs.
Motion transfer
I was initially concerned that the gel layer would cause too much movement. But I was pleasantly surprised by how little motion travelled across the mattress. While very large movements were still noticeable, I wasn’t jolted awake every time my partner turned over or got out of bed, which is a big win for a light sleeper like me.
Temperature regulation
I’m always sceptical when brands claim their mattresses keep me at a comfortable temperature. But I was proven wrong here. One of the biggest strengths is the temperature regulation. Without getting too technical, the hybrid construction comprises breathable foams and a pocket-spring system, which allows air to circulate. I tested it through a mix of milder and cooler nights, and it struck a nice balance – I was never clammy, but still cosy when the temperature dipped.
The micro-quilted top aids the sleep experience. It feels plush without trapping heat. More importantly, I stayed comfortable through the night, without the usual too-hot, too-cold shuffle that can interrupt sleep.
Maintenance
The mattress is single-sided, so you shouldn’t flip it. You turn the entire mattress to help distribute wear evenly.
Key specifications
Buy now £719, Premierinnbed.co.uk
Your questions about the Premier Inn mattress 2.0 answered
Is the Premier Inn mattress worth the money?
Premier Inn’s mattress is a stellar all-rounder. It’s comfortable, supportive and breathable. The pre-sale price is £609, which is cheaper than other hotel mattresses, such as Hypnos (for Soho House). But it’s also more affordable than the mattresses you can buy from Simba and Emma. It’s not the most visually appealing, and it’s also very heavy, which limits manoeuvrability. However, these are minor gripes, and I certainly think it is worth its price tag.
How I tested
I’ve been sleeping on Premier Inn’s mattress for 15 months. For context, I’m prone to bouts of insomnia and am an annoyingly light sleeper. The slightest movement from my partner can wake me up, so I need a mattress with impressive movement isolation. Having tested other mattresses in the past, where my partner's wriggling would wake me up, I’ve learned the hard way about how important it is that movement is absorbed.
As such, I tested this carefully, conducting a range of different tests to really see whether the mattress isolated movement. Of course, my testing criteria expanded to other areas, including the following factors:
What are the disadvantages of the Premier Inn mattress?
There are a few things to consider. First, this is a hefty mattress. It’s tall and heavy, so manoeuvring it around can be a bit of a workout. While delivery to your room is included, you may want an extra pair of hands for setup.
Aesthetically, it’s more functional than fashionable. It lacks the sleek, minimalist look of some newer hybrid or memory foam brands and has a more traditional pocket-spring appearance. That said, once it’s dressed in your bedding, this feels largely irrelevant.
Finally, there’s no sleep trial with the mattress, which is something I’d like to see introduced, especially considering many other brands offer one.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Daisy Lester is a senior shopping writer at The Independent. She knows how to spot a quality product that is really worth your money, and, crucially, she’d never recommend a product that she didn’t think was good. She is sceptical of mattress brands and their marketing claims, and rigorously puts them to the test to see whether they stand up in real-life environments. Daisy brings years of experience in trialling sleep products to this review and understands the importance of a good sleep setup, particularly because she is prone to bouts of insomnia. As an annoyingly light sleeper, she knows the importance of having a high-quality mattress that won’t cause further disturbance. You can trust her to deliver honest reviews.
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