DUVET VS COMFORTER - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE AND WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Any hotelier wants to provide their guests with the highest level of comfort possible, especially when it comes to the bed they will sleep in during the course of their stay. When it comes to hotel bedding, after the sheets and pillows - and pillow cases - are chosen, hoteliers are faced with another choice; will a duvet or comforter top off the bedding ensemble?

Ultimately, of course, the answer comes down to personal preference and budget. Each option has its pros and cons. But when making the choice between comforter and duvet there are some basics that should be kept in mind. Here's a look at some of the most important.

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A DUVET?

In the most basic terms, a duvet is an especially plush quilt that is typically filled with feathers, down or a synthetic down alternative. A duvet is quilted in either a box or channel pattern and often they resemble a rather large, soft, fluffy sack. Duvets are commonly sized so that there is a minimum amount of 'hang over' from the bed, which allows for a very neat, modern look when the bed is fully made.

When shopping for a duvet hoteliers will usually find them offered in either white or beige. This is because they are designed to be used with a  duvet cover, an item that is basically a pillowcase for the duvet. This means that almost any look can be achieved, as the number of duvet covers available is very extensive and a custom-made cover that matches a hotel's decor exactly is another option as well.

IMPORTANT DUVET PROS

Duvets definitely offer some great benefits, including all of the following:

People - as in guests in this case - love duvets because they are warm but surprisingly lightweight.

The removable duvet cover can be changed as often as needed - or desired - giving hoteliers the option to change up the look of their bedding with ease and at a relatively affordable cost.

There's no need for a top sheet when using a duvet as a part of a bedding ensemble, so making the bed is a faster, easier process.

POSSIBLE DUVET CONS

Duvets do tend to be a little more expensive

A duvet cover does have to be used at all times. They should be laundered once a month and this does call for extra effort on the part of the housekeeping staff in terms of taking the cover on and off.

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A COMFORTER?

The comforter began to replace duvets in the late 19th century in the US - the duvet remains the bedding of choice in Europe to this day - and these days they are the most common bedding choice for the general public.

A comforter, like a duvet, is a quilt crafted from two layers of fabric stuffed with feathers, down, or most commonly a synthetic alternative. Usually, a comforter is not as soft and 'fluffy' as a duvet as it 

does not contain as much fill. It does not require a cover and is designed to be a one piece item.

IMPORTANT COMFORTER PROS

A comforter is often the more affordable choice versus a duvet.

A comforter is a 'one-piece' item that does not require a cover, making it, in the eyes of some, the easier choice for a hotel's housekeeping staff.

A comforter is easy to place attractively over additional sheets and/or blankets, so they are great for those who want to create a layered hotel bedding look.

POSSIBLE COMFORTER CONS

A comforter is not as soft and 'fluffy' a duvet

A comforter needs to used with a top sheet to prolong its useful life.

A hotel comforter needs to be laundered far more often than a hotel duvet, around once a month versus once a season for a duvet, as the duvet is protected by a washable cover which a comforter is not.

Once you have considered all of this information, you will find that there are extensive options available for both hotel comforters and hotel duvets. Armed now with the basic knowledge you need you should now be able to make the best hotel bedding choice for your establishment - and your budget.