Rebirth of the turndown

After a day packed with activities or spent travelling, all you’re looking forward to is a restful night’s slumber. A turndown service helps guests feel ready to turn in for the night, with treats and other bespoke touches that add extra polish to a hotel’s hospitality. The recent focus on sleep optimisation in the wellness community has seen hotels follow suit by giving the turndown a modern refresh with inventive and indulgent sleep amenities. These properties go the extra mile to help you get ready for bed.

1. The Lowry Hotel, Manchester

Moving away from less sustainable practices, such as changing the bedding and towels, this hotel reinvented its turndown service to cater better to different guests’ needs. For travellers mindful of wellbeing, a yoga mat and a bottle of kombucha are provided. Those seeking a good night’s sleep receive an eye mask and a selection of pillows to choose from. Feeling romantic? Enjoy a bottle of champagne, face masks and a drawn bath with someone special – or indulge alone.

2. The George, Christchurch

Whether your room overlooks the well-kept private gardens or the nearby Hagley Park, this hotel is sure to delight. The highlight of the turndown service is undoubtedly “George” – the soft teddy bear left on your bed for you to take home as a memento. Heated mirrors, underfloor heating and luxurious bedding further enhance comfort and create a cosy atmosphere.

3. Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore

Along with a sweeping view of Singapore’s skyline, this hotel features a turndown service that emphasises well-being and serves as a “sleep ritual”. A tea set comes with honey and fresh herbs, like mint or rosemary, harvested from the hotel’s rooftop urban farm. You’re encouraged to gently rub the leaves of the herbs together to release their calming aroma for added relaxation. 

4. Equinox Hotel, New York

This hotel is committed to keeping you in tip-top shape by making sure every detail of its rooms supports good rest. From soundproofing and blackout curtains to temperature-regulating bedsheets and guided wind-down and wake-up rituals, the Equinox takes sleep wellness beyond your conventional turndown. Having night-time cravings? The mini bar is stocked with vitamin-rich and immune system-boosting supplements and snacks.

5. Farmhouse Inn, California

This wellness-focused luxury hotel in the Californian wine country is just a 90-minute drive from San Francisco airport. Cosy rooms feature luxurious touches, such as a fireplace, steam shower and heated marble flooring. As well as a glass of wine on arrival, you also receive a handmade soap bar for a bubble bath. The turndown service strikes a sweet note with freshly baked triple chocolate chip cookies and a glass of milk.

6. Banyan Tree Veya Phuket, Phuket

This is Banyan Tree’s first entry under its Veya concept, with a wellness-focused experience that’s built around eight pillars, including sleep. A stay in one of the pool villas allows you to enjoy numerous wellness-oriented features, ranging from resistance bands and yoga mats to aromatherapy. The turndown service includes pre-sleep meditation sessions and a make-it-yourself body scrub with ingredients that promote calm.

7. The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kong

In addition to more traditional touches, like replenishing toiletries, preparing the bed, towel swans and hand-written cards, this hotel also boasts several features to support a stress-free snooze – from a pillow menu to an aromatherapy sleep mist. For deeper relaxation, you can request a calming chamomile tea with honey or for a milk and honey bath to be drawn.

8. The Milestone Hotel and Residences, London

Facing Kensington Palace, this London hotel has each room furnished in a wide variety of individual styles, underpinned by consistent comfort. Along with plush robes, slippers and refreshments like fresh fruit, you can arrange to have a turndown service that features private in-room performances from members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a more extravagant occasion, or a simpler one that involves candles and rose petals.