Look, I like slipping into a nice warm bed as much as the next person---especially a hotel bed, and especially when I'm vacationing in a cold destination---but one chain has taken it to an entirely new level. At select Holiday Inns in England, guests can request a "human bed warmer" before they turn in for the night.
Say what?
As part of a pioneering new program, Holiday Inn is offering the service--for free, it should be noted---to guests at one of their properties in London and one in Manchester. When you sign up for a human bed warmer (can you imagine having that on your resume, by the way?), you'll receive a visit from a Holiday Inn employee dressed in a head-to-toe "sleep suit" (which, presumably, is super hygienic) who'll slip between your covers for five minutes and warm up the sheets.
Kind of makes pillow menus seem a little dull, doesn't it?
I've been trying to decide if I'd ever use a human bed warmer---should I find myself at one of the properties in question, or should it ever catch on at other hotels---and I've decided that I don't think I would. There's something just a little creepy about it. (Scratch that: there's something a lot creepy about it.) But what about you? Would you?
Comments
Feb 20, 2010
No way. The thought of a stranger creeping into my hotel bed (astronaut suit or not!) makes my skin crawl.
Feb 20, 2010
Thankfully, I'm warm enough that I'm my own (and my husband's) bed warmer. And, if I were not, I would just ask for an extra blanket.
Feb 21, 2010
I would've loved to be at the meeting where Holiday Day Inn staff debated "Human Bed Warmer versus Electric Blankets." I imagine a room full of highly educated MBA's talking about synergy, paradigm-shifts, and eco-green-friendly ideas.
I guess, now that I think about it, human bed warmers are the more ecofriendly choice. But I think it's pretty creepy, having some stranger's body heat warming my bed. I'll probably stick to socks and a hoodie if I'm cold.
Feb 21, 2010
There is something creepy about the idea of someone warming my bed up for me. Not that the idea of hotel beds already isn't creepy enough - just thinking about the pure number of people who have been in the room. This takes it to a weird creepy level that I wouldn't imagine would be all that appealing to most?
Feb 21, 2010
OMG no way would i use one of those.
Feb 22, 2010
You guys that are grossed out about the idea of a human bed warmer realize just how much ejaculate is present on the sheets, bed, comforter, and heck, any surface you can think of--remote controls, the walls, the ceiling (!), etc. Yeah, the sheets may get washed, but the beds and comforters never do. There have been reports that featured people combing the hotel rooms with blacklights to reveal all the nasty fluids. You're sharing a room with hundreds of strangers--and people have some strange habits. That doesn't even take into account the likelihood of bringing home bedbugs after a European vacation.
Feb 23, 2010
Should we call it a luxury.I think this is something even a cheap hotel can provide.Anyway an innovative idea.
Feb 23, 2010
There is no limit on the service they say such a thing, I think. But I would prefer nevertheless a different heating methods...
Feb 24, 2010
This is very interesting thing I am reading here Human Bed Warmers at Hotels. Very good post! I always like to leave comments whenever I see something unusual or impressive. I think we must appreciate those who do something especial. Keep it up, thanks
Feb 25, 2010
ICK! No! Never! I am fully aware (and try to push out of my mind when traveling) how gross hotel rooms are, but this is just creepy! Knowing that the bed is warm because some random person (no matter how hygenically attired) was lying in my bed...ick! Even aside from the creepy factor it would take away the whole getting into a bed with clean sheets awesome feeling, because they wouldn't feel fresh and clean any more - they'd feel warm. Someone elses body heat warm...
No thank you.
I agree with Sarah though about being a fly on the wall in the meeting where they discussed this idea. I bet it was hilarious.
Feb 26, 2010
I'd have to ask my wife for permission first ...
Mar 02, 2010
Nope, no way. Too creepy.