If you’ve ever stayed at a InterContinental Hotels Group property like Holiday Inn Express, you may have noticed something consistent: the beds feel simple, supportive, and reliable rather than ultra-luxury—but still very comfortable.
So what kind of mattress does Holiday Inn Express actually use? The answer is a durable, hotel-grade innerspring or hybrid mattress system designed for value-focused comfort and long-term use.
1. The Mattress Philosophy Behind Holiday Inn Express
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) positions Holiday Inn Express as a mid-scale, high-volume business hotel brand. That directly influences the mattress choice.
Instead of ultra-soft luxury beds, the priority is:
- Consistent comfort across thousands of rooms
- Long-lasting durability for frequent guest turnover
- Easy maintenance and replacement
- Cost efficiency without sacrificing sleep quality
The result is a mattress that feels supportive, clean, and predictable—ideal for business travelers and short stays.
2. What Type of Mattress Is Used in Holiday Inn Express?
Most Holiday Inn Express properties use a commercial-grade innerspring mattress or hybrid mattress system.
Typical construction includes:
- Steel innerspring coil system
Provides firm, stable support and strong durability - Thin foam comfort layer
Adds light cushioning without excessive softness - Medium-firm feel design
Balances comfort and back support - High-resilience upholstery padding
Helps the mattress recover shape after repeated use - Fire-retardant hotel-grade fabric cover
Meets strict hospitality safety standards
This type of mattress is designed to survive years of continuous hotel occupancy while maintaining a consistent sleep surface.

3. Why Holiday Inn Express Uses This Mattress Type
The mattress choice is driven by operational efficiency as much as guest comfort.
1. Durability for High Turnover
Holiday Inn Express properties often have high occupancy rates, so mattresses must withstand constant use.
2. Standardized Comfort
A medium-firm feel ensures most guests can sleep comfortably regardless of preference.
3. Cost Control
Compared to luxury hotel beds, these mattresses are more cost-efficient to produce and replace.
4. Easy Housekeeping Maintenance
Materials are chosen for quick cleaning and long-term hygiene performance.

4. How It Feels to Sleep on One
Guests typically describe Holiday Inn Express mattresses as:
- Medium-firm and supportive
- Less “sink-in” than luxury hotels
- Stable with minimal motion transfer
- Clean and straightforward comfort
The experience is designed to be restful rather than plush, supporting good sleep for short stays.
5. Does Holiday Inn Express Use Pillow-Top Mattresses?
Some locations may include a light pillow-top layer, but it is usually minimal compared to higher-end hotel brands. The focus is still on:
- Support over softness
- Longevity over luxury plushness
- Uniformity across all properties
6. Can You Buy a Similar Mattress?
Yes. Many hospitality mattress manufacturers produce “hotel collection” or “contract-grade” innerspring mattresses similar to those used by Holiday Inn Express.
These are commonly sold under:
- Hotel bedding collections
- Commercial mattress lines
- Contract hospitality furniture catalogs
They are not the same as typical home mattresses because they are engineered for continuous heavy-duty use.
7. Hospitality Mattress Solutions for Hotel Projects
For hotel developers and procurement teams, choosing the right mattress impacts guest satisfaction and long-term operating cost.
Assomsen Furniture provides custom hotel furniture and mattress solutions for hospitality projects, including:
- Custom firmness and design options
- Durable contract-grade materials
- Cost-effective bulk production
- Full room furniture coordination for hotels and serviced apartments
Contact: assomsenhotelfurniture@gmail.com
Conclusion
InterContinental Hotels Group (Holiday Inn Express) typically uses durable, medium-firm innerspring or hybrid mattresses designed for practicality, consistency, and long-term performance rather than luxury softness.
This approach ensures guests enjoy a reliable, supportive sleep experience every time—no matter which city they stay in.
For hotel owners, this model highlights an important lesson: in mid-scale hospitality, mattress durability and consistency matter just as much as comfort.