465. Deepak Mehrota from California Design Den on the Bedding Mistakes Hosts Keep Making (and How to Fix Them)

This week, we’re diving deep into the world of sheets, stains, thread counts, and what your guests actually care about when it comes to the sleep experience. We’re joined by Deepak Mehrotra, founder of California Design Den, a luxury bedding brand trusted by thousands of short-term rental hosts—and the highest-rated cotton sheet brand on Amazon.

In this episode, Deepak pulls back the curtain on everything you never knew you needed to know about bedding. From the science behind thread count to how microfiber might be hurting your guest experience (and your skin), this is the ultimate STR bedding masterclass.

We cover:

– Why 400 thread count cotton is the sweet spot for hosts

– The difference between softness, smoothness, and weight (yes, there’s a difference)

– Why microfiber is basically plastic—and what that means for your guests

– The truth about poly/cotton blends and "hotel-grade" sheets

– The easiest way to reduce wrinkles and stains (hint: it’s your dryer settings)

– How often you really need to replace your sheets

– Why Deepak built a VIP program just for hosts—and how to get in

– What every host can learn from selling on marketplaces like Amazon

If you’ve ever wondered what sheets to buy, how long they last, or how to talk about linens in your listing description, this episode is packed with answers, clarity, and a few hot takes.