It is a universally accepted fact that hotel pillows always feel extra comfy. The reason? Their dreamy soft, yet supportive design which helps to align your head, neck and shoulders with the rest of your body— translating to deep restorative sleep. The good news is that you can now recreate this luxurious experience at home, using the very same pillows used in top-tier hotels.
We found, after testing some of the best pillows in the market, that comfort and support are key to a good night's rest. This is why the top 5-star hotels in the world never compromise on the kind of materials their pillows are made of— plush down or feathers or hypoallergenic down-alternative fibers.
While these typically come with a premium price tag, you can snag the lowest prices during major events like the current Black Friday bedding sales. What’s more? A top hotel chain in the world is now running one of the biggest bedding sales we’ve seen all year— with prices starting from $50.
But first, scroll down to learn more about what pillows some top-tier hotels use, plus information about where to buy them…
What pillows do guests sleep on in top hotel chains?
What pillows do the Four Seasons use?
Ever since opening their first ever hotel in 1961, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts have been focused on the highest of standards for delivering ultimate comfort to their guests. This is why their mattresses (available in three firmness levels) are accompanied by their signature Four Seasons Feather and Down Pillow.
These are made of a plush hypoallergenic blend of 25% white down and 75% feathers which comes in a soft breathable 240 thread count calendared (a process that makes the pillows smoother and shinier) cotton cover with double stitched and piped edges, for an extra touch of elegance. The pillows available in three sizes (standard, king and queen) are also OEKO-TEX certified to be made of safe materials. Note that these are dry clean only and cannot be popped into the washing machine for easy cleaning.
What pillows do the Marriott Hotel use?
Founded by J. Willard and Alice Marriott , JW Marriott is another hospitality brand which stands firm for its impeccable service to guests. This is also how they have managed to expand to over 140 countries with more than 9,000 properties. Part of this is because of their efforts in crafting a luxurious experience for their guests to rest and relax.
Similar to Four Seasons, JW Marriott uses a feather and down pillow too for unmatched comfort and support. This blend ensures a well-balanced pillow for all sleepers with a firm inner core made from soft hypoallergenic down. The pure cotton cover on the other hand, wicks away moisture keeping you all dry and fresh throughout the night. The machine-washable Marriott Feather and Down Pillows are available to buy from Shop Marriott.
What pillows do the Westin Hotel use?
On the Heavenly Bed, a mattress exclusively made for the hotel chain by Simmons, you’ll find the Westin Hotel Pillow, a luxuriously soft down-alternative model ideal for those who prefer a cloud-like feel for their headrest.
The hypoallergenic fiber fill comes in a premium 100% cotton cover so you don’t have to worry about overheating or nightsweats. Being machine washable, these can also be easily maintained at home. You can choose from two sizes (king and queen) while shopping for the Westin Hotel Pillow at the Westin Store.
What pillows do the Ritz Carlton use?
The iconic Ritz Carlton Pillow features a perfect combination of premium materials including down, feathers and lyocell fibers (a material usually derived from trees like eucalyptus or bamboo).
These are not only known for their supremely indulgent feel but also their natural cooling and breathable properties, suitable to be used all-year round. The pillow’s triple chamber design guarantees a no-shift support ensuring that the fill is evenly distributed for maximum comfort. It’s available to buy in three sizes (standard, king and queen) from The Ritz Carlton Hotel Shop.
What pillows do The Hilton use?
The Hilton bed is a custom-designed product in partnership with Serta, built to last with additional coil support. Atop these you’ll find the Hilton Feather and Down crafted for ultimate comfort.
It features an inner chamber of feathers for support and outer chamber of soft down, all encased in a breathable cotton cover for a plush yet airy feel. The premium construction ensures a balance of softness and support making it a favorite among hotel guests. Available in two firmness levels and multiple sizes you can now upgrade your bed to mimic Hilton's signature sleep experience by shopping for the pillow at Hilton to Home.
What pillows do the Sheraton hotel use?
Sheraton is part of the Marriott Hotel brand and doesn't currently sell its own pillows (although the brand has sold pillows in the past.) however, if you opt to buy the Sheraton Deluxe Bed & Bedding set from Shop Marriott, it comes equipped with Marriott Bonvoy pillows, for your sleep comfort.
Both Feather & Down pillows and Down Alternative pillows are offered in the bedding bundle. The Feather & Down pillows are the preferred choice in Sheraton resorts, thanks to the gentle support that's perfect for back and side sleepers. The Down Alternative pillows, however, are better for those with allergies and also appear to be recommended to stomach sleepers.
What pillows do Equinox Hotels use?
Booked a room at one of the Equinox Hotel properties? Get ready to enjoy a naturally breathable sleep thanks to their latex mattress, 100% cotton sheets, down and feather pillows and a pair of heavenly duvets.
Their pillows are crafted using ZURGAURD certified hypoallergenic fill— a combination of Goose down (56%) and feathers (44%), for that balance of comfort and support.
The best part is that you can customize your dream pillow to suit your sleeping style by choosing the firmness level— medium or firm. Need something more tailored for your position? Opt for specialized side or back sleeper pillows at the Equinox Hotels Sleep Shop.
Hotel pillows FAQ
Are hotel pillows different from regular bed pillows?
As we know now, even though the design and looks are largely similar, hotel pillows are different from regular bed pillows in terms of the high-grade fabric and materials they use.
Made from naturally plush and luxurious down or feathers or a measured blend of both for supportive comfort, hotel pillows are crafted to suit all guests no matter their sleeping position or style.
These natural materials ensure the pillow stays breathable and cool all night long for an uninterrupted peaceful holiday slumber. Plus, hotels frequently refresh and replace pillows more often than people do at home adding to the comfort, hygiene and consistent plush feel that guests love.
Why do hotel pillows feel so comfy?
Pillows play a very important role in setting up the lavish and ultra-cozy bed for guests in 5 star hotel chains like The Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons. These establishments are known to craft their own exclusive pillows which are also available to buy from their official store fronts.
The reason hotel pillows are so comfortable is because they're often made from naturally luxurious and plush materials like down or feathers or a blend of both which makes them supremely soft, cool and breathable yet supportive, giving the ultimate cloud-like sleeping experience.
These offer a sweet spot in terms of pillow loft, firmness level and comfort which will suit all sleepers irrespective of the different sleeping positions or styles. Hotel pillows are also well-maintained and regularly fluffed up to last longer and provide maximum cozy comfort.
Is it safe to sleep on hotel pillows?
The short answer is that they certainly are, in most cases. However, while most luxury hotel brands make it a point to refresh and fluff up their pillows regularly, it's highly unlikely that they wash them between every guest.
This is mainly because of two reasons: the time and resources required to wash pillows between each guest and the potential damage regular washing can do to premium pillows.
However, there are certain things you can do to minimize the risk of getting exposed to unclean headrests. Bringing your own pillowcase is a top-of-the-list suggestion as this not only gives you an air of familiarity in a hotel room, but can also serve as an extra layer of protection. Inspecting the pillow before use and requesting for fresh bedding are two other things you can do to feel comfortable and get a restorative night's sleep.
How to make your bed feel as comfortable as a luxury hotel bed
Want to recreate the luxurious comfort of a hotel bed at home? The first step is to invest in one of best pillow-top mattresses which offer extra cushioning and comfort compared to others in the market. You can also elevate the performance of your existing bed by adding a plush mattress topper too.
Opt for any one of the hotel-style pillows we have mentioned or go for the affordable alternative we have recommended instead. Don't forget to ramp up the aesthetic and feel with breathable cotton bedsheets and pillow protectors followed by one of the best comforters made from down or down alternative which suits your sleeping style. You can also add in bedding products like a weighted blanket for the ultimate relaxing experience.
When is the best time to buy hotel pillows?
Considering their premium price tag, we recommend to wait for major events like Black Friday, Presidents' Day and Memorial Day when we've seen the biggest bedding sales— with discounts up to 35% off on pillows, bed sheets and more.
