4 Advice to Choose a hotel pillows to buy

03 Apr.,2024

 

If you’ve had the best sleep of your life at a hotel, the pillow probably deserves a little credit. Soft, fluffy and luxurious, hotel pillows somehow just seem better than what we have at home. That’s largely because hotel pillows tend to be incredibly versatile. “Hotels look for what I like to call ‘a dome pleaser’—a pillow that will please the most discerning traveler and comfort the easy-going traveler,” says Kaysilyn Lawson, president of hospitality consulting company KLHG.

Treat yourself to a luxurious night of sleep at home with the best hotel pillows.

Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers

That means the best hotel pillows tend to deliver middle-of-the-road firmness and loft. They’re often allergy friendly and Lawson says they’re also commercial grade, meaning the fibers and fabrics are more durable that what you’d typically have at home. But above all, the best hotel pillow is one that simply feels luxurious, thanks to a great balance of sink-in softness and support. That’s exactly what you’ll find in The Ritz-Carlton Pillow, the best hotel pillow overall. With a three-chamber design, this pillow lives up to the luxury implied by its name. If you’re looking for a down alternative or something adjustable, we have recommendations for those, too.

Read on for the best hotel pillows on the market—the easiest way to bring five-star luxury to your bedroom.

Best Hotel Pillow Overall

Dreamy Support That Won’t Fall Flat

MOST POPULAR

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton Pillow (Queen)

Fill material: Down, feathers, lyocell fibers | Cover fabric: Cotton | Sizes: Standard, queen, king

It’s hard to go wrong with The Ritz, and the same is true with the hotel’s signature pillow. Made in the U.S. and designed for comfort and warmth in all seasons, it’s a twist on a traditional down pillow. In addition to soft down, the filling includes a different grade of duck feather and lyocell fibers for plush, fluffy support. The triple-chamber design helps ensure even fill distribution for a pillow that won’t fall flat. Plus, the whole thing is machine washable, which is a great bonus.

Best Hotel Pillow On Amazon

Soft, Fluffy And Sold In Sets At A Great Price

Amazon

Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows (Queen)

Fill material: Polyester down alternative | Cover fabric: Cotton | Sizes: Queen, king

These down alternative pillows from the Beckham Hotel Collection have the soft, fluffy feel of a great hotel pillow for a fraction of the price. They’re sold in sets of two with options for queen and king sizes, and the larger set is just over $80. The no-shift design delivers stable support even for sleepers who toss and turn at night, and the cotton cover helps with breathability if you tend to sleep warm. Beckham Hotel Collection pillows are manufactured in an Oeko-Tex Standard certified factory, which means high safety and environmental standards. They’re also machine washable for easy care.

Best Hotel Pillow For Side Sleepers

Lofty And Luxurious With The Support Side Sleepers Need

Sobel Westex Home

Hotel Sobella Hypoallergenic Pillows (Standard)

Fill material: Polyester gel fiber | Cover fabric: Cotton | Sizes: Standard, queen, king

Side sleepers need a pillow that fills the space between their head and where their shoulder meets the bed. Sobel Westex is a major linen provider to hotels and resorts around the world, and its Hotel Sobella pillow delivers nicely. This thick pillow is filled with extra-fine polyester gel fiber, which gives it a soft, luxurious and plush feel without losing the loft side sleepers need for proper support. Between the gel fiber fill and the 100% cotton cover, this pillow also stays cool and comfortable. It’s a good value too—a king pillow costs less than $50.

Best Down Hotel Pillow

A Down-Feather Blend For Soft Support

Four Seasons

Four Seasons Down & Feather Pillow (Queen)

Fill material: Down and feather | Cover fabric: Cotton | Sizes: Standard, queen, king

With a ratio of 25% white down to 75% feather, this luxurious Four Seasons pillow strikes a balance between airy softness and even support. It’s a slightly overstuffed pillow that you can really sink into, giving it a true five-star feel. The calendered cotton cover (a finish process that makes for a smoother, more lustrous fabric) is double stitched with piped edges for durability. Plus, the pillow is Oeko-Tex certified. Keep in mind that Four Seasons recommends dry cleaning only and using a pillow protector as well.

Best Cooling Hotel Pillow

Down-Like Softness That Sleeps Cool

Fairmont

Fairmont Synthetic Gel Fibre Pillow (Queen)

Fill material: Polyester gel fiber | Cover fabric: Polyester | Sizes: Queen, king

For all their virtues, down and feather pillows can retain body heat, making them uncomfortably warm. If this is an issue for you, consider the Fairmont’s gel fiber pillow. Down-like softness and airiness mimic the feel of real down, without the heat retention. It’s also a good choice for people who suffer from allergies related to down. In addition to queen and king sizes, Fairmont offers a choice of medium or firm, so you can find a pillow to suit your preferences and sleep style. On the downside, these pillows are spot clean only, so it’s wise to cover them with a pillow protector.

Most Comfortable Hotel Pillow

Soft And Fluffy With A Supportive Chamber Design

Downlite

Downlite 10/90 White Goose Down Medium Hotel Chamber Pillow (Queen)

Fill material: Down, feather | Cover fabric: Cotton | Sizes: Standard, queen, king

Downlite is the brand behind the hotel pillows found in a number of properties, and this chamber construction style is among the most popular. The design features a supportive goose down/feather core that’s surrounded by fluffy goose down, making for a soft, cloud-like pillow that won’t fall flat. It’s also Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, which means the down and feathers used in these pillows comes from geese raised in compliance with strict animal welfare principles. Another bonus? This pillow can be machine washed and dried. The medium density works particularly well for those who prefer a softer feel, but Downlite shares a tip for sleepers who are looking for a touch more firmness: use a pillow protector that’s one size too small. It condenses the fill for even more support.

Best Adjustable Hotel Pillow

Adjust The Height And Firmness For A Perfect Fit

Luxome

Luxome Layr Customizable Pillow (Standard)

Fill material: Down alternative, memory foam | Cover fabric: Viscose | Sizes: Standard, king

While Luxome’s Layr pillow isn’t sold by hotels, this fully customizable option ticks all the boxes for five-star sleep. The pillow comes with a firm memory foam insert, a medium-firmness gel-infused shredded memory foam insert and an ultra-soft down alternative insert, so you can layer them to suit your preferences. There are even more ways to customize this pillow: The fill in each insert is also adjustable, so you can add or remove material to really dial in the comfort and support the feels right to you. The whole thing is wrapped in natural viscose from bamboo, and both the cover and the inserts are machine washable.

How We Chose The Best Hotel Pillows

Choosing pillows for a five-star hotel isn’t like choosing one for your own bedroom, so we turned to the experts for an insider’s look at how it all works. In addition to Kaysilyn Lawson of KLHG, we interviewed Christian Fabbri, sales and project manager at Sobel Westex; Johanna Perez, director of housekeeping at NH Collection Hotel; and Albert Metrz, general manager at Hotel Hartness. They answered questions and offered recommendations for this story.

We also independently researched pillows sold directly through luxury hotels, pored over customer reviews where they were available, and made sure to include options for different budgets and materials.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

I’ve been writing sleep content for over a decade now, and I used that experience not only to quiz various hospitality experts but to research the best hotel pillows on the market. Collectively, the Forbes Vetted team has written dozens of articles about bedding and mattresses, and I tapped into their expertise and insight to assemble this list.

What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Hotel Pillows

If you’re determined to recreate your dreamy hotel experience with a pillow for your bed, start by checking the label. “More and more hotels offer guests the option to purchase pillows and bedding, so always ask,” advises Lawson. If that’s not the case at your hotel, try speaking to the front desk staff. “Most hotels are happy to share their source,” she says, though some suppliers may not offer small orders. In that case, “keep in mind what you liked about a particular pillow and do your own research,” adds Lawson. “Sometimes, you might even find a better version of what a hotel offers, since it’s aiming to satisfy many.”

In that regard, shopping for a hotel pillow isn’t much different than shopping for any kind of pillow, meaning you’ll be happiest with something that suits your personal preferences. Hotel pillows are synonymous with luxury, but they also tend to have a mid-range density and loft to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. Just ask Mertz: “We’ve found that the best solution is a medium-firm pillow, as it has support but also offers a level of ‘fluff’ or cushioning that makes it very comfortable with a luxurious feel,” he says. If you prefer something firmer, higher or lower loft for side or stomach sleeping, or a certain fill material, for example, that should inform your search.

Here’s what else to keep in mind as you shop.

Materials

Fabbri advises choosing a fill material that matches your idea of what’s comfortable. “Memory foam, down and synthetic down alternatives each have distinctive attributes,” he says, so think about what sort of feel appeals to you. If you’re a fan of marshmallow-y soft pillows, down pillows and down alternative pillows can be great options. Prefer something contouring? Take a close look at a memory foam pillow.

But no matter what material appeals to you, it’s likely worth avoiding the cheapest options. “Always be wary of buying cheap pillows because of the deterioration of shape over time,” says Perez. “High-quality pillows for home use should last around two years.”

Your Sleep Position

Depending on how you sleep, you may need a pillow that’s softer or firmer, with high loft or low. Being aware of your sleep style (back, stomach, side or combination) can help you find a pillow that will meet your needs. For example, back and stomach sleepers do best with a low-loft pillow that won’t push their neck out of alignment, while side sleepers need higher loft to keep their neck supported.

Ease Of Care

Eventually, every pillow will need to be cleaned, and it’s worth knowing upfront whether yours can go in the machine or if it’s dry clean only. While a pillow that can only be spot cleaned isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it can be the motivation you need to use a pillow protector.

Brand And Customer Reviews

“Look into brands for developing high-quality hotel pillows,” says Fabbri, and check out any available customer reviews to get an idea of what people really think. Be prepared for a little trial and error as well. “When searching for the right pillows for our project Hotel Hartness, the project team slept on 15 different pillows in their selection process,” says Mertz. He recommends looking into the quality of materials used and being clear on your fill preferences. “Make sure you actually get to place your head on it,” he says. “Hands do not provide proper feedback.” If you’re ordering online, check for trial windows and reasonable return policies.

Are Hotel Pillows Adjustable?

While hotel pillows generally aren’t adjustable, “you will notice that the selection of pillows on the bed typically includes at least two on the softer side and two on the medium-to-firm side,” says Lawson, which means there should be something to accommodate the majority of sleepers. “Some luxury properties may also have a selection of down or an additional option for those guests who request it,” she adds.

What Type Of Pillows Do 5-Star Hotels Use?

Five-star hotels generally use high-quality, allergy-friendly fibers, says Lawson. “Some brands may even work with a manufacturer to create the perfect blend for their guests,” she adds. They’re also usually commercial grade, meaning the fibers and fabrics are designed for long term use compared to your pillows at home, notes Lawson. Another commonality among pillows at five star hotels? “They tend to be king sized,” says Mertz.

Table of Contents

Many sleepers enjoy the plush yet supportive feel of hotel pillows. To accommodate a wide range of sleepers and hold up to routine use, hotel pillows are often durable and allergy-friendly with a mid-range loft and firmness. But these same traits that make them popular in the hospitality industry also make hotel pillows a luxurious addition to your bedroom.

Choosing a pillow can be tricky, especially if you haven’t quite figured out your personal needs and preferences. Since hotel pillows are designed to suit most sleepers, they’re a good option for guest rooms, combination sleepers, and anyone who is uncertain of what to look for in a pillow.

We’ll highlight our top picks for the best hotel pillows and share insights from our in-house performance testing. To equip you to make the best decision, we’ll also explain factors to consider as you shop.

Best Overall

Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow

The Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow’s chambered construction creates a plush feel without going flat. With three firmness options to choose from, all of our testers found an option that was comfortable for their sleep position and body type. If you’re looking for a hotel pillow that combines plushness and support, the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow is a top option. It comes in three firmnesses, soft, medium, and firm, with varying fill densities to achieve the desired feel. The pillow’s chambered design helps to gently cradle the head while maintaining shape.

Buy From Boll & Branch

Fill Material:

White down (outer chamber) with down/feather blend (inner chamber)

Firmness:

Soft, medium, firm

Price:

$159

Cover Material:

Organic Cotton

Highlights

  • Chambered design for balanced cushioning and support
  • Three available firmness options: soft, medium, and firm
  • Machine-washable

Ideal For

  • Premium price-point may deter budget shoppers
  • Insulating down fill may retain some body warmth
  • Soft version may need regular fluffing to restore its shape

How Does it Feel?

In our testing, each of the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow’s firmness options performed exceptionally well for most sleepers. Our testers who sleep on their stomachs preferred the lower density of the soft option, which cushioned their heads without straining their necks. Back and combination sleepers on our team generally favored the medium version, and most of our testers preferred the firm version for sleeping on their sides. We also found the moldability of the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow convenient, making it easy for team members to fill the space between their head, neck, and the bed.

Why We Like It

With a wide range of firmness options, the Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow is well suited to most sleepers. The soft option uses entirely down fill in all three chambers for plushness, while the medium and firm options incorporate a down and feather blend core for extra support. An organic cotton shell lets air circulate while preventing quills from poking out. The Boll & Branch Down Chamber Pillow uses feathers and down certified by the International Down Standard, which verifies that the materials meet set ethical standards. The down is also triple-washed to ensure cleanliness, and the pillow is machine-washable for easy freshening up. This pillow comes with a 30-night trial period.

Best Value

FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow

We recommend the FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow for shoppers who want hotel quality without breaking the bank. The white duck down outer pillow adds plushness, while the white duck feather inner pillow creates a balanced feel. With two available firmness options, all of our testers enjoyed an excellent combination of softness and support.

Buy From FluffCo

Fill Material:

White duck down (outer chamber), white duck feathers (inner chamber)

Firmness:

Soft, firm

Price:

$99

Cover Material:

100% cotton

Highlights

  • Comes in two firmness options: soft and firm
  • Pillow-in-pillow design combines plushness and support
  • Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification verifies materials meet humane treatment standards

Ideal For

  • Machine-washing is not recommended
  • Must spend $100 to receive free shipping
  • The soft option may not hold its shape, so it isn’t ideal for side sleepers

How Does it Feel?

The soft version of the pillow compressed easily in our tests, making it more moldable. Because it is less supportive, the soft option performed best for our testers who sleep on their backs or stomachs. It cushioned their heads nicely without forcing them upward and putting pressure on their spines. The firm option’s higher fill volume made it plump and supportive, which the side sleepers on our team appreciated.

Why We Like it

The FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow uses a pillow-in-pillow construction to create a hotel feel. The outer pillow contains white duck down for cushioning, while the inner pillow uses white duck feathers for support. The down and feathers are RDS-certified, meaning they come from animals raised in accordance with animal welfare guidelines. A 300 thread count cotton cover allows airflow, though down’s natural insulating properties may trap some heat. Double needle edge sewing enhances the durability, and gray cording adds a decorative touch. Each FluffCo Down & Feather Pillow also comes with a pillow protector, which can help extend the usable life of the pillow.

Most Comfortable

Brooklinen Down Pillow

Featuring plush and lofty Canadian white down clusters, our testers found the Brooklinen Down Pillow conforming yet supportive. This model is also available in three firmness options to provide more optimal support for individuals of all body types and position preferences, so each of our team members found a good match. The Brooklinen Down Pillow comes in plush, mid-plush, and firm, and the fill varies depending on the firmness level. All versions contain Canadian white down clusters, but the mid-plush and firm options also include an inner pillow with feathers for extra support. Our testing team appreciated the fluffy down fill, which cushioned and cradled their heads nicely.

Buy From Brooklinen

Fill Material:

Canadian white down clusters or down/feather blend

Firmness:

Plush, mid-plush, firm

Price:

$109

Cover Material:

100% cotton sateen

Highlights

  • Three firmness options: plush, mid-plush, and firm
  • Mid-plush and firm options use dual-chamber construction for greater support
  • Double-stitched edges enhance durability

Ideal For

  • Not machine-washable
  • May have a lingering natural odor
  • Requires regular fluffing to redistribute fill

How Does it Feel?

Each pillow firmness is designed for specific sleep positions, and our team member’s preferences were closely aligned with each version’s intended use. Our testers preferred the plush for stomach sleeping, especially those between 130 and 230 pounds. The mid-plush model performed well enough for our back sleepers, though those over 230 pounds did not receive sufficient support. Our side sleepers thoroughly enjoyed the firm pillow, giving it top marks across all weight groups. Team members could also lie comfortably on their sides using the mid-plush pillow, making it a good option for combination sleepers.

Why We Like it

The Brooklinen Down Pillow performed well in our tests that affect comfort, including moldability, conforming, shape retention, and temperature neutrality. All of the Brooklinen Down Pillow’s firmness options contain soft and conforming Canadian white down clusters. Brooklinen treats the materials with an antimicrobial additive to help resist mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi that could otherwise contribute to odors. Each pillow is encased in a cotton sateen shell with double-stitched edges for durability. Brooklinen offers a generous 365-day return policy on the pillow, but a $10 return fee applies.

Best Luxury

Saatva Latex Pillow

The Saatva Latex Pillow is a good option for sleepers looking for luxurious support that doesn’t go flat. Its responsive latex and down alternative fill keep the pillow plump and hotel-like, and the gusseted sides help it hold its shape. The Saatva Latex Pillow is a medium soft model that comes in two height options: standard loft and high loft. It uses a pillow-in-pillow design with a cushioning down alternative outer pillow and a buoyant shredded natural latex core.

Buy From Saatva

Fill Material:

Shredded Talalay latex and down alternative

Firmness:

Medium soft

Price:

$165

Cover Material:

100% organic cotton

Highlights

  • Two loft options
  • Machine-washable outer layer
  • 45-day return policy and one-year limited warranty

Ideal For

  • The fully constructed pillow is too lofty for most stomach sleepers, which could contribute to neck strain
  • Limited firmness options out of the box
  • Strong shape retention makes the pillow less moldable

How Does it Feel?

Our side and back sleepers under 230 pounds gave high marks to both the standard- and high-loft versions of the Saatva Latex Pillow, but it performed especially well for sleepers under 130 pounds in both categories. Those over 230 pounds sunk more deeply into the mattress, so the pillow was not the best match for testers in this category. Across the board, all of our stomach sleepers found both versions of the Saatva Latex Pillow too lofty, forcing their heads back and putting pressure on their necks. However, they were able to remove the shredded latex core and use just the down alternative outer pillow for comfortable cushioning without excessive lift. Overall, the Saatva Latex Pillow had a buoyant feel thanks to the shredded natural latex core. This contributed to exceptional shape retention but reduced moldability.

Why We Like it

The Saatva Latex Pillow contains an outer down alternative pillow that cushions the surface and a shredded natural latex core to add responsive support underneath. Since either layer can be removed, sleepers enjoy some degree of adjustability. The Saatva Latex Pillow also comes with a removable Fair Trade Certified organic cotton cover that’s machine-washable for easy cleaning. In addition, Saatva offers a 45-day return policy and a one-year limited warranty.

Best for Side Sleepers

Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow

Of all the sleep positions, side sleepers need the most consistent support, and the Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow fits the bill. Designed specifically for side sleeping, this model’s gusseted design and medium-density fill help the pillow hold its shape while allowing side sleepers to mold it around their heads and necks. The Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow is designed to meet the unique support needs of side sleepers, and our testers agree it’s an exceptional option. The gusseted design helps the pillow hold its shape, while the European white down and the down and feather blend fill couple conforming and support. This soft pillow measures 3.5 inches thick, giving it a medium loft.

Buy From Parachute

Fill Material:

European white down, down/feather blend

Firmness:

Soft

Price:

$159

Cover Material:

100% cotton sateen

Highlights

  • Engineered for side sleeping
  • Machine-washable
  • 60-day return policy and three-year limited warranty

Ideal For

  • Only available in one firmness option
  • Too thick for most stomach sleepers
  • Boxy appearance may not match all aesthetics

How Does it Feel?

We found that the Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow is one of the most comfortable options we’ve tested for side sleepers under 230 pounds. Those over 230 pounds also appreciated the combination of plushness and support. While the pillow is intended for side sleepers, our team members found it comfortable for sleeping on their backs as well, making this a good option for combination sleepers. The pillow was too thick for most of our stomach sleepers, but those under 130 pounds didn’t feel like it lifted their heads excessively. Despite its boxy shape, the Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow is also highly moldable, and our testing team found it to be an ideal weight.

Why We Like it

The Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow has a distinctly boxy design to fill the space between a side sleeper’s head and the bed without throwing off their neck angle. Its fill consists of European white down, including primarily down clusters with a smaller percentage of down and feather fibers. The fill has a medium density for a fluffy yet supportive feel, and it comes from RDS-certified suppliers that meet animal welfare principles. Each pillow is encased in a cotton shell with a smooth sateen weave. A 3.5-inch gusset gives the fill plenty of room to fluff up, and a double-stitched piping seam enhances the durability. The Parachute Down Side Sleeper Pillow is machine-washable, and it comes with a 60-day return policy and a three-year limited warranty.

Best for Neck Pain

Birch Organic Pillow

Thanks to its responsiveness and notable moldability, our testing team found that the Birch Organic Pillow provided optimal support for every sleep position. This versatility may make the Birch Organic Pillow ideal for sleepers with neck discomfort who rely on consistent support to maintain good posture throughout the night. The Birch Organic Pillow is a medium model that consists of natural materials, including Global Organic Textile Standard-certified organic cotton, organic New Zealand wool, and natural Talalay latex. While the pillow comes in one firmness option and is not adjustable, it is highly moldable to contour to a sleeper’s neck without going flat.

Buy From Birch

Fill Material:

Shredded Talalay latex, organic wool

Firmness:

Medium

Price:

$149

Cover Material:

GOTS-certified organic cotton

Highlights

  • Responsive yet moldable for support across all sleep positions
  • Contains natural materials
  • Highly breathable

Ideal For

  • Not machine-washable
  • Only one firmness option
  • Some sleepers may not like the latex’s naturally buoyant feel

How Does it Feel?

Across sleep positions and body types, all of our testers were able to manipulate the Birch Organic Pillow into a comfortable position that supported their heads and necks well. The lofty, buoyant fill was especially well suited to our side-sleeping team members across all weight groups. Back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds also enjoyed an exceptional balance of cushioning and support, though those over 230 pounds would have preferred slightly less lift. Our team also appreciated this durable model’s strong all-around performance, including its exceptional temperature regulation, easy moldability, and impressive shape retention.

Why We Like it

The Birch Organic Pillow uses a combination of natural materials. Underneath a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, a layer of wool cushions the surface while also providing temperature and moisture control. In the center of the pillow, a core of shredded natural Talalay latex further enhances the breathability while adding buoyant yet moldable support. In addition to using GOTS-certified cotton, the cotton in the pillow is also Fair Trade Certified for sustainable sourcing, and the pillow itself holds GREENGUARD Gold and eco-INSTITUT certifications for content and emissions standards. The Birch Organic Pillow comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a one-year limited warranty.

How We Make Our Picks

Our testing team leverages their many years of collective experience and expertise in the sleep product industry to analyze pillows and make appropriate recommendations. We test pillows in-house using a standardized procedure to assess their performance based on the characteristics that typically matter most to sleepers, such as moldability, shape retention, and temperature regulation. Our testers vary in body type and sleeping position preference to get a well-rounded overview of how a pillow might perform in different contexts.

We tested dozens of hotel-style pillows and compared their performance head to head to determine our top picks for this category.

What Makes Hotel Pillows so Comfortable?

Hotel pillows are usually high quality, durable, and designed to accommodate a wide range of sleepers, which often makes them especially comfortable. They typically have a mid-range firmness and loft with a plump, fluffy fill that is moldable without losing its shape. That said, comfort level is highly subjective and varies based on the sleeper’s needs and preferences.

What Kind of Pillows do Hotels Use?

Hotels may use any of the standard types of pillows, but down and down alternative are most common. That said, some hotels offer a selection of different pillow types for guests to choose from. You might see any of the most popular pillow types used in a hotel.

Down

Down pillows use light feather clusters found under the tougher exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as ducks or geese. Because of down’s soft, fluffy texture, it is often used in luxury hotel pillows. However, down pillows may trigger allergies, require frequent fluffing, and trap warmth.

Down Alternative

Down alternative pillows aim to replicate the lightweight, fluffy feel of down using other materials, such as polyester or microfiber. Sleepers who experience allergy symptoms or avoid animal products often prefer down alternative. The material is also frequently more budget-friendly and easier to care for. However, down alternative pillows have a relatively shorter life expectancy and don’t quite replicate the sensation of sinking into a down pillow.

Foam

Foam pillows may use polyfoam or memory foam. Polyfoam models are usually more affordable but less conforming and durable. Memory foam pillows traditionally last longer and relieve pressure to a greater extent, but they’re more prone to heat retention.

In addition, foam pillows may contain solid or shredded foam. Solid options generally feel firmer and mold to the shape of the sleeper’s head and neck to promote good posture. Shredded foam pillows have a more traditional feel and are easier to mold into the desired shape.

Latex

Latex pillows contain natural, synthetic, or blended latex. This material has a naturally buoyant, responsive feel that balances conforming and support. Latex models tend to be highly breathable and durable, appealing to hot sleepers and those who prefer a pillow that lasts. Natural latex pillows are also particularly popular with eco-conscious shoppers.

Like foam pillows, latex models may contain solid or shredded material. Solid latex pillows are often intended for firm ergonomic support, whereas shredded latex pillows are usually softer and more moldable.

What You Should Consider in a Hotel Pillow

Whenever you shop for a pillow, certain factors may influence your decision. Sleeping position, material, shape retention, loft, firmness, and size often top the list. We’ll highlight criteria that are uniquely important to consider when shopping for a hotel pillow.

Material

Hotel-style pillows traditionally use high-quality materials to improve performance and extend longevity. Since most pillows marketed as hotel pillows carry a higher-than-average price tag, shoppers may want to ensure that the composition warrants the cost.

Loft and Firmness

While most hotel pillows have a mid-range loft and firmness, the ideal options for you ultimately depend on your sleep position and body type. A pillow with a medium loft and medium firmness is often well suited to back sleepers and combination sleepers. Side sleepers frequently prefer a slightly firmer, higher loft option, and stomach sleepers generally favor a soft, low-loft model.

Price

You can expect to pay more for a hotel pillow since they traditionally use high-quality materials, but budget-friendly options are widely available. When considering your budget, keep in mind that purchasing a durable pillow of higher quality may ultimately save you money if it has a longer lifespan. Buying inexpensive pillows that you have to replace frequently can add up.

Allergies

Most hotel pillows are designed to be allergy-friendly, but it’s important to consider your needs and address any concerns with your doctor. Many hotel pillow models contain feathers or down, which can trigger allergy symptoms for some individuals. Allergens can also accumulate on the pillow surface or within its fill, so sleepers with allergies may prefer a model that’s easy to clean.

Ease of Care

Ease of care varies greatly depending on a hotel pillow’s materials and construction. Models may be fully machine-washable, contain washable components, be dry-clean only, or call for spot cleaning. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care methods to avoid inadvertently damaging your hotel pillow.

Many hotels also use a washable protective cover in addition to a pillowcase to help keep the pillow clean without frequent laundering.

Durability

Hotel pillows are typically more durable than the average model, reducing the need to replace your pillow as frequently. A durable pillow can also stay comfortable for longer, improving your overall experience.

How Much Do Hotel Pillows Cost?

On average, hotel pillows cost anywhere from $70 to $200. However, you can find plenty of options both below and above this range. The pillow’s size, type, and materials greatly influence the cost. While many vendors include free shipping with a pillow purchase, it’s worth investigating company policies to ensure you budget for any potential shipping fees. Some retailers also offer discounts if you purchase more than one pillow at a time.

Where to Buy a Hotel Pillow

Hotel pillows are available virtually everywhere pillows are sold.

Buying a hotel pillow online is usually easiest and most budget-friendly. You have the opportunity to comparison shop and read reviews. Plus, direct-to-consumer retailers typically have lower overhead costs and pass savings on to customers.

Shoppers who prefer to feel the pillow before buying it can also find hotel pillows in most brick-and-mortar stores that sell home goods.

Additionally, if you’ve slept on a pillow in a hotel that you particularly enjoyed, you may be able to buy it from the hotel itself or the hotel’s supplier. A few hotel chains sell the pillows they use or similar models, while others can refer guests to their suppliers. Check the hotel website or contact the hotel for more information.

Should You Buy a Hotel Pillow?

We recommend hotel pillows to sleepers looking to replicate hotel comfort in their bedrooms at home. That said, hotel pillows aren’t right for everyone, so you should consider your personal needs, preferences, and goals to determine whether to buy a hotel pillow.

Pros

  • Traditionally more durable
  • Suitable for a wide range of body types and sleep positions
  • Usually use high-quality materials
  • Often allergy-friendly
  • Tend to balance softness and support

Cons

  • Higher-than-average price-point
  • Firmness level may not be optimal for everyone
  • Ease of care varies greatly

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean a hotel pillow?

You can clean your hotel pillow by following the manufacturer’s care instructions, as the process varies between models depending on their materials and construction. Some pillows can be machine-washed, whereas others require dry cleaning or spot cleaning. Following the manufacturer’s instructions helps preserve the lifespan of your hotel pillow.

How firm should a hotel pillow be?

Pillows in hotels usually have a medium feel to accommodate as many guests as possible, but hotel pillows for home use come in a wide range of firmness options. The ideal firmness for you depends largely on your sleep position and personal preferences. Stomach sleepers typically benefit from softer models, back sleepers often favor a medium feel, and side sleepers tend to look for a medium to firm pillow.

Explore More Pillows

If you’re looking for a particular type of pillow, check out our other guides below. 

About The Author

Garen Glazier

Staff Writer, Product Testing Team

Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.

  • POSITION: Side Sleeper
  • TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
  • CHRONOTYPE: Wolf

Get Your Sleep Questions Answered Live on April 3rd

Have questions about sleep? Join us for the next YouTube Live with sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus on Wednesday, April 3rd at 4 p.m. PDT/7 p.m. EDT. Dr. Breus will be taking all of your sleep-related questions and offering some tips and tricks for getting better sleep each night. You can also send us an email. Please note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters. 

 

 

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