The Best Hotel Pillows of 2021 – Hotel Experience at Home

When people travel and sleep in hotel rooms, they often say it’s the best sleep they’ve ever had. 

The reason they feel this way is that hotels go out of their way to ensure their customers are comfortable – from room amenities, bathroom amenities and bedding. It’s why they invest in offering the best hotel pillows for their guests.

If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel (and who hasn’t?), then you know just how comfortable they are to sleep on. They are as fluffy as a cloud, making you feel as if you are royalty. They are not like regular pillows you may have at home. These pillows are super soft, firm and fluffy. A hotel pillow for your own bed helps in the recreation of the “hotel” feeling. 

Of course, to get this, you need to find the right type of support for your body type and sleep position while also using a filling that won’t affect your health negatively.  

It’s not difficult to find hotel pillows for your own bedroom (there are a plethora of them out there). The difficulty comes in finding the best hotel pillows to ensure you get a comfortable night’s rest while not spending a whole lot of money on them. There are so many out there – from down-alternative pillows to high-quality fancier pillows (ones you’d see with the Ritz Carlton or Marriott Hotels). 

The Best Hotel Pillows 

Ella Jayne Soft Exquisite Hotel Pillows (2-Pack) Review

Some individuals want a firm pillow that provides ample support for the neck and head while others want something soft as if they’re sleeping on a cloud. The Ella Jayne Soft Exquisite Hotel Pillows (2-Pack) are designed for those who are looking for a super-soft luxury pillow.

These breathable pillows, which are made of plush gel fiber fill, have 100% polyester microfiber, 220-thread count casings. Designed for stomach sleepers, they are allergen-resistant, durable and will keep their shape over time. You can easily wash and dry the Ella Jayne Soft Exquisite Hotel Pillows (2-Pack), and they will stay just as strong as the day you bought them.

Marriott Down Alternative Eco Pillow Review

Yes, this is the official Marriott hotel pillow, and if you’ve always wanted one but was afraid to steal it, then you’ll be glad to know that you can buy the Marriott Down Alternative Eco Pillow for yourself.

The the Marriott is made of 100 percent Recycled PET bottles and has an incredibly soft, Clearfresh cotton fabric cover (233 thread count). When the pillow is fluffed, its fiber balls rearrange to increase the bounce and fluffiness. Cluster-filled products maintain their shape for many nights of support and comfort. With medium-firm support, this is ideal for back and side sleepers.

The Marriott Down Alternative Eco Pillow can easily be washed and dried, and thanks to its antimicrobial treatment, allergy sufferers don’t have to worry about mold, mildew, bacteria, or other allergens.

Down & Feather Co. Original Soft Feather Pillow Review

The leading manufacturer in down and feather bedding products Down & Feather Co. make all kinds of pillows, but their most popular pillow is the Down & Feather Co. Original Soft Feather Pillow. There are many reasons for this.

The Down & Feather Co. is filled with high-quality Hungarian goose feathers and encased by a 100% cotton, 220-thread count case. Goose feather fill is particularly firm and far more supportive than down of similar density. Thanks to feathers’ conforming abilities, your head and neck will get the support they need.

No matter how you sleep – whether on your side or back – this is going to be one of the most comfortable hotel quality pillows you will find on the market. While it’s possible the feathers will poke out of the shell, it’s not very likely to happen. The cover has an attractive blue and white stripe design.

The Down & Feather Co. Original Soft Feather Pillow comes in three sizes – Standard, Queen, and King – and has five feels – soft, medium, firm, extra firm, and extra-extra firm. Regardless of how you sleep, you will find an option that’s right for you. The manufacturer offers a 30-night trial, 10-year limited warranty, and one-year free Perfect Pillow policy. With this policy, your pillow is eligible for a free adjustment should it become distorted or lumpy.

Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (2-Pack) Review

If you’re on a budget but still want to find a hotel pillow, look no further than the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (2-Pack). It’s made of a super-soft gel fiber that ensures you get an experience you can’t see anywhere else. This luxury pillow was crafted to ensure users’ comfort and is ideal for any sleeping position.

And, regardless of how much you move, the gel fiber is designed not to shift, so no waking up in an uncomfortable position. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you’ll be glad to know that the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (2-Pack) is resistant to a slew of contaminants such as dust mites, mold, mildew, etc. Over time, you should also notice that it’s also fade and stain-resistant, and this is another benefit.

No chemicals are used in the production of this product either, and you can even throw it in the machine for extra peace of mind. The manufacturer offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with your experience, you can request a full refund.

Pacific Coast Touch Of Down 2 Pillow Set Review

The Pacific Coast Touch Of Down 2 Pillow Set has a pillow-in-a-pillow design, offering the softness of down and the firmness of feather. This luxury pillow is seen in many high-end hotels, as it provides medium support regardless of your sleeping position.

The inner pillow is filled with Resilia feathers, surrounded by Hyperclean down – both of which have been washed eight times to ensure they are allergen, dust, and dirt free. The Pacific Coast Touch Of Down 2 Pillow Set is wrapped in a strong 100 percent cotton cover with a durable 230-thread count to keep the feathers and down from falling out or poking through.

The manufacturer provide their customers with a 30-night sleep trial with a five-year limited manufacturer defect warranty.

Queen Anne Synthetic Down Alternative Pillow Review

Queen Anne’s luxury pillows are used in many well-known hotels around the world, as they offer impressive support for the head and neck. Throughout the Queen Anne Synthetic Down Alternative Pillow, the finely spun polyester is evenly distributed, so you will never come across a clump of fill. The pillow is designed to feel and work like actual goose down and to keep the spine aligned with the back and neck. Regardless of how you sleep – on your back, side, or stomach – you can easily get a good night’s rest.

The Queen Anne is hypoallergenic, meaning people who have allergies can get a good sleep without feeling stuffed up in the morning. It’s also machine-washable, and we’re happy to say that the fill and texture after the wash remain the same as it was before it. With experience in both Hilton and Marriot hotels, the pillow is both soft and strong, making it a worthwhile choice for those looking for a quality hotel pillow.

You have your choice of standard, queen, and king size with a soft, firm, or medium fill. If you sleep on your back or stomach, you should go with a soft fill pillow, while side sleepers would be better off with a medium fill option. If you want additional loft and support, then you need a firm pillow.

The Queen Anne Synthetic Down Alternative Pillow has got double-stitching thread for durability and is noted with bright white sateen stripes. What’s more, the manufacturer provided it with distinctive purple edges for an extension of the pillow’s shape. Queen Anne offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with their product.

Royal Hotel Down Pillow (Set of 2) Review

One of the most luxurious hotel pillows you can buy on the market is the Royal Hotel Down Pillow (Set of 2), with its 500-thread count cotton cover that ensures a smoother, softer surface. The cotton shell can be comfortably slept on without a pillowcase on it. The pillow edges are stitched with double silky piping to ensure a clean finish. This keeps the down from sticking out, which can be an issue for your hair and bed.

Royal Hotel offers this hotel pillow in two sets with various sizes and firmness levels to choose from. The only drawback is that the product can be dry cleaned only.

Italian Luxury Quilted Pillow (Set of 2) Review

If you love to lounge and eat/drink in bed, then you want a pillow that’s stain-resistant. This is where the Italian Luxury Quilted Pillow (Set of 2) comes in. This hotel pillow is comprised of a soft gel fiber that has a luxurious, double layer quilted cover and decorative gold piping. A 1,5 in gusset has been tested and approved for the full expandability of the gel fiber filling.

The Italian Luxury line is well-known for its durability and comfort, but another great aspect is that the filling doesn’t shift as you sleep. This aids you in getting a comfortable night’s rest. The Italian Luxury Quilted Pillow (Set of 2) is also hypoallergenic, meaning it’s resistant to mold and mildew – ideal for people who have allergies. You can wash this easily at home, and the pillow stays strong.

Continental Bedding Premium White Goose Down Pillow Review

When it comes to 100% pure down pillows, you’re going to end up paying a lot of money. However, the Continental Bedding Premium White Goose Down Pillow is made of 100% high-quality white goose down with a 550 fill power and is much cheaper than you’d expect. (Of course, if you chose the set of two option, you’re going to pay much more).

This hotel quality pillow is designed for stomach or side sleepers, thanks to the perfect combination of firmness and softness. It’s covered with 100% Egyptian cotton cover with a 400-thread count that is also allergen-resistant. The Continental Bedding Premium White Goose Down Pillow will last for many years, and when it needs a little fluffing, just toss it in the dryer to make it happen.

What You Need To Know About Shopping For A Hotel Pillow

If you’re looking to get the hotel experience at home, then you need to know that the right pillow can make it happen. There are a plethora of hotel-like pillow options to choose from, and there is much to consider when in the market for one:

• Filling material 
• Durability 
• Price 
• Ease in case

With the right hotel pillow, you’ll feel as if you’re always on vacation with all the support and comfort you need to have a great night’s sleep. Here’s a little bit of help to choose the right hotel-like pillow for your bedroom. 

Why Consider Getting A Hotel Pillow For Your Bedding?

Before you can purchase any hotel pillow, you need to realize why you should get one. Understand that five-star hotels go out of their way to ensure you have the best night’s rest when you’re away from home. They want you to feel as if you’re in your own home. Hotel room designers do in-depth research into what makes an ordinary room extraordinary. 

• Pillow filling
• Pillowcase
• Color scheme

The research is thoroughly carried out to find the right fit for a hotel room. It’s no real surprise that the analysis produces an allure that’s second to none. 

When you spend the night in a hotel, it’s usually very relaxing. Travelers want to feel as if they are at home when they are away from it. And, bringing that hotel environment home is something many wish to create. Thankfully, bedding manufacturers have created pillows that will give you the opportunity to develop a “vacation-like” feeling. 

And, you don’t have to just buy hotel pillows for your bed. You can offer them for your guests, children and vacation property. Hotel pillows are ideal for any person, no matter how they sleep or what size they are. They are comfortable, easy to take care of and gives you that luxurious “I’m in a hotel” feeling. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Hotel Pillow?

• Ideal for any sleep position
• Suitable for any body size
• Most are machine-washable
• Allergen-free
• Extremely durable compared to other pillows
• Sleep warranty/return policy
• Better looking than other pillows

What Are The Drawbacks Of A Hotel Pillow?

• Usually costs more than standard pillows
• Feathers and down of cheaper hotel pillows could poke users
• May easily flatten or be too soft for some individuals 

Why Do Hotels Use Such Soft Pillows?

Hotels use soft pillows because of the composition. They give people a sense of royalty – to ensure an unforgettable experience. Hotels really do their homework in finding a filling and composition that will create the one-of-a-kind experience. 

Hotels use soft pillows because of their premium quality, durability and enhanced longevity. They hold up well, which means these luxury pillows are more expensive than your typical pillows. 

There is so much that goes into choosing what type of pillow a guest would want in their hotel. A hotel could have four or more pillows for guests to use, but if it’s not the right type of pillow or filling, a guest is not going to be happy. Many hotels have an amalgamation of pillows available, which means you can ask for another type of pillow if you’re unhappy with the ones on your bed. 

Five-star hotels primarily use three types of pillows – feather/down blend pillows, goose feather down pillows and a down alternative. What are the differences between them? Knowing these differences will help you to get the best hotel pillows for your bed and ensure total comfort.

Duck or Goose Down Pillows 

The majority of hotels use 100 percent goose down for their luxury pillows. Down pillows are very popular mainly for their composition and exceptionality. The best hotel pillows use ultra-soft feathers, from duck or goose down, which you can bring into your own home. 

Down pillows are fluffy and soft with extended longevity in comparison to other luxury pieces. These pillows can be molded, fluffed, durable and used by any person, no matter what their sleeping position is. 

Down pillows retain their shape, providing ample support for the neck and head. It’s the kind of pillow you’d see in Marriot or Ritz Carlton hotels. The problem with these pillows, for some individuals, is allergies. Some people cannot tolerate using these pillows because of the actual feathers. And, since real feathers are used, the prices of the best hotel pillows are quite high.  

Feather/Down Blend Pillows

These pillows provide the same kind of luxuriousness as you see with duck/goose down pillows but with one less problem. There are no allergy issues with them. These pillows provide a medium-firmness with a 50/5 feather ratio, making it a great contender of the pillow market. 

Mature feathers, which cover the down, keep the feathers from coming through the material and keeping that firm/soft appeal. It’s usually less expensive than other types of pillows, making them a favorite among hotel chains like the Sheraton hotels. 

Down Alternative Pillows 

The most common pillow found in hotels is the down alternative pillows. They offer the same feel and appeal as actual down pillows but are hypoallergenic. Due to this, many hotels use them in their hotel rooms. Hotels use these pillows because they offer the same kind of results that down pillows do but without the cost. 

Down alternative pillows are comprised of polyester microfiber material, ideal for people who have neck and shoulder pains. A simple touch of a down alternative pillow and you can feel the difference from other pillow types. 

Special Note: There are all types of pillows being used in the industry, but the above three materials are the ones most commonly seen and will give you the hotel experience you want at home. 

What You Should Consider Before You Purchase Hotel-Like Luxury Pillows 

If you’re considering buying a hotel pillow for your bedroom or are going to open in inn, bed and breakfast or hotel, then there are some things you really need to keep in mind before you buy any type of pillow. This will help you to find a pillow your guests are sure to love.

Cleaning Ease

Hotels tend to replace pillows rather than wash them. In the home, you’ll want to wash your pillows. The best hotel pillows will be ones that are easy to clean and will last a long time. 

Comfort

Of all the most critical aspects of choosing pillows, the most important is comfort. If a pillow isn’t comfortable, then it’s not a pillow worth having. Hotel pillows, for the most part, tend to be very comfortable, offering ample support and cushioning so you can sleep soundly all night long. Reviews are going to be your best friend is finding the most comfortable pillow for your bed, so read them. 

Durability 

Hotels purchase pillows they know will last, as they must handle guests of all types – body sizes and types. The wear on these pillows is tremendous, meaning they get dirty faster. With the best hotel pillows, they don’t have to replace them frequently. Longer lifespan pillows mean more use out of them and better sleep quality for users. 

Hotel pillows will be replaced more often than home pillows, but that doesn’t mean your pillow can’t be just as durable. You want pillows that are stain-resistant, won’t become unstitched and tightly woven covers to ensure the filling doesn’t fall out.

Fill Power

This is designated to how much filling is in a pillow. The higher the fill power, the more filling the pillow. It also means a better quality and lifespan. It’s important to note that a pillow with an 800 fill power isn’t always going to be stronger than a pillow with a 600 fill power. Why is that? 

Pillows with a 600 fill power tend to have clusters that are no bigger than a dime, meaning more can be stuffed into the pillow. A pillow with an 800 fill power tends to have clusters that are sizes of quarters or bigger, which means less can be stuffed into the pillow. Therefore, a 600 fill power pillow will last longer and be firmer than an 800 fill power pillow. 

Firmness or Softness 

Choosing a soft or firm pillow isn’t easy. After all, everybody has their own sleeping style. If you want a hotel-like luxury pillow, consider selecting the firmness level that provides support for every sleeping position. If you’re buying not for yourself but for others, be sure you keep in mind in choosing a firmness level that’s ideal for everybody. 

When buying for yourself, you have a little bit more leeway in choosing a firm or soft pillow. The key is to ensure you are comfortable when you lay down. When it comes to the best hotel pillows, you want something that invites you to lay down on it. 

Hypoallergenic

More and more hotels are switching out their pillows with a down alternative fill to ensure guests who have allergies are comfortable all through the night.

Loft

When talking about loft, it’s a reference to the thickness and height. The loft that’s right for you will be based on your sleeping habits. Stomach and back sleepers need a lower loft pillow to help keep their spines aligned with their head and neck. Side sleepers need a higher loft pillow to fill in the space between the shoulders. 

Numbers Of Pillows In Bed 

Bed mattresses come in different sizes – from twin to King and more. If you want to fill a bed up with pillows, you need to know how many pillows are ideal for the bed size you have. A number of hotels will also toss in decorative throw pillows.  

You can decide the right number of pillows for the bed and if you want to toss in decorative throw pillows as well. The one key point to remember in your shopping is the bed size. 

Number Of Pillows In Room

Most rooms only have one bed, but some folks love having a couch in that room (similar to what you see in a King size room of a major hotel). If you want to buy a hotel pillow, determine how many pillows will be warranted and where they’ll go. 

There are all types of pillows for the bed, couch and even the bathroom. Figure out how many are needed, and you can determine what the arrangement will be like.

Pain 

If you’re a chronic pain sufferer, you want a pillow with ample support and cushion.

Pillowcases 

Pillowcases provide additional comfort to the user, while also keeping it protected from stains to ensure it stays its optimal best. A pillowcase helps in lengthening the lifespan of your pillow. Many hotels use a pillowcase with a thread count of 300 or more. The higher this thread count, the softer the fabric is going to be. 

The most expensive hotels will use 600 or higher thread count pillowcases. Talk about luxury pillows.

With pillowcases of these thread counts, your bed will feel extremely comfortable and inviting. You can rest in style, surrounded by the soft texture of your bed sheets and pillows. 

Price

Money is a huge factor when it comes to buying something. If you want to purchase hotel pillows for your home, then you need to know what the price range is for the amount of pillows you’re buying. Bear in mind that price is often dictated by the kind of material it uses. These materials include memory foam, down, feather, gel/memory foam, etc. Choose which material you want, and you can determine how much you’ll be paying.

Size 

Pillows, like mattresses, come in different sizes to buy. The majority of hotels use the standard 20x26 inch pillows, as they tend to accommodate the majority of body types and sizes. They will also use standard size pillow covers. Some of the more high-end hotels will use luxury pillows in Queen or King sizes. Other hotels may have them on hold and offer them upon request. 

Sleeping Habits 

People who sweat or drool at night need a pillow that can be easily cleaned to eliminate any stains. 

Sleeping Position

The best hotel pillows in terms of firmness depends on what sleeping position you find yourself in – back, stomach or side. 

• As a back sleeper, you want a medium-firm pillow. 
• As a side sleeper, you should go with a flat and firm pillow. 
• As a stomach sleeper, softer pillows are better. 

With some individuals, they go to sleep in one position but wake up in another. This can be problematic. Err on the side of caution here and choose medium-firm pillows.

4 Popular Hotels and The Pillows They Use

Hilton

• Down – The majority of down pillows the Hilton uses has a 600 or more fill power to ensure a fluffy sleeping environment.
• Down and Feather Combo – A pillow that’s made up of down and feather tends to be extremely comfortable. It’s like sleeping on a cloud with how luxurious and soft it feels. The filling used in this pillow comes from mature birds that have longer and larger feathers and downs.
• Alternative – This pillow fill is ideal for people who suffer from allergies due to down and feather. 

Marriott 

• Down – This hotel uses 100 percent duck down covered by a soft luxe cotton cover.
• Down Eco-Alternative – The down eco-alternative fill is made out of recycled materials (such as a bottle being made into a puffball). While it sounds odd, you still get a lot of comfort from it.
• Down and Feather – This filling is a mixture of both duck down and duck feathers. It’s allergen-free thanks to the repeated washings they go through before being stuffed inside the pillow. You can also make sure to wash the pillow to ensure everything remains clean.
• Euro Pillows/Decorative Pillows – These are decorative pillows that you can use to lean on and watch TV, read a book or whatever.

Ritz Carlton 

• Down – Their pillows are 100 percent white down with a medium firmness that’s encased by a white cotton cover. 
• Down Alternative – This eco-friendly design is comprised of polyester that can be easily cleaned.
• Signature Pillow – The Ritz Carlton came up with this hybrid pillow that is made up of three layers. Down is in the inner chamber and outer filling. 

Sheraton 

• Down – These pillows have a 600-fill power and use a cotton cover. 
• Down and Feather – These pillows use an even amount of down and feather in their queen and king pillows. They are ideal for back, side and stomach sleepers.

How To Properly Care For Your Best Hotel Pillows

The majority of hotels will replace pillows every six to eight months. For example, Wyndham Hotels usually buy a million or more pillows a year. This isn’t a feasible or practical idea at home, which is why you need to take special care of your pillow to ensure it’s comfortable, clean and fresh all the time.

If your pillow can be washed at home, do so in cool water on the gentle/delicate cycle. Throw it in the dryer on low or no heat. Only tumble dry on low heat for some feather pillows to bring out the fluff in the feathers. You’ll need to shake out the dust and dirt. This type of pillow must be spot cleaned using a gentle cleanser and allow it to air dry. 

Pillows with natural fibers such as down or feathers should be washed sporadically to keep them from flattening. 

3 Frequently Asked Questions About Owning A Luxury Pillow 

When Will You Know You Should Change Your Hotel Pillow?

The best hotel pillows are maintained quite well and replaced every so often. Most people, on the other hand, tend to hoard their pillows. Ask yourself when the last time you replaced your pillow was. Chances are, it’s been awhile. While no physical changes can be seen in a pillow, it does lose its firmness and qualities that make it a good quality pillow for a great night’s rest. 

When you stay in a hotel for a night (or two), you often sleep on a “younger” pillow and get a better night’s rest. A synthetic pillow was last up to two years if properly taken care of. A feather or down pillow can last nearly three years when proper care. 

What Pillows Do 5-Star Hotels Tend To Use?

Hilton Hotels is one of the most prominent names in the industry, and they offer three kinds of pillows – all allergen-free. You have your choice of a pure down pillow, down alternative pillow or a feather/down combo pillow. They offer two firmness levels and two sizes. 

Marriott Hotels uses all kinds of pillows that include down alternative eco pillows made out of recycled bottles turned into polyester puffs. 

Sheraton Hotels uses a medium-firm 50/50 down/feather pillow that anybody – regardless of their sleep position – can use. With the Ritz Carlton, users are treated to a signature down hybrid pillow with three layers. Its duck feathers are enveloped by 70 percent soft down, with 30 percent being Lyocell fibers, which offers fantastic durability and support. 

Should You Consider A Luxury Pillow Over A Typical One?

Luxury pillows offer an array of benefits and have a plethora of differences between them – something you don’t see with typical pillows. Yes, standard pillows won’t cost you a lot of money upfront, but you’ll be replacing them more often because they can’t give you the kind of comfort you expect from a five-star hotel. 

Many luxury pillow manufacturers provide warranties and trial periods to customers. This is a show of the confidence they have in their product and proof that their pillows are premium quality. Luxury pillows have been created to cater to consumers’ tastes and needs for comfort.

The best hotel pillow manufacturers take pride in producing high-quality products for consumers to buy. They are focused on delivering products that focus on design and function, highlighting their decorativeness and colorful accents. This is what you get from the best of the best hotel pillows. 

What To Keep In Mind

No matter why you want or need a hotel pillow, you should do as much research as possible to find the best hotel pillows. Well-known hotels – Marriott, Ritz Carlton and others – use only the best hotel pillows that can give you the one-of-a-kind sleeping experience while on the road. Why not bring that feeling home with you? 

You can, but you need to consider a few things to help you find the right one(s). 

Now, you are going to pay more for the best hotel pillows - much more than you would your standard, everyday pillows. Why do you pay more? You pay for the increased comfort and longevity. If you want to go to bed as if you’re sleeping on a cloud and wake up feeling awesome, then you need to invest in the right hotel pillow. After all, a night of good sleep is necessary to face your next day with a positive attitude.