What Pillows Do Hotels Use? Everything You Need To Know

24 Oct.,2023

 

Hotel pillows are luxurious and offer an incredibly comfortable nights sleep. Whether you’re looking to bring the hotel experience into your home or are just curious what pillows hotels use, our guide will cover everything you need to know about hotel pillows. 

Our pillow buying guide offers you an insight into how hotel owners choose their pillows and what you need to look out for to find the best pillow products.

Wave goodbye to restless nights; take a look below to discover everything you need to know about the world of hotel pillows! Whether you're wondering what type of pillows Hilton hotels use or why they are so comfy, we've got you covered!

Why are hotel pillows so comfortable?

The main reason why hotel pillows are comfier than your pillows at home is that hotel owners put a lot of consideration into what pillows they purchase. This is so they can offer their guests a premium sleeping experience.

Most hotel pillow designs are far more expensive than your traditional pillow at home. A better quality pillow will generally lead to a comfier pillow, which is why you always remember how soft pillows in your hotel room are!

Another reason why hotel pillows are so comfortable is that they generally provide a range of pillows. As it can be hard to know exactly what type of pillow a guest prefers, hotels will offer a selection of pillows in their room.

With so much choice, it is easy to quickly find one that suits your comfort needs and is just another reason why hotels always seem to have the best pillows!

What do hotels look for when choosing their pillows?

When choosing the perfect pillow for their hotel, hotel owners consider a range of factors such as firmness, cost and filling material. This is why the luxury pillows at a hotel feel so much more comfortable than those we use at home.

Below you can find what factors a hotel will consider when choosing their pillows and what you should look out for if you're looking for hotel-quality pillows.

Firmness

It can be difficult for hotels to choose the ideal level of firmness as it tends to come down to personal taste. This is why it isn't uncommon for some luxury hotels to stock up on pillows of varying firmness.

Most hotels will provide two pillows on their bed, with differing levels of firmness. The top pillow will generally be softer than the bottom one, allowing guests to choose which pillow suits their tastes.

Quality

As guests pay for a premium sleeping experience, they expect high-quality bedding and pillows. Your average hotel pillow will feature high levels of quality to ensure that guests leave feeling like they have had a good night's sleep.

The quality of a pillow is a combination of both the pillow cover and the filling used. Most high-quality pillows will either use a synthetic down alternative or 100% genuine duck or goose down or feathers.

In terms of the cover used, a 100% breathable cotton cover is the most popular option. Cotton is soft and maintains its temperature well, making it the perfect material for use in pillows.

Filling

There are a few different types of fill material on the market used in hotel pillows. The two most common types of filling you will come across are down or synthetic down pillows. This is because down is generally considered the comfiest pillow filling on the market.

However, feather pillows are also typical in the world of hotels. Feather filled pillows are generally a little cheaper than down and still offer decent levels of comfort that hotel guests are sure to appreciate.

Although memory foam pillows are common for home use, they're not ideal for a hotel pillow. A memory foam pillow is designed to mould around the sleeper, which isn't suitable if you are using the same pillow for multiple guests.

Loft

The loft can be an important aspect of any pillow as you want to support your upper back, neck and shoulders.

When buying pillows for their hotel, hotel owners will try to always provide their guests with at least one hotel pillow that offers a decent loft. This ensures that guests can support their bodies during rest or prop themselves up in bed to read.

For your own home, we would recommend trialling out a few different types of loft until you find one you are comfortable with. Your choice of loft will almost always come down to personal preference, so trying out a few types before you settle is the best way to figure out what you like.

Size

The size of a pillow can make a fairly significant impact on the comfort it provides. Larger pillows are generally used for comfort, whereas a smaller pillow can prop up particular parts of your body when sleeping.

Most hotels will feature two large pillows for sleeping and a single smaller pillow to offer support. When buying your pillows, try to consider the size of your bed and which type of pillow you require the most.

If you wake up with aches, a few small pillows can help alleviate pressure on your upper or lower back.

Allergens

Although not all hotel pillows will be anti-allergenic, they do tend to stock up on anti-allergy pillows for allergy sufferers. These will be stored separately and are generally supplied upon request by hotel guests.

There are a few anti-allergenic versions of common pillows used by hotels. This means hotels will generally just invest in anti-allergenic versions of their chosen pillow.

Typically, both microfibre and hollowfibre pillows are the best options for anyone who suffers from nighttime allergies. Goose and duck feathers are the main cause of allergies when sleeping, so consider avoiding these filling types if you suffer from allergies.

Temperature regulation

Hotel guests can be extremely particular about the temperature of their room. Hotels ensure that guests maintain their chosen temperature by choosing pillows with proper temperature regulation.

During the summer, the pillows you choose should be able to keep cool and prevent you from overheating when sleeping. The opposite applies during winter, when you should select pillows that offer warmth.

The cover is also an essential aspect of your pillow's temperature regulation, with cotton being a popular choice due to its breathability.

Cost

The perfect hotel pillow will offer extreme comfort levels for an affordable price. As a hotel is a business, they will always consider the cost of the pillow they choose as they don't want to spend a fortune on a single pillow.

On the other hand, they also don't want to buy cheap and get major complaints from any guests. Mid-cost pillows are most often used by your everyday hotel, with luxury pillows saved for 5-star hotels.

Bargain shoppers don't need to fret, as there are a few fantastic budget options out there that can match hotel quality. Take your time to compare a range of pillows to ensure that you are paying a price you are comfortable with.

Hotel pillow fillings compared

There are four main types of pillow filling on the market - down, synthetic, feathers and memory foam fillings. They each have their own unique advantages, so you will want to check out our filling guide below to know which is right for you.

Down

Down is generally seen as the luxurious filling choice for pillows, which is why luxury hotels will tend to supply down hotel pillows. 

The most common type is goose down pillows, although duck down pillows are also a potentially cheaper alternative.

Down pillows will trap heat within them, making them an excellent option for use during the colder months. They are also usually paired up with a cotton cover to offer sleepers decent levels of temperature regulation!

Down pillows are usually the best option to bring that luxury hotel feel into your home. However, if you tend to suffer from allergies, you’re best to keep clear of down-filled pillows. 

Synthetic

An excellent down alternative pillow will use synthetic materials such as hollowfibre. This tends to make up for the negatives in down, such as allergens, but it does lack the same level of quality that down hotel pillows provide.

One of the most significant advantages of a synthetic pillow, when compared to most pillow fillings, is its versatility. Synthetic pillows can offer varying levels of support, meaning you aren't stuck to a single filling type if you prefer a softer pillow.

They are also slightly more affordable than most down options, so they are an excellent choice if you are on a budget. Generally, if you want versatile pillows like those found in hotels, you should check out synthetic pillows.

Feather

Feather pillows are one of the most traditional types of pillows used in the UK. They are reasonably affordable and can offer excellent levels of comfort. A large percentage of the best hotel-quality pillows will combine both down and feather fillings.

Most feather-filled pillows are incredibly soft and plump, offering you a cloud-like feel to your pillow. They're not the greatest option if you prefer support when resting, but if you're looking for a top pillow or just want comfort, feather filling is an excellent choice!

Sleepseeker offers duck feather pillows and goose feather pillows for that sumptuously soft premium hotel feel. 

Memory foam

Memory foam pillows are rarely used in hotel services as they are designed for long-term use. As memory foams will adapt to suit your sleeping style, they are best used for private use where only a single person will be using that pillow.

Many memory foam options offer a hotel-quality feel, so don't count memory foam out if you are looking for a top-quality pillow!

Popular hotel chains and their pillows

Across the UK, the top hotel chains use a wide selection of pillows to offer their guests a one-of-a-kind experience. Here are a few of the top hotel chains in the UK and the type of pillow they use in their rooms! If you're wondering what kind of pillows are used in hotels you've probably stayed in at some point, read on to find out!

Premier Inn - Synthetic down

Most Premier Inn hotels in the UK opt to use synthetic down hotel pillows. Synthetic down is quickly becoming a popular option in hotel chains across the UK as synthetic down pillows are incredibly soft and hypoallergenic.

Hilton Hotels - Down and synthetic down

Hilton Hotels pillows in the UK will typically use a combination of a down and synthetic down alternative filling. This is the perfect middle ground between the comfort provided by down hotel pillows and the affordability of synthetic down.

Marriott Hotels - Duck feather and down

Duck feather and down pillows have always been the luxurious option, which is why Marriott Hotels use them in all their locations. Feather and down pillows are best suited for anyone who can appreciate a soft hotel pillow that offers decent levels of temperature regulation.

Radisson Hotels - Down

Down is a luxury pillow filling that is the best option for anyone seeking high-quality pillows for their home.

Goose down pillows will almost always offer a great night's sleep and are perfect for hotels wanting to offer softer pillows than synthetic options. 

The best pillows to get the hotel experience at home

The Snuggledown Ultimate Luxury pillow lives up to its name. This hollowfibre pillow offers incredible levels of comfort that are most commonly associated with pillows found in the top luxury hotel chains.

It provides medium support, which is the perfect middle ground for anyone who wants a softer pillow while maintaining a decent firmness level and support. This Ultimate Luxury pillow is also breathable, providing you with high levels of temperature regulation.

If you are on the market for a hotel-style pillow, then the Snuggledown Ultimate Luxury pillow should be added to your wishlist!

Duck feathers are easily one of the most premium pillow fillings on the market, and this Slumberdown feather pillow is a prime example of why. It offers hotel levels of comfort that will truly help prevent sleepless nights.

Perfect for back sleepers due to their medium support level, this pack of two duck feather pillows is sure to impress. The 100% cotton cover is machine washable, so you don't need to worry about hand-washing your pillows when it's time to wash your bedding.

The feathers used are 100% ethically sourced, which is just another addition to an already impressive pillow duo.

Featuring a soft but breathable cotton cover and packed to the brim with high-quality duck feathers, this pillow is easy to recommend. Its medium level of support is perfect for most sleeping positions but is perhaps the best choice for back sleepers.

Unlike a few feather options on the market, this Scandanavian pair of pillows uses a deep side construction. This ensures that your pillow feels like you are sleeping on the clouds, without sacrificing loft or firmness.

The box side construction also provides extra layers of support for your shoulders and neck, reducing the chances of aches and pains when waking.

When it comes to premium pillows, few can compete with the Snuggledown Hungarian Goose Down pillow. This exquisite pillow features a unique 80% goose down 20% goose feather filling to provide nighttime comfort on a whole new level.

The filling is encapsulated in a luxurious jacquard cotton cover that is both soft and breathable. This prevents you from overheating during the summer and keeps you warm during the cold winter months.

The pillow is crafted from all-natural materials, similar to those in the top hotel chains. If you are looking for a plush pillow and you don't mind splashing out, then the Snuggledown Hungarian Goose Down pillow is easily a contender for the best hotel quality pillow available!

Finding a high-quality down pillow when shopping on a budget can be challenging, as down is usually saved for premium products. Fortunately, the 'Feels Like Down' set of pillows were created for those looking for hotel-like pillows at a very reasonable price.

The 100% hollow fibre filling truly feels like down, so you don't need to worry about spending a fortune for a premium pillow sensation.

As it doesn't use genuine duck or goose feathers, this Slumberdown pillow is also completely hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers can rejoice as this means no more waking up with a sniffly nose!

Anyone who is on the market for an affordable pillow that genuinely feels like a hotel pillow should be sure to check out this offering from Slumberdown!

FAQs

Why are hotel pillows so soft?

Hotel pillows are incredibly soft as most hotels in the UK will only purchase high-quality pillows. If you're looking for a softer pillow that will ease you into sleep and are wondering where to buy hotel-like pillows, then be sure to check out our collection of luxury pillows!

Do hotel chains all use the same kinds of pillows?

No, not all hotel chains will use the same pillows in their rooms. In fact, hotels will even use different pillow fillings to provide their guests with a one-of-a-kind sleeping experience.

Does a real down pillow perform better than a down alternative pillow?

This depends on what you are expecting from your chosen hotel pillow. Real down pillows will offer high levels of comfort, but they're not suitable for anyone who suffers from allergies when sleeping on a down pillow.

A down alternative pillow will provide a firmer pillow design without the risk of allergens. If you prefer soft designs, authentic down is a better option but if you suffer from allergies and want a slightly firmer pillow, check out synthetic down.

Where can I find the best hotel pillows?

Our online store offers a range of high-quality hotel pillows that will provide you with a great night's sleep. You can find a selection of pillow types, from down to feather, so finding one that suits your taste is incredibly easy!

Bring hotel pillows into your home

With so many different types of hotel pillows to choose from, there are lots of options to consider. But as long as you are happy with the quality of your pillow and it offers a good night's sleep, then it's always worth the asking price!

At Sleepseeker, we stock a range of luxurious bedding from luxury duvets to comfortable mattress toppers. Browse our bedding range today to find the perfect hotel pillows and duvets for your home.

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