Sinking into a fluffy hotel bed is one of life’s greatest pleasures. The sheets are crisp yet invitingly soft, the comforter is lofty and luxurious, and there are always enough pillows to build a fortress the size of a New York City apartment. Hotel beds just look and feel more inviting than our beds at home.

“In a luxury hotel, bedding represents one of the means to achieve a complete sense of well-being,” says Margherita Zambuco, Executive Housekeeper at Rome’s Hotel Eden, which is renowned for its heavenly beds. There are a number of tips and tricks to recreating the blissful experience of drifting off atop a plush five-star bed at home, from choosing lighter linen colors and softer weaves to how far to space your pillows apart.

We’ve researched everything from luxury pillowcases to the loftiest down alternatives that you’d find at the world’s best hotels and can order to upgrade your own bedroom. From Brooklinen’s Luxe Core Sheet Set to the Layla Kapok Memory Foam Pillow, all of the bedding on this list will tempt you to curl into bed a little earlier each night.

Best Sheets

Brooklinen Luxe Core Sheet Set

Why We Love It

• Making your bed — more specifically, making it feel cool and cozy — has never been easier thanks to handy “short side” and “long side” labels on the fitted sheet in this soft and durable set.

The quest to find the perfect sheets can be overwhelming: with options like light and crisp percale, buttery soft jersey, and silky sateen, it’s nearly impossible to pick a day-to-day (er, night-to-night?) go-to. But this four-piece set of Brooklinen’s 100 percent long-staple cotton sateen sheets is a reliable and reasonably-priced everyday luxury. Comprised of one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillow cases, this set is available in a wide-range of neutrals and a handful of limited edition colors. For the sake of its softness, anti-pilling durability, and favorable price-quality rapport, this set is our general must-have. Plus, Brooklinen has some of the best customer service out there as well as an incredibly flexible return policy for the first year. Not that you’ll need it — once you start making your bed with a fitted sheet that includes handy “short side” and “long side” labels, you’ll never go back. The set is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.

Best Duvet Cover

Sferra Grande Hotel Duvet Cover

Amazon

A leader in the luxury linens industry, Italian brand Sferra graces the beds at Thompson Hotels around the world. The Grande Hotel Collection in particular is ultra-soft and sophisticated, made from 100 percent Egyptian cotton percale that retains a subtle sheen and is accented with colored piping in shades like cornflower blue, taupe, and navy. The duvet cover stays crisp and cool over time and the overall tailored look is finished off with a knife-edge hem. For convenience’s sake, internal corner loops help keep the cover in place by allowing you to tie it to your duvet insert. While the material holds up well to the washing machine, be aware that the buttons occasionally fare less favorably. It’s available on Amazon in full/queen and available on Sferra in twin, full/queen, and king.

Best Pillow

Layla Kapok Pillow

Layla 

Your sleep style should determine what type of pillow you rest your head on each night. Stomach sleepers may be more comfortable with flatter, less dense pillows, while back and side sleepers require more neck support. That said, this customizable pillow comes as close as possible to being a one-style-fits-all thanks to its adjustable fill, accessible by zippers so you can achieve your desired comfort level. Praised for its ability to retain its shape, the fill is made from shredded memory foam for ergonomic support and natural Kapok fibers, a silky, cotton-like material which is known for its cooling and ventilating properties. While the 28 x 18-inch, medium-plush pillow can carry a slight new-car chemical odor upon arrival, it fades quickly after some airing out. Another design aspect to note is the gray pattern, which can be visible under less opaque pillowcases.

Best Pillowcases

Buffy Breeze Pillowcases

Amazon

The search for the cold side of the pillow is over: Buffy’s Breeze Pillowcases keep all sides refreshingly cool and sweat-free, even for the hottest sleepers. Made from an ultra-soft, 300 single-ply thread count sateen weave, the fabric is created from eucalyptus-derived Tencel lyocell fibers, which are incredibly absorbent — not to mention, they’re fully biodegradable and compostable. Plus, the plant-based fibers are dyed with natural ingredients like turmeric and gardenia, making them especially eco-friendly. These pillowcases are an excellent and affordable choice for year-round use, but they’ll come in extra handy in the summer and for sweatier sleepers. They come in a set of two in standard (20 x 29 inches) or king (20 x 36 inches).

Best Down Comforter

Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter

Feathered Friends

When you picture the coziest, most cocoon-like hotel bed you’ve ever slept in, you’re probably imagining something similar to this sumptuously soft down comforter. The 700-plus fill power indicates the fluffiness per ounce of down; fill in the 700-950 range is the highest quality and offers a lofty yet shockingly lightweight feel. Notably, Feathered Friends is Responsible Down Standard-certified, meaning the feathers are ethically sourced after the geese molt in the spring. Made from 400 single-ply thread count of Cambric cotton, this hypoallergenic comforter impressed us with its down’s even distribution, which comes courtesy of baffle boxes — the stitched squares — that keep it in place. Fabric loops in the inner corners also help to keep things from shifting around, allowing you to tie it to a duvet cover. While this is a dreamy option for winter and cooler weather, it’s too warm to use in hotter months. It’s available in twin, full, queen, king, and California king.

Best Hypoallergenic Pillow

Duck and Goose Co. Down Alternative Pillows

Amazon

These down-alternative pillows run on the firmer side, making them ideal for cradling back and side sleepers or those suffering from neck or back pain. While perhaps slightly too thick for some, these 100 percent cotton pillows are generously filled with breathable microfibers that are supple and pleasantly squishy while still offering substantial support. For those in search of a down-style pillow that has some give without flattening into nothing — picture that heady feeling of sinking into your favorite hotel bed — these are a top-notch option. Plus, they’re machine-washable.

Best Mattress Pad

Parachute Down Alternative Mattress Pad

Parachute

Layering a pad or topper on your mattress is beneficial for a host of reasons: it extends the lifetime of your mattress by creating a barrier that protects it from sweat and spills, and it allows you to further customize your desired firmness. Pads, which offer more plushness than typical mattress toppers, are also a more affordable temporary fix for mattresses that have seen better days. Parachute’s down alternative is made of 100 percent hypoallergenic microfiber and is double-stitched to keep the fill inside the soft sateen cotton shell. Plush without being spongy, this easy-to-wash pad adds softness to mattresses up to 18 inches deep and features an elastic hem which keeps it from sliding around the bed. It’s available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king, with free carbon neutral shipping and returns.

Best Cooling Sheets

Buffy Breeze Sheet Set

Amazon

Why We Love It

• Made from eucalyptus fibers, these sheets are noticeably more cooling than most that label themselves as such; Buffy also offers a seven-night free trial, so there’s no risk.

Sweaty sleepers swear by Buffy’s Breeze Sheet Set. These ultra-cooling 300 thread count sateen weave sheets are silkier and more breathable than most cotton sheets, thanks to their innovative plant-based lyocell material. The fabric runs on the thinner side but stands the test of time — and best of all, it doesn’t pill, unlike many cooling sheets. While it may seem like a bit of a splurge, the price-quality rapport is excellent; Buffy also offers a unique seven-night free trial program, in addition to a 100-night, no-questions-asked free returns policy. The set includes a top sheet, fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. It’s available in twin, twin XL, full, and queen.

Best Starter Set

Parachute Sateen Bed Bundle

Parachute

Why We Love It

• You can tailor this super-soft set to your sleep style (i.e. if you prefer down or down alternative, soft or firm pillows, etc.).

Whether you’re moving, setting up a bed from scratch, or gifting a significant other in need of a bedding upgrade, Parachute’s long-staple Egyptian cotton sateen set is a sumptuously soft option that feels incredibly smooth without the overly-shiny sheen or slipperiness of silk. These OEKO-TEX-certified sheets feature a four-over-one-under weave that allows them to catch the light without looking overly lustrous — and the sheen fades over time. The best part about this wrinkle-free and cooling set is that it’s full of essentials that are far from basic: everything is customizable, from the pillow firmness to the warmth and fluffiness of the duvet. It includes one fitted sheet; two pillowcases with back envelope or side open options; one duvet cover; one duvet insert with down or down alternative and a lightweight or all-season option; and two pillows that come in soft, medium, and firm styles. Note that it does not come with a top sheet.

Best Eco-friendly Collection

Coyuchi Organic Percale Sheets

Amazon

Coyuchi’s organic sheets go above and beyond with their GOTS certification, which guarantees that from seed to store, every aspect of the supply chain is as sustainable as possible (whereas the more common OEKO-TEX certification only applies to the chemical makeup of the finished product). Beyond their certifications, the packaging is also socially responsible — as part of Coyuchi’s mission to use less plastic, their sheets are mailed in a chic reusable bag made out of organic fabric. These 300-thread count percale sheets are soft and cooling while retaining a crispness that only hotel sheets ever seem to achieve. The set includes one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and one or two pillow cases, depending on the sizing. Note that the pillowcases have longer cuffs to help them retain their shape over time.

Best Mattress

Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed

Sleep Number

The secret to what makes luxury hotel beds so dreamy is often a splurge-worthy mattress. While there are certainly many more affordable models on the market, Sleep Number’s Smart Bed turns conquering sleep struggles into a science: by establishing your Sleep Number setting, you can adjust the firmness on each side of the bed for maximum comfort and restful sleep. The entire experience is fully customizable, from inclining head and foot sections to an optional foot warmer for colder weather. The bed also responds to your movements, regulating the firmness overnight and tracking your SleepIQ score in its app to help you better understand your sleep style and avoid tossing and turning. But beyond all its high-tech functions, the mattress is lauded for its extreme comfort and enhanced pressure relief. Noting the hefty price tag, it brings some peace of mind that you can try it out for 100 nights risk-free. The mattress has a 15-year limited warranty and incredible staying power, which is furthered by the ability to adjust it as your sleep needs evolve over time. The mattress is 11 inches tall and available in twin XL, queen, king, and California king. We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, so while shelling out for a top-tier mattress can be a bit daunting, it’s a worthwhile investment in your own wellbeing and happiness.

Best Body Pillow

Coop Sleep Goods Body Pillow

Amazon

Body pillows are often labeled as maternity pillows, which might lead the general public to the sad and incorrect belief that they aren’t for everyone. But if you’ve ever snuggled up beside one, you know how life-changing they are regardless of pregnancy status. They offer full-body support, cradling you from all sides. It’s like snuggling, sans having to deal with someone else’s snoring or morning breath. Like their classic Original Pillow, Coop’s 54 x 20-inch body pillow is adjustable, so you can take out as much of the shredded memory foam as you’d like for your desired firmness. As is, the pillow is hefty enough to stay put during the night but not so heavy as to make it impossible to move around — but note that it is a bit cumbersome for those who switch sides frequently. This isn’t a cooling pillow, and while it doesn’t run warm, hot sleepers may wish to look for a more drying material than the rayon polyester blend — or at least a moisture-wicking pillowcase. As with most memory foam, you’ll want to air it out for a week or two to get rid of the chemical odor — and, yes, it really is worth the wait.

Best Pillow for Side-sleepers

Saatva Latex Pillow

Saatva

With three layers of luxurious comfort, this supportive pillow takes pressure off of your back and shoulders even if you side-sleep through the whole night. At it’s center, this pillow is made with hypoallergenic natural latex that is recommended by both chiropractors and orthopedists for head and neck comfort. It’s then layered with organic cotton that is also hypoallergenic and topped off with an organic cotton sateen pillow cover. The whole pillow is breathable to wick away any nighttime moisture and prevent mildew, so you can be sure to get a comfortable night’s sleep for years to come.

Best Firm Pillow

Coop Sleep Goods The Original Pillow

Coop

Like the brand’s body pillow, Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow is made with durable memory foam with a microfiber fill for immediate comfort that will last all night. Unlike some memory foam pillows, this wont sink overtime and, in fact, comes with an extra half-pound of fill in case you do find yourself wanting a more firm feel. To make sure you love your new pillow, you can try it during a 100-day risk-free trial and then enjoy the extra security of a five-year warranty. The pillow is also completely machine-washable (even in the inner pillow!) and comes with a breathable polyester and bamboo-rayon cover to help you get that hotel-quality clean feeling every night.

Best Silk Sheets

Mommesilk 22 MM 4PCS Silk Sheets Set

Mommesilk

There’s nothing quite as luxurious as diving into a bed fitted with silky-smooth sheets. This set is an investment for sure, but it comes with two pillow cases, a fitted sheet, and a duvet cover — everything you need for the most deluxe sleep right in the comfort of your own bed. We love this design because you get the light breathable feeling of silk bedding with the added benefit of antibacterial and hypoallergenic fabric to give your skin the five-star treatment. Cut from a full piece of silk and stitched for an invisible finish, this set will automatically elevate your nighttime routine and make you feel like you’re living your best vacation life right at home.

Best Throw Blanket

Brooklinen Lambswool-Cashmere Throw Blanket

Brooklinen

When we think about cashmere, we often imagine being wrapped in a thick blanket next to a cozy fire and holding a warm drink. But cashmere doesn’t have to be reserved for the coldest time of year, this insulating throw from Brooklinen also uses lambswool to keep you warm in the winter and give you just a layer of comfort for those summer months. If you’re looking to give your bedroom a five-star upgrade, this simple throw is the perfect addition that will make you want to snuggle up and dream of your next trip. It’s also compact enough that you can even bring it with you as a travel blanket when it’s time to head off on your next adventure.

Tips for Buying Luxury Hotel Bedding

Pick products designed for your sleeping style

When it comes to transforming your bedroom into the luxury hotel room of your dreams, it’s crucial to first reflect on your sleep style, which will largely determine what types of products you purchase. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you’ll likely want to look at less-thick pillows, while side and back sleepers require firmer, more supportive models. (Firm, full-body pillows are also great for those with back pain.) If you run hot, cooling sheets and pillowcases — especially those made from plant-based lyocell — should be your go-to; if you live in a cooler climate, ultra-cozy and warming down comforters might be the way to go. Weave matters as well: for a crisper, cooler experience, opt for percale sheets. For a more soft, stretchy, and relaxed effect, go for a jersey material.

“The choice of bed linen is of paramount importance and it ought to be quality-oriented,” says Zambuco. “There are materials suitable for every season that provide comfort and ensure the optimal temperature during the night. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk should always be preferred because they provide a pleasant feeling of freshness on the skin and can withstand more frequent washing and high temperatures.”

Opt for white or light colors

Have you ever noticed that most hotel bedding is white? Traditionally, white linens are used in hotels to prove to guests how clean they are (a faded or stained white towel or comforter is very easy to spot.) Since it’s also harder to maintain that perfectly white appearance, guests will automatically feel a sense of high-end luxury slipping into a pristine bed. At home, your white or light-colored bedding will also make you feel more calm and comfortable as you’re lulled into a deep, vacation-level-relaxed sleep.

Remember it’s worth the splurge

The average human spends 26 years of their life in bed — the least we can do is make it cozy. While dropping hundreds (or in the case of quality mattresses, thousands) of dollars on bedding may seem frivolous, the ways in which we sleep — or don’t — profoundly impact all of our waking hours.

“I believe that the choice of bedding is one of the most important things for any home and it determines the quality of sleep,” says Zambuco. We all know how well-rested we feel after waking up in a hotel bed, so why not treat ourselves to that sort of luxury at home? Think about it this way: the cost of one night at a luxury hotel may be equal to an entire bedding overhaul that will last you for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make my bed so it feels like a luxury hotel bed?

  “There are a few rules to replicate the comfort and luxury of a hotel room in one’s own home,” explains Zambuco. “Rule number one is obvious: buy quality bedding. Favor natural fibers and choose what is most pleasant both to touch and look at. It might not be cheap but comfort is guaranteed.”

  In addition to all the tactile aspects of quality bedding, it’s important to keep in mind aesthetics as well. “I would recommend placing pillows equidistant from the edges of the bed and aligned to give a nice effect,” says Zambuco. On that note, she suggests opting for lighter colors to create a clean and calming effect. “Rule number two: choose colors wisely. Light colors look luxurious, but also give a feeling of well-being,” she explains.

  Last but certainly not least is perhaps one of the primary differences that often set hotel beds apart from our at-home sleep space: “Rule number three: iron the sheets.” To maximize the just-ironed smoothness, consider skipping the fitted sheet; luxury hotels also often favor an oversized flat sheet instead for a smoother effect.

• How should I wash my bedding?

  In order to maximize the lifespan of your bedding, it’s critical to closely follow the care and washing instructions on their labels. “Washing sheets is not an easy task, because mistakes that can ruin their texture and color are just around the corner,” says Zambuco. “Since the bedding comes into direct contact with the skin, I would suggest using a gentle detergent and softener.”

  Be sure to wash your sheets and pillowcases separately from the rest of your laundry, she adds, and smooth them out before tossing them in: if they’re rolled up, it makes it difficult for the detergent to penetrate the sheets.

  “If possible, dry bed sheets in the open air,” Zambuco says. And don’t forget to iron! Beyond the aesthetic appeal, it also ensures the cleanest bedding possible. “Ironing bedding with steam will remove any residual germs and dust mites.”

• How often should I change my bedding?

  “A clean bed can preserve your good health. Bed linens can be a haven for microbes and bacteria produced by the human body, plus germs from outside, such as pollen and dust mites,” warns Zambuco. While she suggests washing sheets weekly, the frequency with which you should wash or change your bedding depends partly on the climate and your own sleep style — warmer weather and hotter sleepers means more sweat, which is reason enough to do the laundry a little more often.

  “Sheets should be refreshed at least once a week, even more in summer,” says Zambuco. “Pillowcases should be changed at least twice a week. Bedspreads, blankets, and mattress covers should be washed at least once a month,” she advises, adding that mattresses should be cleaned twice annually.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Sophie Dodd and Taylor Fox researched every aspect of luxury bedding and interviewed experts at five-star hotels about why top-notch bedding matters and what makes a bed truly great; they then used their expertise as travel writers to narrow down a list of the most luxurious bedding for every style and budget. While researcbing luxury hotel bedding, we spoke with Margherita Zambuco, Executive Housekeeper at Rome’s Hotel Eden.

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