The best pillows for Airbnbs and vacation rental properties
A great night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors in a five-star stay, and pillows play a huge role in that.
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A great night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors in a five-star stay, and pillows play a huge role in that. While guests might not always notice a perfect pillow, they will notice a bad one—and they won’t hesitate to mention it in a review.
The problem? Pillow preferences are all over the place. Some guests want firm support, others need soft and fluffy, and cheap pillows tend to fall flat (literally) after just a few uses. If you don’t choose wisely, you’ll end up with constant complaints, early replacements, and unhappy guests.
We’ve researched guest reviews, tested various options, and found the best balance of comfort, durability, and value. Our top pick? The Chambersoft Pillow by Standard Textile—the same high-quality pillow trusted by luxury hotels.
Related Posts
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The best pillows for Airbnbs and vacation rental properties
A great night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors in a five-star stay, and pillows play a huge role in that.
A great night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors in a five-star stay, and pillows play a huge role in that. While guests might not always notice a perfect pillow, they will notice a bad one—and they won’t hesitate to mention it in a review.
The problem? Pillow preferences are all over the place. Some guests want firm support, others need soft and fluffy, and cheap pillows tend to fall flat (literally) after just a few uses. If you don’t choose wisely, you’ll end up with constant complaints, early replacements, and unhappy guests.
We’ve researched guest reviews, tested various options, and found the best balance of comfort, durability, and value. Our top pick? The Chambersoft Pillow by Standard Textile—the same high-quality pillow trusted by luxury hotels.
When it comes to high-quality pillows built for hospitality, Standard Textile is one of the most trusted names in the industry. Founded in 1940, the company has spent decades perfecting linens and bedding for hotels worldwide. If you’ve ever slept in a high-end hotel and thought, Wow, these pillows are amazing, there’s a good chance Standard Textile made them.
The Chambersoft Pillow is one of their most popular offerings and is designed to meet hotel standards for comfort, durability, and easy maintenance. It’s hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, making it ideal for every type of guest. It also has a dual-chamber design, which is a supportive inner core surrounded by an outer layer of down-like fibers, so it’s soft and fluffy on the outside yet firm.
Standard Textile engineered this pillow for hospitality use, meaning it holds its shape longer than standard consumer-grade pillows, is machine washable, and quick-drying, so you won’t have to worry about it clumping or breaking down after multiple washes.
Things to note:
- Medium/Soft
- Machine washable
- Down alternative filling
The two firm, two soft pillow combo
The two-firm, two-soft pillow setup is standard in hotels because it accommodates different sleeping preferences. Every guest has their comfort needs; some prefer firm support while others want a softer feel.
Beyond comfort, this setup also enhances the look of the bed. A neatly arranged set of four pillows creates a polished presentation that makes a strong first impression. More importantly, a good night’s sleep leads to better guest reviews and a higher likelihood of repeat bookings.
Best luxury: European Down by RH
For hosts who want to create a boutique hotel experience or just give guests a true five-star luxury experience, the RH European Down Pillow is the way to go.
Filled with 650-fill-power premium white down, this pillow is plush and airy. Fill power measures the loft (or fluffiness) of down. At 650-fill-power, this pillow is lofty enough to feel luxurious but will stay structured over time. Higher fill power (700+) can be ultra-light, while lower fill power (<500) tends to flatten quickly. At 650, you’re getting the best of both worlds. RH down is also Freshness Assured™, meaning it’s been carefully cleaned to remove impurities, making it suitable for guests with sensitivities.
The 100% cotton sateen shell helps keep the pillow cool and prevent overheating. The pillow is available in soft, medium, and firm, but we recommend medium as the most versatile option for vacation rentals, appealing to the widest range of guests.
Things to note:
- Comes in soft, medium, and firm
- 650-fill-power
- Down & feather filling
For budget-conscious hosts who still want to provide a comfortable and reliable sleep experience, the Standard Express Pillow by Standard Textile is a solid choice.
While cheaper pillows might seem like a good deal upfront, they often fall flat (literally) after just a few washes. But like all Standard Textile products, the Standard Express Pillow is built for high-turnover environments, meaning it’s durable, easy to clean, and designed to retain its shape longer than standard pillows.
The 100% polyester fiber fill provides a medium-firm feel, and the breathable cotton-blend cover helps with airflow, preventing the pillow from trapping too much heat. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for guests with allergies or sensitivities.
Things to note:
- Medium-firm feel
- Machine washable
- Down alternative filling
Why you should use down-alternative pillows in your vacation property
Down pillows can be a problem for guests with allergies, as the proteins in goose and duck feathers often trigger irritation. Even those without a down allergy may be sensitive to the dust mites and dander that down pillows tend to collect.
Down-alternative pillows eliminate this issue. Made from hypoallergenic materials like microfiber or polyester fill, they provide the same soft, plush feel as real down without the risk of allergic reactions. They’re also easier to clean, with most being fully machine washable, making it simple to maintain a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment between guests.
If you’ve ever had a guest complain that the pillows were too soft or lacked support, Brooklinens’ Firm Down-Alternative Pillow is the solution.
Instead of traditional down, this pillow is filled with PrimaLoft®, a premium hypoallergenic down alternative that mimics the plushness of real down but with added firmness and structure so it will maintain its shape while still feeling soft and comfortable.
It's wrapped in a 100% cotton sateen shell, so the pillow has a silky-smooth feel and breathable construction to help regulate temperature. It’s also made with double-stitched edges, ensuring durability even with frequent guest turnover. And for hosts who prioritize guest health and safety, it’s OEKO-TEX® certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals.
Things to note:
- Firm feel
- Hypoallergenic
- OEKO-TEX® certified
We chose the Chambersoft Pillow by Standard Textile as our best overall pick, but it also deserves the spotlight as the best soft pillow.
Designed with a dual-chamber construction, it has a plush, down-like outer layer that provides a soft, airy feel, while the inner core offers just enough structure to keep it from going completely flat. Unlike typical soft pillows that lose their shape quickly, the hotel-grade durability of the Chambersoft means it holds up even with frequent guest use and washing.
Things to note:
- Medium/Soft
- Machine washable
- Down alternative filling
The Birch Organic Pillow is a great choice for eco-conscious hosts who offer a sustainable experience. Made with natural and certified organic materials, this pillow is completely free from polyurethane-based foams, just organic wool, cotton, and latex for a cleaner, greener sleep.
The breathable design helps regulate temperature, keeping guests cool throughout the night, while the use of Fair Trade-certified cotton ensures ethical sourcing. It’s also eco-INSTITUT certified, meaning it meets strict environmental and health standards.
Things to note:
- Medium/Soft feel
- Birch Wool, Natural Latex, and Fair Trade cotton filling
guests options. Most memory foam pillows are either too firm or too soft, and there’s not much you can do about it, but the Marlow has a built-in zipper system that lets guests adjust the firmness themselves—just unzip for a softer feel or keep it closed for more support. It’s a small feature that can make a big difference in keeping everyone happy (and it’s a great detail to mention in your listing).
It’s also designed to stay cool, which is a big plus since memory foam can sometimes trap heat. The breathable, antimicrobial shell helps it last longer between washes, making it a solid, low-maintenance option for hosts.
Things to note:
- Memory foam
- Adjustable firmness
- Antimicrobial shell
The importance of pillow protectors
Pillow protectors are a small but essential addition to any vacation rental, helping to keep pillows clean and extend their lifespan by blocking sweat, oils, allergens, dust mites, and more.
The Standard Textile AllerEase Pillow Platinum Protector is a durable option with waterproof protection and dual-side zippers. The waterproof layer allows you to wash just the cover instead of the entire pillow, making it easier to maintain a hygienic environment for guests. The dual zippers provide an added layer of defense against bed bugs, as they create a secure barrier that pests can’t easily penetrate. Beyond cleanliness, using pillow protectors helps reduce wear and tear, cutting down on the need for frequent replacements.
A cooling pillow can make a big difference if your property is in a warm climate or doesn’t have strong A/C. The Glaciotex™ Cooling Memory Foam Pillow by Helix is designed specifically to keep sleepers cool, with Glaciotex™ fabric that actively pulls heat away from the body for a refreshing, temperature-regulated sleep.
Unlike some cooling pillows that only feel cool at first, this one is designed to stay cool all night. The gel-infused memory foam provides the contouring support memory foam is known for but with better airflow to prevent heat buildup. It also comes in two loft options: High and Low. We recommend High Loft, as it tends to work better for a wider range of sleepers, especially side sleepers. It is also hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and designed for durability, so it will hold up well over time.
Things to note:
- Medium/Firm
- Cooling Glaciotex™ fabric
- Gel-infused memory foam
- Two loft options: High and Low
- Hypoallergenic
Real hosting experience: Our team consists of hosts with diverse backgrounds and experiences in hosting vacation rental properties. This means we have firsthand knowledge of different types of properties, guest preferences, and the specific needs that arise in various situations. Whether it's a beachfront condo, a cozy cabin in the mountains, or a luxurious urban apartment, our team members have likely encountered similar scenarios and can offer tailored advice based on our experiences.
Guest insights: As hosts ourselves, we know that the real final say comes from guests. Our recommendations are informed not only by our experience managing properties, but also by feedback from real guests who have stayed in our units.
Objective recommendations: While each team member may have their own preferences, our recommendations are based on a collective assessment of various factors, including quality, affordability, and suitability for different types of vacation rentals. We strive to provide objective guidance that aligns with the needs and preferences of a broad range of hosts and their guests.
Continuous learning and improvement: Our team is committed to staying updated on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the vacation rental industry. We actively seek out new information, test different products, and adapt our recommendations accordingly. This dedication to ongoing learning ensures that our advice remains relevant and valuable to hosts, regardless of their level of experience.
Community insights: HostGPO fosters a sense of community, where members can share their experiences, ask for advice, and learn from one another. We (and in turn, you) benefit from a wealth of collective insights and knowledge.
Related Posts
The best pillows for Airbnbs and vacation rental properties
A great night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors in a five-star stay, and pillows play a huge role in that.
A great night’s sleep is one of the biggest factors in a five-star stay, and pillows play a huge role in that. While guests might not always notice a perfect pillow, they will notice a bad one—and they won’t hesitate to mention it in a review.
The problem? Pillow preferences are all over the place. Some guests want firm support, others need soft and fluffy, and cheap pillows tend to fall flat (literally) after just a few uses. If you don’t choose wisely, you’ll end up with constant complaints, early replacements, and unhappy guests.
We’ve researched guest reviews, tested various options, and found the best balance of comfort, durability, and value. Our top pick? The Chambersoft Pillow by Standard Textile—the same high-quality pillow trusted by luxury hotels.
