Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

September 02, 2020

It’s hard to beat a more luxurious and decadent experience than diving beneath the sheets of a luxury hotel bed.

A first class hotel bed is a place of pure extravagance. The restorative and decadent feeling that these hotels create is something we all strive to achieve in our bedrooms at home.

But why are hotel beds so luxurious? What bed sheets do hotels use? They’re just beds after all. Why is it that we can’t always experience the wonders of a hotel bed in our own home?

It’s entirely possible to buy exactly the same bed sheets as 5-star luxury hotels. You just need to know what you’re looking for.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

5-Star Hotel Sheets: What Bed Sheets Do Hotels Use?

When researching bed sheets, you’ll read a lot in regards to thread count. Thread count does contribute to the quality of bed sheets but not to the extent that is emphasised by bed linen marketeers. The advice that the higher the thread count, the better the quality of the bed sheets is not always true, as it doesn’t take in to account the quality of the actual cotton - only the amount of it.

It’s possible to buy sheets with over 1,000 thread counts, yet luxury hotel sheets often opt for sheet with 200-300 thread count. If higher thread counts make for better bed sheets, why don't the finest hotels have the highest thread count bedding?

Because thread count is not the factor that makes bedding feel truly luxurious.

If you’d like to learn more about thread counts, you can read our “Bed Linen Uncovered” blog.

The quick answer is that too many threads can make sheets too thick, reduce breathability and make them uncomfortable, so hotels avoid them.. But, if a high thread count isn’t the game changer that hotels are using in their sheets, what is?

It’s all in the way in which the sheets are woven.

This is the deciding factor hotels choose for their luxury bed sheets. They will almost always insist on single ply woven sheets and long staple cotton, and more often than not, a percale weave over sateen.

Can You Make Your Bed at Home Feel like a Hotel Bed?

Hotels opt for a percale weave over sateen as percale epitomizes the cool, crisp feeling typical of a luxury hotel suite. A percale weave is also naturally longer lasting as by definition, it’s a tighter weave. However, we would recommend choosing the weave you prefer - bed linen that is made from long staple cotton will last many years, regardless.


Why do weaves matter so much?

Another important factor to ensure your sheets feel as luxurious as the finest hotels is to source sheets woven in Italy. Italy has unrivalled heritage weaving the finest cotton bed sheets. Over centuries, generations have passed information to one another - the same applies to French baking.

Their expertise in regards to the finishing techniques employed is exceptional. Finishing techniques enhance cotton’s natural properties and may offer additional longevity, softness and lustre to your sheets. These techniques are often proprietary and consequently can’t be replicated elsewhere.

Where to Buy Hotel-Quality Bed Sheets

Rebecca Udall exclusively sells high-quality percale and sateen bedding. We source directly from manufacturers that also supply sheets and bedding to the finest 5-star hotels around the world. Therefore, our sheets are not similar to - but are - luxury hotel sheets.

Ready to upgrade your bedding and spend every night in hotel-level luxury? Browse our range of percale and sateen bedding.

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We associate hotels with rest and relaxation, but there’s really no reason why we shouldn’t sleep well each and every night. Bedding manufacturers realize that people value high-quality sheets to complement their sleep setup, and many companies sell sheets that are specifically designed to mimic that holiday feel at home.

Aside from being supremely comfortable, hotel sheets must be durable and resistant to frequent washing. It’s no wonder many shoppers turn to hotels to steer them in the right direction when shopping for new bedsheets.

Many shoppers end up contacting the hotel directly to find out the name of the sheets after their stay. We’ve made it a little easier by listing some of the top hotel sheets according to our research, and providing advice on how to find the best hotel sheets according to thread count, material, weave, and other factors.

Product Details

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Best Overall

Saatva Embroidered Sateen Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton (300TC)

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • Shoppers who want a product that is easy to clean
  • Sleepers who enjoy bedding with a silky feel
  • Shoppers who value environmentally responsible production

Highlights:
  • Pocket depth of 16 inches
  • Sateen weave resists wrinkling
  • Features hand-finished embroidery

Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Saatva sheets

The Saatva Embroidered Sateen Sheet Set has a soft and silky texture that makes for an ultra-comfortable night of rest. With meticulous hand-finished embroidery and a smooth sateen weave, this sheet set is designed to look immaculate while feeling snug and cozy.

The Embroidered Sateen Sheet Set is constructed using GOTS-certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade Certified facility. The natural cotton is cool and breathable, and it works with a sateen weave to create a soft and smooth fabric that drapes easily around the body. The weave also gives the fabric a lustrous, lavish appearance.

This sheet set is available in three different color options and comes in all six standard mattress sizes, as well as a split king. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 16 inches to work with a wide variety of mattresses. For simple care, this sheet set can be machine washed and tumble dried.

Saatva offers free shipping to buyers in the contiguous U.S.. Saatva also provides a full refund for products returned within 45 days of the delivery date.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Best Value

Quince Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% long-staple cotton (300 TC)

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • Value seekers
  • Sleepers with sensitive skin
  • Eco-conscious shoppers

Highlights:
  • Durable organic long-staple cotton construction
  • Sateen weave has a silky-soft hand feel
  • 365-day sleep trial

Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Quince sheets

Quince is known for its premium bedding products without the high sticker price, and the Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set is no exception. Made from 100% long-staple, organic cotton, the sheet set appeals to eco-conscious shoppers and value seekers shopping for a product that will hold up over time.

The breathable cotton features a sateen weave that drapes closely to the body to insulate cozy warmth in colder times of the year. You shouldn’t feel too hot or cold on the sheets, even as the seasons change. The sateen weave also has a lustrous sheen and silky feel that helps soothe sensitive skin. We could glide across the sheets without harsh rubbing or irritation.

You can choose between five size options: twin, full, queen, king, and California king. All sets come with a flat and fitted sheet compatible with mattresses up to 16 inches thick. Twin sets come with one standard pillowcase, the full and queen sets include two, and the king and California king sets come with two king pillowcases. Five color options are available, ranging from neutrals to light blue.

Quince offers free shipping to customers in the U.S. Purchasing a Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set comes with a 365-night sleep trial, during which you can test it and return it for a full refund.

Best Luxury

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% Viscose from Bamboo

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • Hot sleepers
  • Eco-conscious shoppers
  • People who enjoy sheets that drape close to the body

Highlights:
  • Cool, breathable fabric
  • Fitted sheet is compatible with high-profile mattresses
  • 100-night sleep trial

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The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set is a good pick for shoppers who are looking for lightweight bedding with a cool, luxurious feel. The set is also ideal for people who enjoy sheets that drape close to the body.

All separates in the Cozy Earth sheet set are made of viscose derived from bamboo. Bamboo fabrics are naturally breathable, which makes this sheet set an especially good choice for people who tend to sleep hot or who live in warmer climates. Bamboo-derived sheets also tend to be more durable, making these sheets a solid investment.

The Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set comes in one color option, white, and includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The split king size is the exception, as it provides two twin XL sheets in lieu of one large sheet. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 18 inches and can fit mattresses up to 20 inches thick. This may appeal to shoppers who own very thick mattresses.

Cozy Earth uses sustainable practices and sources bamboo from organic farms. For this reason, the sheet set caters to shoppers who prefer eco-friendly products.

Cozy Earth offers free shipping and returns in the contiguous United States. The sheets come with a 100-night sleep trial. In addition, the brand does not charge for products unless you decide to keep the product after 30 days.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Most Comfortable

Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% Long-Staple Cotton

Weave: Percale

Who it's best for:
  • Hot sleepers
  • People who own mattresses up to 15 inches thick
  • Shoppers looking for a long sleep trial

Highlights:
  • Items composed of durable long-staple cotton
  • Wide color and pattern selection
  • 365-night sleep trial

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The Brooklinen Classic Core Set features sheets and pillowcases made from pure long-staple cotton, a material renowned for its durability and temperature regulation. A crisp percale weave enhances the fabric’s natural cooling and moisture-wicking properties, while a 270 thread count ensures a lightweight feel. All in all, this set is ideal for hot temperatures and humid climates.

The collection is available in a total of 11 solid color and pattern options, including four limited edition designs. You can also choose from six sizes that correspond to standard mattress dimensions. Each item in the set can be washed and dried in your household machines, and the fitted sheet has a pocket depth compatible with mattresses measuring up to 15 inches thick.

The Classic Core is considered a standard sheet set with a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and one to two pillowcases. Using the same fabric, Brooklinen offers the Classic Starter Set, which includes the Classic Core’s components apart from the flat sheet. For an upgrade, the Classic Hardcore Bundle features the four standard items plus a duvet cover and two extra pillowcases.

The price-point for the Classic Core Set is very reasonable, especially with the long-staple cotton’s expected lifespan, and shipping is free throughout the U.S. The set comes with a sleep trial that allows you to test out the sheets and pillowcases for up to one year.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Best Cooling

Luxome Luxury Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% viscose from bamboo

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • Hot sleepers
  • People with sensitive skin
  • Shoppers who want high-quality sheets at an accessible price

Highlights:
  • Each item composed of breathable, silky-soft viscose derived from bamboo
  • Generous pocket depth to accommodate most mattresses
  • Eight color options

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Hotel-style sheets can be fairly expensive, but some sets offer strong performance at an affordable price-point. One example is the Luxome Luxury Sheet Set, which features sheets and pillowcases made of pure viscose derived from bamboo. The collection offers the natural breathability and exceptional softness sleepers have come to expect from this material, but at a reasonable cost compared to similar competing sets.

Viscose derived from bamboo also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry while you sleep. A 400 thread count and sateen weave enhance these qualities while also ensuring decent insulation for year-round use. These sheets are ideal for anyone who enjoys bedding that drapes closely to the body, as well as those with acne, rashes, and other skin sensitivities.

The set is available in seven sizes, including a split king with two fitted sheets to accommodate co-sleepers who use adjustable beds. Each set also includes a flat sheet and one to two pillowcases, depending on the selected size, and you can add two additional pillowcases to any order for an extra fee. The fitted sheet has a pocket depth of 17 inches, making the set compatible with the majority of mattresses sold today.

Customers also choose from eight solid colors for their set. These include neutrals as well as fetching earth tones such as terracotta and sage. To preserve the structural integrity of the sheets, be sure to machine wash them separately from garments with zippers and hooks. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry with low heat. Remove all of the items promptly when the drying cycle is finished to minimize wrinkling.

For added savings, Luxome ships the Luxury Sheet Set free of charge to all customers in the contiguous U.S. Returns and exchanges are allowed within 30 days of the delivery date, provided each item in the set is clean and in pristine condition.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Best All-Season

Boll & Branch Signature Embroidered Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • Shoppers seeking a sheet set for year-round use
  • Sleepers with sensitive skin
  • People who own mattresses up to 17 inches thick

Highlights:
  • Organic cotton construction ensures a soft, breathable feel
  • Sateen weave drapes closely to the body and has a silky feel
  • 30-night sleep trial

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The Signature Embroidered Sheet Set from Boll & Branch brings the luxurious softness of quintessential hotel sheets to your bedroom. Each item in the collection is made of pure organic cotton with a silky-smooth sateen weave. The fabric drapes closely to the body, and its gentle feel is ideal for people with sensitive skin. The sheets are light and breathable enough for summer use, while insulating warmth in winter months. We highly recommend this set for anyone seeking a product for all-season use.

Shoppers can choose from four eye-catching styles, each with hand-finished embroidery for an elegant two-tone finish. The set is also available in seven sizes, including a split king option for couples who share an adjustable bed. You may also choose a king-size set with standard pillowcases if this corresponds to your bedding preferences.

A generous pocket depth of 17 inches makes the fitted sheet compatible with most mattresses made today, including many luxury pillow-tops and other high-profile models that typically need specialty sheets. A Global Organic Textile Standard ensures the cotton has been sustainably grown and harvested, while the Fair Trade certification indicates Boll & Branch factory workers are humanely treated and fairly compensated.

Boll & Branch provides free ground shipping for all orders. Customers also receive a 30-night trial period for the sheet set, during which you can return all items in the set for a full refund.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Softest

Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material 100% Tencel lyocell

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • Hot sleepers
  • People with sensitive skin
  • Those who don’t use a flat sheet

Highlights:
  • Breathable Tencel lyocell composition helps regulate temperature
  • Silky smooth sateen weave
  • Six color options

Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sijo sheets

Sheets made from eucalyptus-derived fabrics are known for their exceptional softness, and the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is no exception. Made entirely from eucalyptus-derived Tencel lyocell, the sheets have a naturally silky feel.

The material’s natural softness is enhanced by a smooth sateen weave that drapes closely to the body. Our testers noticed no harsh rubbing or irritation on the sheets, making them a great option for sleepers with sensitive skin. Tencel lyocell is a naturally breathable material, so our hot sleepers felt comfortable throughout testing. Moisture-wicking properties also make the sheet set a good fit if you live in a humid climate or tend to sweat at night.

Six standard sizes are available, which all include a fitted sheet and one to two pillowcases. To save a bit of extra money, you can choose to forgo the flat sheet. The fitted sheet is compatible with mattresses up to 15 inches thick, accommodating most medium- to high-profile models in our testing lab. Every item is fully machine-washable.

You can choose between six color options, ranging from neutrals to light pink and dark green. Sijo ships free on all orders over $65, which includes every size for the sheet set. The AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set is backed by a 30-night trial.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Best Egyptian Cotton

Parachute Sateen Sheets

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • People who enjoy exceptionally soft sheets
  • Those who don’t use a flat sheet
  • Sleepers with mattresses up to 16 inches thick

Highlights:
  • Made from durable, long-staple cotton
  • Sateen weave drapes closely to the body
  • Free shipping to all 50 states

Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Parachute sheets

The Parachute Sateen Sheets are made entirely from long-staple Egyptian cotton, a cotton variety known for its exceptional breathability, softness and durability. Customers looking for a high-end sheet set at a competitive price-point should enjoy this pick.

A sateen weave gives the sheets a nice drape, silky hand feel, and lustrous sheen. Sleepers with sensitive skin or those who enjoy softer sheets should feel comfortable. The weave insulates a bit of cozy warmth, but thanks to the cotton’s natural breathability and lightweight feel, you shouldn’t overheat. This makes the set a great choice for year-round use.

Four standard sizes are available: full, queen, king, and California king. Every size includes a fitted sheet compatible with mattresses up to 16 inches thick and two pillowcases. Depending on your preferences, you can add or opt out of a fitted sheet. Every item is machine-washable. Simply wash in cold water and tumble dry on low heat. There are four neutral color options to choose from.

Parachute ships free to customers living in all 50 states. The Sateen Sheets are backed by a 60-day return window, during which you can return the sheets for a full refund.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Best Temperature-Regulating

Standard Textile Luxe Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% ring-spun cotton

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • Sleepers who prefer exceptionally soft bedding
  • People with mattresses up to 16 inches thick
  • Value seekers

Highlights:
  • Ring-spun cotton offers a silky soft feel
  • Sustainably grown cotton certified by the Better Cotton Initiative
  • Moisture-wicking material provides a cool and comfortable sleeping surface

Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Standard Textile sheets

A great pick for shoppers on a budget, the Luxe Sheet Set from Standard Textile features items composed of ultrasoft ring-spun cotton. A sateen weave adds to the smooth, silky feel, making the sheets ideal for sleepers who like bedding that drapes closely to the body. The cotton has also been certified by the Better Cotton Initiative, indicating it is sustainably grown, harvested, and processed.

In addition to a white set, you can choose from four other solid colors to match your bedroom decor. Six sizes ranging from twin to California king are also available to accommodate single sleepers and couples. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth is 16 inches, meaning the set will be compatible with most mattresses sold today. Each item is also machine washable for quick and convenient cleaning.

The set’s below-average sticker price makes it a high-value pick and Standard Textile will ship for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S. The company also issues full refunds for returns initiated within 90 days of the original purchase, and will accept used and laundered bedding.

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Best Range of Colors

Down Cotton Hotel Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set

Do hotels use percale or sateen sheets

Material: 100% Egyptian cotton (400TC)

Weave: Sateen

Who it's best for:
  • People with sensitive skin
  • Anyone who owns a mattress up to 18 inches thick
  • Value seekers

Highlights:
  • Egyptian cotton with a sateen weave creates a luxuriously soft and drapey feel
  • Generous pocket depth makes the fitted sheet compatible with most mattresses
  • Available in a total of 28 solid color and stripe designs

Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Down Cotton sheets

Egyptian cotton is prized as a bedding material thanks to its natural softness and breathability, but these sheet sets can be quite pricey. Part of Down Cotton’s Hotel Collection, the Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set is a notable exception. The set’s sticker price falls well below average for Egyptian cotton bedding, but the quality and performance of these sheets are on par with many higher-end collections.

A 400 thread count gives the sheets and pillowcases a good balance of breathability and volume, ensuring comfortable year-round use, while the sateen weave accentuates the cotton’s silky-soft hand-feel. The fabric’s smooth touch is especially well suited to people with acne, rashes, and other conditions that cause sensitive skin. The cotton also has a long-staple composition, so each item in the set should hold up well over time with minimal pilling and good resistance to wear and tear.

Six sizes are available, all of which correspond to standard mattress dimensions. Twin and twin XL sizes include a flat sheet, fitted sheet, and single pillowcases, while larger sets feature all of these components and an additional pillowcase. The fitted sheet’s pocket depth of 18 inches makes it compatible with most mattresses sold today, including many luxury pillow-tops and other high-profile models that are too thick for standard-pocket sheets.

You can also choose from more than two dozen solid color and stripe patterns for the set. These include neutrals, earth tones, and more vivid options such as burgundy, gold, light pink, and bright red. The sheets and pillowcases are fully machine-washable. Machine wash each item in cool water using mild soap or detergent, then tumble dry on low heat. Owners can also iron on low heat to reduce wrinkling.

In addition to an accessible price-point, the Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set qualifies for low-cost ground shipping throughout the U.S. Down Cotton permits returns and exchanges within 30 nights of the purchase date.

What are Hotel Sheets?

As you might have noticed from the diverse options in our list, “hotel sheets” is a fairly broad descriptor. It encompasses any sheets likely to be found in a high-end hotel, which tend to be durable cotton sheets whether in silky-smooth sateen, or a crisp percale weave. One thing that all good hotel sheets have in common is a soft, welcoming feel that invites guests to relax and let themselves be pampered.

Luxury hotels strive to offer their guests the ultimate comfort, yet the high turnover rate also means that bedding must be easy to care for and resistant to repeated washes. These qualities are typically found in sheets with a higher thread count, made with better-quality materials. Long-staple cotton is a popular choice due to its soft, breathable feel and its ability to resist pilling and tearing.

How to Choose Hotel Sheets

In your quest for the best hotel-quality sheets, you’ll come across an overwhelming range of sheet sets in endless styles. We’ll walk you through the sheet-buying process step-by-step, first helping you narrow down which style you want, and then focusing on some of the traits of cotton sheets, as these are the most common hotel sheets. We’ll end with a discussion of thread count and answer some common buyer questions about hotel sheets.

What to Consider When Buying Hotel Sheets

Bedding manufacturers know that many customers want a sheet set that mimics the feel of a luxury hotel, and there’s no shortage of sheet sets that are simply marketed as “hotel sheets,” with a correspondingly high price-tag. Since “hotel sheets” is such a vague category, it helps to know what type of sheets you’re looking for.

The following factors are some of the most important things to look out for when buying sheets. Focusing on these areas can help you avoid buying inferior-quality sheets due to misleading marketing.

Weave
The weave plays a major role in determining how a set of sheets feels, with different types of weaves conferring different levels of smoothness, fuzziness, crispness, and breathability. The most common weaves found in hotel sheets are cool, crisp percale and sleek, luxurious sateen.

Feel
By understanding how the weave, material, and quality of sheets affects their feel, you can get a pretty good idea of what type of sheets you’ll like. This makes it much easier to shop for sheets online.

Fit
Most sheet sets are standardized to fit the most common mattress types, in particular twin, queen, full, and king sizes. However, it always pays to double-check measurements before ordering to avoid buying sheets that are slightly too long or too short. Mattresses with a taller-than-average profile may also need deep-pocket fitted sheets, or fitted sheets that are fully elasticized for a snugger fit.

Price
Bed sheet prices vary widely depending on material, quality, and design, with high-end cotton, linen, and Tencel sheets costing more than polyester and cheaper cotton. It’s possible to find hotel-quality sheets at lower price-points, but the vast majority will command a premium as they’re engineered to provide exceptional comfort and stand the test of time.

Thread Count
Thread count measures the total number of threads in one square inch of material, calculated by adding the vertical and horizontal threads. In certain types of sheets, such as cotton sheets, a higher thread count can indicate a better-quality product. When judging a sheet set by the thread count, keep in mind that thread count can be manipulated and is not always an accurate gauge of quality.

Design, Color, and Pattern
Since your sheets are a central part of your bedroom, you’ll want to choose a practical design and color that go well with the room’s aesthetic. Hotels tend to opt for white sheets, as they match everything and they’re easy to care for. If you have a specific color scheme in mind, the design, color, and pattern options may be the deciding factor in your purchase.

Breathability
Sheets with looser weaves or natural materials tend to allow for more airflow and allow heat to escape instead of building up around the body. Most sleepers prefer breathable sheets, as they do a better job of regulating temperature and preventing sweat build-up. Moisture-wicking fabrics such as Tencel are also a popular choice with hot sleepers.

Durability
Depending on the material and the weave, certain types of material may shrink, fade, pill, tear, or lose their color over time. Long-staple cotton or other materials made from long fibers are less prone to pilling and tearing. In turn, sturdy weaves such as percale are less likely to snag compared with delicate weaves like sateen. Durability is especially important for hotel sheets that see a lot of traffic and undergo frequent washing. For this reason, you can usually assume that sheets targeted at hotels should have above-average durability.

Ease of Care
Bed sheets should generally be washed every week or two, so it’s best to choose sheets that can be easily washed, dried, and ironed if needed. Certain types of materials shrink or get damaged with high heat, and other types can’t handle fabric softener or bleach. Meanwhile, others can be treated with wanton abandon and still be fine. There are commonalities across materials, but it’s always a good idea to carefully read the care label before throwing new sheets in a washing machine.

What Types of Hotel Sheets Are Available?

Hotel sheets is a broad category, and you may come across many different types of sheets between hotels. While Tencel, linen, and polyester sheets have all been successfully used in hotels, hotel sheets are most commonly made of cotton or cotton blends.

In addition to being soft and breathable, good-quality cotton sheets are very durable, an advantage that makes them ideal for use in hotels. Cotton quality is mostly determined by the length of its fibers, referred to as the staple. While they are more expensive to cultivate, longer-staple cotton plants are able to produce stronger, finer threads that become stronger, softer, more breathable sheets. Three types of cotton in particular are known for their exceptional qualities:

Pima: Pima is a long-staple cotton variety that was developed in America from the same cotton species that originally produced Egyptian cotton. It’s generally lauded as one of the best types of cotton, though in recent years it’s been supplanted by Supima.

Egyptian: Traditional Egyptian cotton sheets are made of long-staple cotton and usually boast a thread count of 400 or more. Most people automatically assume that Egyptian cotton sheets are high quality, as Egyptian cotton has earned a reputation for being the best in the world. Today, while Egypt still does make good-quality cotton sheets, plenty of manufacturers also produce low-quality sheets in Egypt and call them Egyptian cotton. Check the label to be sure they’re made of long-staple cotton before paying a premium for Egyptian cotton sheets.

Supima: Supima, or “Superior Pima,” is a type of extra-long staple cotton produced in California, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It’s a trademarked, American-grown Pima cotton that meets strict standards.

Cotton sheets can be woven in any number of ways, but the most common weaves are percale and sateen:

Percale: Percale sheets have a one-up, one-over weave, with an equal number of horizontal and vertical threads. This sturdy material is cool and breathable, with a feel that tends more towards crisp as opposed to soft. The equal distribution of warp and weft threads provide exceptional durability.

Sateen: Sateen is a one-up, four-over weave with a higher number of threads running in one direction. Many people like sateen for its luxurious feel and appearance, which retains a slight sheen. Sateen is more delicate and retains more heat, making it a favorite with people in colder climates.

Who is Best Suited to Hotel Sheets?

Hotels tend to choose sheets that appeal to the vast majority of their guests, so it’s safe to say that most people should enjoy the feel of hotel sheets. The sheets may differ in style, breathability, or feel, but the sheets you find in luxury hotels should always be soft and comfortable. With few exceptions, they also tend to be very breathable, which is ideal for most sleepers and especially those who sleep hot.

The biggest drawback to hotel sheets may be the price tag. Luxury hotels can afford to buy the best sheets, but the price-points are sometimes out of the range of the average customer. If you hunt around, you might find hotel-style sheets priced under $100 that offer good value for money. However, the prices likely won’t be in the lowest budget range.

Another consideration is the color scheme. Hotels usually opt for generic white sheets that are easy to care for and match with any room. Accordingly, hotel sheet manufacturers tend to focus on elegant, understated color schemes. If you prefer more vibrant colors or patterns, you may want to expand your search to sheets that aren’t marketed as hotel sheets.

What Is the Ideal Thread Count for Hotel Sheets?

Thread count is the total measure of vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch. A higher thread count usually indicates that the material has been made with longer, finer fibers.

Hotels favor sheets with a high thread count because they are softer, more breathable, and more resistant to pilling. Cotton percale sheets used in hotels typically have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets often have a thread count between 300 and 600.

It’s not uncommon to see sheets that boast a higher thread count, sometimes even reaching higher than 1,000. Since it’s virtually impossible to squeeze this many threads into a square inch, these higher thread counts are usually achieved using double-ply and triple-ply threads. This does raise the total number of threads per square inch, but it produces material of inferior quality that feels scratchy and pills easily.

While thread count is one way to ascertain the quality of your hotel sheets, you should always check the fiber length as well to ensure you’re getting a true good-quality product.

More Frequently Asked Questions About Hotel Sheets

Can I get the same sheets as the ones used at my favorite hotel?

Many hotels are happy to share the name of their bedding provider, and some even sell the sheets directly on their website. Check the tag and don’t be afraid to reach out to the hotel if you’re having trouble tracking down the name. In cases where hotels are reluctant to provide this information, you may be able to find information with a quick Google search. Bedding manufacturers that provide sheets to luxury hotels sometimes list these hotels on their websites.

What is the typical price range for hotel sheets?

Hotel sheets will usually set you back around $200, depending on the quality and style. However, there are many exceptions to this rule, with some hotel sheets costing less than $100 and others costing more than $400. If you liked the feel of your hotel sheets but can’t afford that specific brand, you may consider searching for cheaper sheets made of a similar material and weave. Some manufacturers offer short sleep trials so you can try out the sheets and see how you like them before committing to your purchase.

How long do hotel sheets last?

In general, hotel sheets are built to be durable and to last longer than the average sheet set. If they can be used for an endless string of guests at the hotel, then they should be able to withstand years of home use. To ensure you’re buying sheets with a long lifespan, check details like the thread count, weave, and staple length. It’s not necessarily a given that manufacturers will offer warranties on sheets, so be sure to do your research ahead of time.

How do I wash and care for hotel sheets?

Most hotel sheets can be machine-washed and dried. Depending on the material, you may need to steer clear of high temperatures, vigorous wash cycles, and chemicals like bleach and fabric softener. To prevent wrinkling, most manufacturers recommend taking the sheets out of the dryer as soon as they are dry and placing them directly on the bed. Always check the care label before washing your sheets for the first time to avoid shrinking or otherwise damaging them.

Still have questions?

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What type of sheets do most hotels use?

Conclusion. Most hotel bed sheets are high-quality cotton, though you'll occasionally find hotel bed sheets made from linen. Look for durable and soft cotton, like Egyptian and Supima, and keep up with cleaning your sheets and bed so your bedroom feels like a luxury hotel.

Which is better percale or sateen?

Sateen and percale sheets are both popular, but for very different reasons. Customers often like sateen sheets for their silky texture, excellent draping, resistance to wrinkles, and stylish sheen. However, many prefer percale sheets for their crispness, breathability, and durability.

What sheets do 5star hotels use?

Typically, five-star hotels follow three rules regarding the type of sheets they purchase for their beds. Knowing their guests all need high-quality rest, the sheets must have a high thread count, be Egyptian cotton, and the sheets' colors must be white.

What thread count is used in hotels?

Cotton percale sheets found in hotels usually have a thread count between 250 and 600, while cotton sateen sheets will usually have a thread count between 300 and 600. However, it's important to keep in mind that a higher thread count doesn't necessarily mean better quality.