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Best Mattress & Bedding Choices for 5-Star Sleep

Read Time:  
~4 min
Published on:  
September 23, 2025
LT
Experienced STR Host

You can have the coolest art, the trendiest furniture, and the cleanest kitchen on Airbnb…
But if your guests don’t sleep well? That’s what they’ll remember.

Sleep is the one thing every traveler expects to be great. It’s not a luxury—it’s the bare minimum. And yet, most hosts are still using old spring mattresses, pancake pillows, and sheets that feel like sandpaper.

Here’s how to upgrade your sleep setup like a 5-star hotel—without blowing your entire budget.

🛏 1. The Mattress: Support > Luxury

You don’t need a $2,000 luxury mattress. You need one that’s supportive, durable, and universally comfortable.

Best All-Around Pick:

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress (10" or 12")
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Medium-firm = crowd-pleaser
✅ Great for short-term stays

Want to go a level up?
Tuft & Needle Original or Nectar Memory Foam offer a plush-but-supportive experience that balances quality with price.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a mattress protector. Accidents happen. Protect your investment.

💤 2. Mattress Topper: Instant Cloud Vibes

Even a basic mattress can feel amazing with the right topper.

Guest Favorite:

Lucid 3” Gel Memory Foam Topper
Adds comfort, breathability, and that “sink-in” feel guests love. Plus, it helps extend the life of your mattress.

🛏️ 3. Sheets That Feel Like a Hotel

Crisp. Soft. Breathable. That’s the combo we’re after.

Our Go-To:

Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets or Mellanni Microfiber Sheet Set (for budget-friendly listings)

  • Percale = crisp, cool, and breathable (great for warm climates)

  • Microfiber = soft, durable, and wrinkle-resistant

Stick to white or neutral tones. They look cleaner, photograph better, and feel more luxurious.

🧸 4. Pillows: Give Guests Options

Pillow preference is so personal. One-size-fits-all? Doesn’t work here.

The Winning Formula:

  • 2 firm pillows for back sleepers

  • 2 soft/mid-loft pillows for side sleepers

  • 1 or 2 decorative pillows (if you want to add some flair)

Recommended brand: Beckham Hotel Collection – super popular, machine-washable, and affordable in bulk.

🛌 5. Duvets & Blankets: Layers Are Love

Temperature comfort is different for everyone. Offer layers, not just one bulky blanket.

Best Combo:

  • All-season down alternative duvet (light, fluffy, hypoallergenic)

  • Textured throw blanket at the foot of the bed

  • Optional: light cotton quilt for summer months

And yes: a duvet cover is a must. Wash between stays = peace of mind for everyone.

🧺 6. Towels: Don’t Go Thin and Scratchy

While we’re at it—cheap towels = bad vibes. Guests notice.

Go for thick, white, hotel-style towels that feel like they belong in a spa.

Recommended: Utopia or Chakir Turkish Towels
White is easiest to bleach + keep fresh-looking. Always have backups.

🌙 7. Bonus Comforts That Guests Rave About

These are small touches that turn a great bed into a destination:

  • Blackout curtains

  • White noise machine or fan

  • Bedside lamps with warm bulbs

  • USB charger at each nightstand

  • A bottle of water + sleep mask (for an extra “wow” moment)

Final Word:

Design sells. But comfort converts. When guests wake up refreshed, they’re more likely to leave glowing reviews, rebook, and tell their friends. Your sleep setup isn’t a back-end detail—it’s the core of your Airbnb’s reputation.

Want to build a five-star stay from the bed up?
We’ve helped dozens of hosts create listings guests can’t wait to return to.