Most high-end hotel beds in 2026 use 100% Egyptian or Pima cotton with a percale or sateen weave for their sheets. Cotton is preferred because it is breathable, durable enough to withstand daily commercial laundering at high temperatures, and becomes softer over time. A percale weave is often used in warmer climates for its crisp, cool feel (think of a fresh dress shirt), while a sateen weave offers a silkier, heavier feel with a slight sheen that feels more luxurious. You will also find cotton-polyester blends in mid-range or budget hotels; these are used because they are more wrinkle-resistant and dry faster, reducing energy costs. The thread count for quality hotel bedding typically ranges between 300 and 600. Underneath the sheets, most hotels use a polyester-fill mattress pad and a "triple sheeting" method, which involves three layers of sheets instead of a traditional duvet cover to ensure maximum hygiene. Some eco-friendly boutique hotels are now also using Tencel (lyocell), a fabric made from wood pulp that is exceptionally soft and moisture-wicking.