How to Choose Hotel Linens: A Buyer’s Guide

If you manage a hotel, you know linens aren’t just sheets and towels—they’re part of the guest experience. People notice how sheets feel, how towels dry, and even how a bed looks when they walk into the room. Picking the right linens can make your hotel feel more comfortable and put-together without spending more than you need to.

But with so many choices, how do you know what’s best? This guide outlines simple steps for making the right decision for your business.

Tips to Choose Hotel Linens

  • Start With the Material

One of the first things to think about is the fabric. Hotel linens come in different materials, each with pros and cons. Here are the basics:

  • 100% Cotton: Soft and breathable. Guests love how it feels.

  • Cotton-Polyester Blends: Less likely to wrinkle. These are tougher and last longer.

  • Microfiber: Lightweight and dries quickly. Suitable for places with heavy use.

Cotton is a solid choice if comfort is your top priority. Blends are better for durability. Microfiber works well if you wash linens every day and need them to dry fast.

  • Thread Count Matters, But Not Too Much

People often think the higher the thread count, the better the sheet. But that’s not always true. Thread count tells you how many threads are in one square inch of fabric. While higher numbers can mean softer sheets, the quality of the thread itself matters.

For hotel use, look for thread counts between 200 and 300. This range represents the ideal balance between softness and strength. Anything higher can be pricier without offering much more value.

  • Think About What Linens You Need

Hotels don’t just need sheets. You’ll likely need a complete set of linens for each room and bathroom. Here’s a quick list:

  • Bed linens: Flat sheets, fitted sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers

  • Bath linens: Towels, hand towels, washcloths, bath mats

  • Dining linens (if your hotel has a restaurant): Napkins, tablecloths

Each one serves a different purpose, and picking the right materials and sizes for each type is essential. Towels should be thick enough to absorb but not so thick that they take forever to dry.

Do you need help finding a full range of hotel supplies and linens in one place? A good supplier can make your life easier.

  • Buy for the Long Haul

Low-cost linens might look good on paper, but they may wear out quickly, and replacing them all the time can be expensive. Spending more upfront on quality linens that can handle repeated washing and drying is usually better.

Ask suppliers about shrinkage, color fading, and how their products hold up after 50 or 100 washes. These details can make a big difference in the long run.

  • Size and Fit Are Bigger Deals Than You’d Think

When linens don’t fit right, they slow down your staff and don’t look great to guests. A sheet that’s too small is tough to stretch across a mattress, and one that’s too big looks sloppy. Make sure to check your bed sizes before placing an order.

Sizes vary, too, when it comes to towels. Oversized bath towels feel more luxurious and may be better for higher-end rooms. But standard sizes save on storage space and are easier to launder in bulk.

  • Buy in Bulk and Save Time Later

Ordering wholesale saves money, but that’s not the only benefit. Buying linens in bulk makes you spend less time placing orders every few weeks. You also get more consistent quality.

That’s where a reliable supplier like Linen Plus comes in. We offer a wide range of hotel supplies linens at wholesale prices. You can get everything in one place—sheets, towels, and cleaning supplies. That means fewer vendors to manage and better control over inventory.

  • Watch for Washability and Upkeep

Linens in hotels get washed a lot. Some hotels launder daily, especially in high-turnover properties. That means you need linens that won’t fall apart after a few cycles.

Good hotel linens should be:

  • Easy to wash in large loads

  • Quick to dry

  • Resistant to stains and discoloration

  • Tough enough to keep their shape

And don’t forget—better quality doesn’t always mean fancier. It just means the linens do their job well, again and again.

Why Linen Plus Is a Smart Choice for Hotels

At Linen Plus, we know how busy hospitality managers are. That’s why we make buying linens simple. We supply hotels across the USA with bulk linens that are made to last.

Here’s what you get when you work with us:

  • Durable materials built for commercial use

  • Consistent stock and fast shipping

  • Fair prices on large orders

  • A team that knows the hotel industry

We’re not just another supplier—we’re a partner. Whether you’re buying for one location or twenty, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Overthink It—Just Plan Ahead

Choosing hotel linens might seem like a small task, but it plays a big part in how guests view your hotel. Clean, comfortable, and well-fitting linens tell guests you care about their stay.

Start with what matters—material, size, and durability. Then, think about your long-term needs. When you're ready to place that first order or restock your current supply, work with a trusted source like Linen Plus.

For more on full-service hotel supply options, check out our collection of hotel supplies linens designed for every part of your property.