Hi Karen -
Sorry to hear about the guest switching out the good linens.
I actually have since got more educated about linens. First of all, there isn't a standard on threadcount (TH) and the type of cotton. So, manufacturers can put what they want. There isn't any association or business group certifying the TH and type of cotton. The most important issue i found is breathabilty of cotton sheets. There are two kinds of weaving - parcale and sateen. Parcale sheets are said to be more breathable. Second, there is the issue of chemical on the sheets to make them look less wrinkle.
The sheets that you really want to use is parcale at about 300 TH. Breathability is the key. Any TH more than TH will make the sheets less beathable. Without anti-winkle chemical or micro-fibre - so it will have some wringles which for people who the product would love it. The wringles actually make the bed more welcoming.
I think BRANDING is key as Airbnb becomes more saturated. Today, Airbnb has SuperHost but it's based on the host responsivieness and reviews. It does not take into account the sheets and how we deliver the product (PLACE) to our guests. Highend hotels, on the other end, are rated based on sheets, spotless condition and the special attention to detail put to the room.
Recently, a new company WanderJuant was founded in San Franchico, to make a brand on AirBnb. They are going about to contract/acquire properties to put on Airbnb. They want to furnish the properties with the furniture they selected and I am sure they are going to standardize on linen etc. For us (hosts), these are our future competitors. Actually, what WanderJuant wanted to do is not new. They are known as Service Apartments and they are all over major metropolitans in Asia and Europe. They are alreadey in AirBnb and more will come.
Several companie have posted on this thread tried to plug their products and online ordering website. Sure they sell sheets, etc, like Target and Walmart. I believe we have no problem finding sheets. The issue is return on investment to get good quality sheets. If we invest in good linens, how can get rewarded for our action (not having the guest swapping them out).
If we are not going to figure out how to provide better products and services, other people like WanderJuant and Service Apartment companies will step in the grab all the good opportunities, and independent hosts will become bottom feeders.