How Many Bath Towels Does Your Hotel Need?

How Many Bath Towels Does Your Hotel Need?

Running a hotel requires providing adequate amenities for guests without overloading infrastructure, exceeding budgets, or diminishing guest experiences. Ensuring you have enough clean towels for guests during their stay is crucial. But how do you calculate how many towels you need per guest?

We have all the information to help you determine the number of hotel bath towels your business needs. We’ll explore how to calculate the number of towels, the types of towels you need, and the different types of towels you should provide.

How Many Bath Towels Does a Hotel Need?

The average hotel should have three times the number of towels per guest. For example, while one set of towels is being rotated between guests, another set is being laundered, and a third set is in storage. This strategy ensures you never run out of clean towels and maintain a steady rotation of linens in guest rooms.

The number of hotel bath towels you need depends on your budget, building capacity, and the experience you’re offering. If your hotel provides additional amenities like a pool or gym, you should prepare extra towels for guests using these facilities. These can be stored in the room or provided by staff when guests enter the pool or gym.

For a more luxurious hotel experience, you should stock a variety of high-quality towels. These can include makeup towels, bath towels, and face towels. As with standard bath towels, ensure you have enough to supply your hotel three times over.

Calculating Towel Needs

The number of bath towels depends on room size, expected number of guests, and the services provided. Many hotels stock a set amount for daily use, such as two bath towels, hand towels, and face towels per guest. You should also provide a bath mat for each stay and bathroom for guest safety when stepping out of the shower. Luxury hotels may opt for additional sets of bath towels and hand towels, while budget accommodations may provide two towels of each type per guest. Always have extra clean towels on hand if guests request more during their stay.

Types of Hotel Towels

Hotels provide various amenities to make guests feel at home. Besides hand towels, mats, and face towels, stock up on different types of towels. Here are six types of hotel towels to consider:

1. Bath Towels Bath towels are versatile staples in the hotel industry. They are ideal for multiple uses like drying hair, wiping off after a shower, and absorbing water on the floor. Ensure you have enough bath towels for any hotel stay. Use the rule of three and increase the number if you use towels in other areas around the hotel.
2. Pool Towels Having a pool can attract more guests, and stocking pool towels will keep swimmers happy. These don’t need to be as luxurious as bath towels but must be durable enough to withstand pool chlorine. Store them at the pool, so guests don’t need to bring bath towels from their rooms.
3. Spa Towels If you place high-end towels anywhere, it should be in the spa. Help guests relax with luxurious spa towels and provide them with a memorable stay. Spa linens include hand towels and face towels, which you can use in guest rooms even if your hotel doesn’t have a spa.
4. Towel Sets Towel sets typically include hand towels, face towels, and bath towels for guests to enjoy. Hotels often have two towel sets per guest in bedrooms and bathrooms. Depending on your business budget and services offered, you can include more or fewer of each towel type.
5. Hair Towels Hair towels are smaller and often made of fabrics or materials that keep guests’ hair smooth. Consider satin or microfiber towels for guests to use after a shower.
6. Bath Mats Bath mats provide a dry, non-slip surface to step on after a bath. To enhance cleanliness and safety, consider placing a durable bath mat in each bathroom.

Considerations When Buying Hotel Bath Towels

When considering how many bath towels each guest should have, also think about what type to buy, how guests will use them, and where you will store extras. Evaluate all business aspects to maximize efficiency and save money and time on excess towels. Remember the following when shopping for bath towels:

1. Material and Quality While all hotels aim to provide a comfortable stay, different hotels offer varying levels of luxury. If you provide a premium experience, you should have more choices in the number and quality of bath towels. Finding the right towel quality will enhance guest comfort and allow you to budget and stock everything accurately.Let’s look at three quality levels for hotel towels:
   • Economy: Economy-quality towels are 100% cotton but less luxurious than premium towels. They are durable, dry quickly, and withstand frequent use.
   • Premium: Premium-quality towels are softer and have a tighter weave than standard towels, offering more comfort.
   • Luxury: Luxury towels are the most luxurious, providing a smooth, soft texture that enhances the guest experience and shows appreciation for their business.
2. Usage Usage also affects the type of bath towels you should invest in. Hotels consume towels quickly—they often need to stock up for multiple guests and endure damage or loss. Bulk buying is the most efficient ordering method for these businesses. You get consistent products from one store and great discounts on bulk orders.Additionally, you’ll need different types of towels for various purposes. For example, stock extra durable towels for swimmers if you have a pool. If you offer hand towels, they should be used frequently while maintaining softness. Consider the durability and weight of towels when purchasing to have towels suited for your amenities.
3. Laundry Capacity Every hotel should have high-capacity washers and dryers to handle large amounts of laundry. Heavier towels take longer to dry, so housekeeping staff must split them into multiple loads. This affects your laundry time and the number of towel sets you buy. Stock enough bath towels so guests always have clean towels, even if it means hiring additional laundry staff.
4. Storage Space Storage space also impacts how many bath towels you can have. Luxury towels feel more opulent but are also heavier and thicker. Note your storage space size and the towels you want to ensure you have somewhere to place all stored linens. Train your staff to fold towels efficiently to fit all linens into one space.
5. Towel Animals Towel animals are a great way to improve the guest experience while adding a comfortable, luxurious atmosphere. Create various cute animals using different-sized bath and face towels.
   • Snake: Snakes need just a few rolls and folds to form a cute animal shape. Add construction paper eyes for a special touch.
   • Elephant: Elephant towels are more challenging to create but perfect for rooms with multiple guests, families, or children.
   • Swan: Swans are a romantic option to place on the bed in couples’ rooms.
   • Bunny: A folded bunny adds the cutest touch to your guest room, perfect for spring.
   • Crab or Lobster: If your hotel is near a beach, consider folding towels into crab or lobster shapes to welcome guests to the area.
   • Bear: Fold washcloths into bear shapes for an extra touch in your towel set.

The best towels for folding animals are bath towels, providing enough space to fold and mold the correct parts. Swans are among the most popular towel animals, especially in luxury hotels, honeymoon suites, and couple’s rooms. Consider matching towel animals with your hotel’s aesthetics and decor. For example, fold bears for a rustic cabin-style hotel or seasonal animals, such as birds and bunnies for spring.

Conclusion

Choosing the right number and types of hotel bath towels is essential for maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for your guests. By following these guidelines and considering your hotel’s specific needs, you can ensure that you always have enough towels to provide a top-notch experience for your guests.