When planning a stay in a hostel, understanding what you can expect and what you should bring in your own luggage is crucial for a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Among the common questions travelers have is whether hostels offer towels. It is a basic yet essential thing to have...right?
This article aims to provide a clear and quick answer to this question, along with additional insights to help travelers prepare for their hostel stays. If you're first-time in a hostel, this information will be especially helpful.
Do you need to bring a towel to a hostel?
A good hostel usually provides towels for free. However, some hostels charge a fee or require a deposit. It is recommended to bring your own travel towel. In the case that the hostel provides you a towel, use it. This will safe you time packing and cleaning your own towel.
Here on Hostelz, you can filter for hostels offering towels and more amenities.
Do Hostels provide Towels?
Yes, many hostels provide towels to their guests. Although availability can vary widely based on the hostel's individual policies and the type of accommodation offered. It's common for hostels to include towels as part of the room amenities, especially in private rooms or more upscale dormitory options, ensuring guests enjoy a convenient and comfortable stay. Understanding hostel etiquette will help you navigate these differences.
There are 3 options for towels in hostels:
- Free and Included
- For Rent / leave a deposit
- Not available at all
On Hostelz.com you can see all amenities that a hostel is offering, including their towel policy. Learn more about different accommodation options in our guide - 10 types of hostels.
Renting or Free? Towels in Hostels
Having worked in hostels, we understand why some facilities choose not to offer towels as a standard amenity.
In other cases, environmental concerns motivate this choice, as reducing laundry can significantly lower a hostel's water and energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable operation.
Are you a hostel manager? Learn more about hostel management in how to create an irresistible hostel.
Common practices among hostels that do not provide towels for free include offering towels for rent or requiring a deposit. This can be even up to 5€ for hostels in Europe.
Friendly reminder: For 5€ you might only be renting the towel; not purchasing.
The deposit is typically refunded once the towel is returned at the end of the stay, ensuring that the towels are used "properly", have not been destroyed, and returned for future guests.
Money-saving tip: For smart travelers who want to save money, ALWAYS bring your own towel.
How to Ensure You Have a Towel During Your Stay?
Firstly, it's wise to verify the amenities provided by the hostel BEFORE finalizing your booking. Every hostel list their available amenities, including towels, on their website or on all the booking platforms we all know.
Here on Hostelz.com you can obviously filter if a hostel offers towels.
We compare hostel prices from Hostelworld and Booking, so you save lots of money on your hostel choices.
Rememeber, in our comparizon tool, you can compare 3 hostels side-by-side. Exactly here is where you can check if a hostel offers towels, breakfast, free luggage storage and anything you want to compare.
Check out the comparizon tool here.
All that being said: I always recommend packing a quick-dry travel towel.
Pack your Own Light-weight Travel Towel (Always!)
Travel towels are an indispensable item for anyone staying in hostels, offering a versatile solution in situations where towels are not provided or come at an extra cost. Unlike regular towels, travel towels are designed with the traveler in mind, boasting features that cater to a life on the move.
I am always looking for these towels:
- Compact and Lightweight: Travel towels are made from microfiber or other lightweight materials, making them easy to pack without taking up much space or adding unnecessary weight to your luggage.
- Quick Drying: They dry incredibly fast compared to standard towels, a crucial feature when you're frequently on the move or in environments where drying conditions are less than ideal.
- Multi-purpose: Beyond drying off after a shower, they can serve as a blanket, pillow, or privacy screen in shared sleeping situations.
Where to buy Quick Dry Towels for travelling?
The obvious choice is Amazon.com. You will find a lot of different options. Stores like Decathlon also offer high-quality travel towels that are both compact and quick-drying, ideal for travelers, backpackers, and hostel guests.
Travel towels are just the start. For a comprehensive guide on preparing for your travels, check out our detailed hostel packing guide.
Want to save even more money while travelling? Good news, we share 21 simple ways to save money while travelling. These are some basic tips every traveler should know!
Travel Towels to Avoid: Cotton!!
During my first-ever backpacking trip, I quickly learned that cotton towels are not the ideal choice for travelers. While cotton towels are absorbent and might feel familiar, they fall short for those of us on the go, particularly for anyone staying in hostels or moving frequently.
- They are Bulky: You can save a lot of space by NOT packing them...
- Moisture Retention: They take long time to dry...
- Starting to smell easily: Due to their tendency to retain moisture, cotton towels can start to smell unpleasantly after just a few uses, making them less hygienic without regular washing.
Seriously, although we all have them at home (and we love them!), they are not ideal for travelling.
Towels not included? Here is why
Some hostels simply do not provide towels or offer them at an extra cost, because they want to improve their revenue. Simple as that! Not offering towels by default (included in the price), they reduce their service costs. In some region in the world, this might be necessary to actually offer you a lower dorm price.
Therefore, we would say: do not be too hard on a hostel that does this.
All that being said, we have also seen hostels who simply want to get every single dollar out of your pocket. A little bit like these budget airlines charging you for every gram.
FAQs Related to Hostels and Towels
Are hostel towels free?
Yes, many hostels offer free towels. The availability of free towels in hostels varies depending on the hostel's policy and the type of room you book. While some hostels include towels at no extra cost, particularly in private rooms or higher-tier dormitories, others may charge a small fee or require a deposit. It's always best to check the hostel's amenities list or contact them directly for the most accurate information.
Can I rent a towel at a hostel?
Yes, many hostels offer the option to rent a towel for a nominal fee. This service is particularly common in places where towels are not provided as a standard amenity. The rental fee is often very reasonable, and renting a towel can be a convenient option for travelers who prefer not to carry their own. Always inquire at the front desk about the availability and cost of towel rental upon arrival.
Do Hostels Have Lockers?
Yes, hostels provide lockers for guests to secure their valuables. The availability and size of these lockers can vary by hostel, so it's recommended to check in advance or upon arrival. Read our complete guide on Do hostels have lockers? for more details.
Do Hostels Provide Bedding?
Yes, hostels provide bedding for their guests, including sheets, pillows, and blankets.
Do Hostels Have Showers?
Yes, hostels typically have shared bathroom facilities, including showers. Some hostels may also offer private bathrooms in certain rooms.
Do Hostels Provide Soap?
No, usually hostels do not provide soap. While some hostels may provide basic toiletries like soap, it's not a universal amenity. Travelers are often encouraged to bring their own essential toiletries.
Do Hostels Provide Shampoo?
No, usually hostels do not provide shampoo. It's a good idea to bring your own, although some hostels might sell these items or offer them in vending machines.
Do Hostels Provide Pillows?
Yes, hostels generally provide pillows along with other bedding essentials for a comfortable night's sleep.
Do Hostels in Europe provide Towels?
In Europe, as in other regions, hostel policies on towels vary. Many European hostels do provide towels for guests. It's always best to confirm with the specific hostel you're planning to stay at.
Check out our guide on How to book hostels in Europe for more details.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the towel policies of hostels is essential for a comfortable stay. Always check the amenities provided ahead of your booking and be prepared for varying policies - see our guide on WHEN to book hostels? For Spontaneous Souls & Pre-Planners. We recommend always bringing your own travel towel. It is always handy.
Bon Voyage!
Featured image by Hood Hostel in Yangon, Myanmar.
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About the author: Dormitory Dave
Hey there, I'm Dormitory Dave – a backpacker and hostel aficionado at heart. I absolutely love exploring new places, meeting new people, and sharing travel stories over a pint of beer. For me, the sense of community that hostels provide and the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world is what makes my travels so enriching. In fact, some of my closest friends were made while staying in hostel dorms around the world.
When I'm not on the road, you can find me reminiscing about my travels over a plate of spicy street food or working on yet another travel article for Hostelz.
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