When a guest walks into a hotel bathroom, the feel of hotel towels is one of the very first things they notice. A towel is not just a piece of fabric — it’s a soft embrace after a long day, a moment of comfort, and a small but powerful signal of your hotel’s care for its guests.
At YOB Hotel Supplies, we believe that choosing the right hotel towels is one of the most important decisions a hospitality‑business owner can make. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of hotel towels, how to choose them, and why your choices matter for both guest experience and your operational costs. Choosing the right hotel towels can transform a simple stay into a memorable experience.
Also, as you refine your linen and towel procurement strategy, we invite you to explore our full Hotel Supplies Guide 2025 — your go-to resource for building a smarter, more guest-focused supply plan.
At YOB Hotel Supplies, we believe the quality of your hotel towels reflects your care for guests.
1. What Types of Towels Do Hotels Typically Use?
When we talk about hotel towels, there isn’t just one “towel.” Different towels serve different purposes, and a well-managed hotel needs a variety of them to deliver a cohesive guest experience.
Here are the main types of hotel towels every hotel should have.
- Bath Towels
These are the workhorses of the hotel bathroom. Bath towels are meant for drying off after a shower or bath. For many hotels, a standard bath towel is a must-have because it balances absorbency and size. - Bath Sheets
Bath sheets are essentially oversized towels — larger than typical bath towels, often around 40” x 70” (or similar, depending on the supplier). These give a very luxurious, spa-like feel and wrap guests in a more generous embrace. - Hand Towels
Placed near sinks or vanity areas, hand towels (~15” x 24” or so) are smaller, but they are used frequently. A soft, well-made hand towel communicates care and quality, even in the smallest details. - Washcloths / Face Towels
These are the smallest towels in the collection, used for washing the face or body. Washcloths typically measure around 12” x 12” (or similar) in commercial linen systems. These small towels matter a lot — when they are plush and soft, guests feel truly looked after. - Pool / Spa Towels
These towels serve outdoor or wellness areas: pools, gym, spa. They are often designed to be lightweight (for quick drying), durable, and easy to launder repeatedly. - Specialty Towels
Depending on your hotel’s operations, you may also need towels for specific use cases: gym towels, yoga towels, peshtemal towels (flat-weave, thin and quick-dry), or fouta towels (Mediterranean / Turkish‑style).
By stocking a balanced mix of these towel types, YOB Hotel Supplies helps you deliver not just functionality, but a thoughtful, differentiated guest texture experience. Understanding the different hotel towels helps you choose the right ones for each purpose.
2. What Does GSM Mean, and Why Is It So Important for Hotel Towels?
One of the most common questions we receive at YOB Hotel Supplies is: ‘What GSM of hotel towels should I choose?”
GSM stands for grams per square meter — it is a measure of a towel’s density and weight. In simpler terms, GSM helps you understand how heavy, plush, or absorbent a towel is.
Here’s a breakdown of GSM ranges and what they mean:
- 300–400 GSM: These are lighter towels. They dry quickly, but they are less plush. These are ideal for hotel pool towels or budget hotels where laundry turnover is high.
- 400–600 GSM: This is the “sweet spot” for most hotel bath towels. Towels in this range provide good absorbency, softness, and are manageable from a laundry point of view.
- 600–900 GSM: These are heavyweight, luxury towels. They feel very plush, indulgent, and absorbent — perfect for high-end hotels or spa-like experiences. But they take more space in washing machines and dry slower.
Selecting hotel towels with the right GSM ensures guest comfort and operational efficiency.
Why GSM Matters for Hotels
- Guest Experience
A higher GSM towel gives a feeling of luxury, but too heavy, and it might stay damp for long. The right GSM balance helps guests feel pampered without compromising on practicality. - Operational Efficiency
Heavy, high GSM towels need more time in the washer and dryer, which means higher energy costs. For high-occupancy hotels, that adds up. Lighter towels save on laundry costs and dry faster. - Durability
Towels with a well-chosen GSM, loop density, and construction can stand up to frequent washes. Lower-quality towels might flatten, fray or lose absorbency over time. ormire.com
At YOB Hotel Supplies, we help you pick the right GSM for your hotel type — be it a boutique luxury property or a high-traffic budget chain — so that every towel is an investment, not just a cost.
3. Which Materials Are Best for Hotel Towels?
GSM is crucial, but the material and weave of hotel towels are equally important. These factors determine how soft, absorbent, durable, and cost-effective your hotel towels will be.
Choosing high-quality hotel towels ensures softness, absorbency, and durability.
Common Materials Used in Hotel Towels
- 100% Cotton
Cotton remains the most popular material for hotel towels due to its natural softness, breathability, and excellent absorbency. - Turkish Cotton
Turkish cotton has long fibers, which makes towels smooth and durable. It’s fast-drying and holds up well to repeated use. - Egyptian Cotton
This is the premium king. Egyptian cotton uses extra-long staple fibers, giving a super soft, plush feel. Luxury hotels frequently choose Egyptian cotton towels for their signature guest experience. - Microfiber / Synthetic Blends
These towels are lightweight, quick-drying, and can be very practical for pool, gym, or spa use. Microfiber towels can hold quite a lot of water relative to their weight.
Weave Types: How They Impact Feel & Performance
- Terry Weave: This is the most common. A looped surface provides great absorbency — guests love the plush feel and quick wipe.
- Dobby or Jacquard Border: A decorative woven border (dobby or jacquard) adds elegance and durability to the edges.
- Huckaback Weave: A textured weave that’s good for delicate use. A huckaback towel feels a little more textured and can dry well.
- Waffle Weave: Often used for spa towels or peshtemal-style towels (flat, lightweight). Dries quickly, looks sophisticated.
When you choose hotel towels from YOB Hotel Supplies, we guide you to match the material and weave with your brand promise — whether it’s “ultra-luxury spa” or “efficient, clean, and green.”
4. How to Choose the Right Towel Quality: Durability, Finish & Cost-efficiency
Deciding what hotel towels to buy isn’t just about how soft they feel — it’s about balancing guest satisfaction, durability, and your bottom line.
Here are the key things to look at:
Durability Factors
- Loop Construction: Denser loops mean more absorbency and longer life.
- Double-ply Yarn: Towels made with double-ply yarn are stronger and resist thinning over time.
- Edge Binding: Quality hems and edges (like lock-stitched or reinforced borders) prevent fraying, shrinking, or unraveling.
- Stitching & Border Design: Dobby borders or reinforced seams add both durability and elegance.
Finish & Design
- Border Type: A dobby or jacquard border gives a premium feel. Avoid overly ornate embroidery if you want longevity — more stitching can weaken the structure.
- Color vs White: White towels are classic and bleach-friendly, making them easier to maintain. Colored towels are stylish, but require color-fast dyes, especially for hotel laundry.
- Customized Branding: If you want to add your hotel logo or embroidery, choose towels with plain, sufficiently wide hems that support stitching.
Operational & Cost Trade-Offs
- Higher GSM = Higher Cost: Plush towels (GSM 600–900) look amazing, but they cost more to wash, dry, and store.
- Laundry Infrastructure: If your laundry system is highly efficient, you can handle heavier towels. If not, medium GSM may make more sense.
- Replacement Cycle: Well-chosen, high-quality towels may cost more upfront but can last longer, reducing your replacement rate.
- Eco Considerations: Towels made from organic or recycled fibers may cost more but can be a strong selling point for sustainable hotels.
At YOB Hotel Supplies, we offer a range of towel qualities — from economy to luxury — so you can align your towel inventory with your brand story and operational realities.
5. How to Decide How Many and What Sizes of Towels to Stock
Once you’ve selected the types, GSM, and material, the next big question is: How many towels do you need per room? What sizes should you keep in your inventory par levels?
Here’s a practical guide, based on hotel room types, guest usage, and linen rotation needs.
Considerations for Stocking
- Room Type & Class: Luxury suites may require more bath sheets; economy rooms may be fine with simple bath towels.
- Usage Patterns: If guests tend to reuse towels, you may need more per room to avoid shortages.
- Laundry Turnover: Faster laundry operations mean you can get by with fewer towels; slower laundries need bigger buffers.
- Storage: More and larger towels require more storage space, which has cost implications.
- Link to Pillar Blog: For a deeper dive into planning hotel linen par levels, inventory management, and procurement, check out our Hotel Supplies Guide 2025 — where we cover everything from linen rotation to cost optimization.
6. How to Maintain and Care for Hotel Towels to Extend Their Lifespan
Choosing the perfect hotel towels is only half the battle — how you care for them determines how long they stay soft, absorbent, and beautiful.
Here are best practices for laundry, drying, and long-term care:
Laundry Best Practices
- Avoid Fabric Softener
Hotels often skip fabric softener. Why? Fabric softener coats towel fibers with a waxy residue, reducing their absorbency over time.
Instead, use white vinegar occasionally (for example, once in six weeks) to remove detergent buildup and residue. - Use the Right Detergent & Cycle
Use a mild detergent, avoid overloading the washer, and choose a suitable cycle for towels. Too much detergent can trap residue; too little means poor cleaning. - Laundry Frequency & Turnover
Wash towels frequently, but not so often that the fabric wears out. Monitor the condition of your towels — signs like frayed loops or reduced absorbency mean it’s time to rotate them out.
Drying & Storage
- Dry Thoroughly: Towels must be fully dry before storage, or they may develop mildew or odor.
- Use Dryer Balls: Wool dryer balls help fluff towels during drying, reduce drying time, and avoid the need for softener.
- Fold Correctly: Folding towels properly keeps fibers aligned and helps them last longer.
Deep Cleaning
Every few months, run a “stripping” cycle: wash towels in hot water with no detergent, but with a cup of white vinegar or a stripping agent. This helps remove buildup from detergent, fabric softener, and skin oils.
Replacement Strategy
- Monitor Towels for wear and tear: thinning loops, reduced absorbency, or fraying edges are key indicators.
- Rotate Stock: Use a rotation plan so all towels have a lifespan and none are overused.
- Invest in Quality: As we discussed earlier, higher-quality towels (with good GSM, loop density, and construction) will last longer and reduce replacement costs over time.
By following these maintenance strategies, YOB Hotel Supplies ensures that your towel inventory not only delights your guests but also gives you a strong return on your linen investment.
7. Are Eco‑friendly or Sustainable Towels Worth It for Hotels?
More and more, guests care about sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly hotel towels isn’t just a green move — it’s a smart business decision.
Why Sustainable Towels Matter
- Guest Perception: Eco-conscious travelers appreciate properties that align with their values.
- Certifications: Towels made from organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled materials — especially with certifications like OEKO‑TEX or GOTS — can enhance your property’s green credentials.
- Long-Term ROI: Even though eco-friendly towels may cost more initially, if they are well-constructed, they can last just as long as conventional towels.
- Operational Efficiency: Some sustainable towels are designed to be lighter (lower GSM) while maintaining performance, thus balancing laundry costs.
Material Options for Eco Towels
- Organic Cotton: Free from synthetic pesticides, grown responsibly, great texture.
- Bamboo-Blend: Naturally antibacterial, soft, and sustainable, though usually blended with cotton or other fibers.
- Recycled Fibers: Towels made from recycled yarns or fabrics; help reduce environmental footprint.
At YOB Hotel Supplies, we offer eco‑friendly towel lines that do not compromise on plushness or durability. You can choose sustainable options that reflect your brand values and also support your green initiatives — all while delighting guests.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Hotel Towels
Even seasoned procurement teams can make mistakes when selecting hotel towels. Here’s a list of common pitfalls, and how YOB Hotel Supplies helps you avoid them.
- Choosing GSM Without Considering Laundry Capacity
- Mistake: Buying ultra-heavy towels (800+ GSM) without checking if laundry machines can handle them.
- Solution: We assess your laundry system and recommend a GSM that balances luxury and operational practicality.
- Mistake: Buying ultra-heavy towels (800+ GSM) without checking if laundry machines can handle them.
- Ignoring Weave & Loop Density
- Mistake: Focusing only on GSM but neglecting loop construction — two towels with similar GSM can behave very differently.
- Solution: We guide you on how loop density (number and length of loops) influences absorbency and durability.
- Mistake: Focusing only on GSM but neglecting loop construction — two towels with similar GSM can behave very differently.
- Over-embellishing
- Mistake: Overdoing embroidery, branding, or decorative borders, which can weaken the towel and make it less durable.
- Solution: We recommend plain but elegant designs, with thoughtful hem options that support embroidery without compromising structure.
- Mistake: Overdoing embroidery, branding, or decorative borders, which can weaken the towel and make it less durable.
- Mismatched Par Levels
- Mistake: Underestimating how many towels you need per room or failing to plan rotation, which leads to shortages or poor inventory control.
- Solution: We provide par-level planning based on your hotel size, guest turnover, and laundry frequency.
- Mistake: Underestimating how many towels you need per room or failing to plan rotation, which leads to shortages or poor inventory control.
- Neglecting Maintenance Practices
- Mistake: Not following best laundry practices (e.g., using fabric softener, overloading machines), leading to towels that degrade quickly.
- Solution: We include a maintenance guide when you order, so your housekeeping team cares for towels in a way that extends their life.
- Mistake: Not following best laundry practices (e.g., using fabric softener, overloading machines), leading to towels that degrade quickly.
9. Bringing It All Together: Why Choosing the Right Hotel Towels is a Game-Changer
At YOB Hotel Supplies, we understand that towels are more than just functional items — they’re emotional touchpoints. They welcome your guests after a long journey, they dry their skin gently, and they whisper, “We care.”
Here’s a recap of why your towel choices matter deeply:
- Guest Experience: Soft, absorbent towels enhance perceived value and satisfaction.
- Operational Efficiency: Correct GSM and material choices save on laundry costs and reduce replacement cycles.
- Brand Alignment: Towels can reinforce your brand (luxury, eco, boutique, budget).
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly towels help you reduce environmental impact and resonate with eco-conscious travelers.
- Long-Term Value: Investing in quality towels (with the right GSM, weave, and care) yields better long-term ROI.
10. Elevate Your Guest Experience with the Right Towels
Choosing the right hotel towels is not a small decision — it’s a strategic one. It affects guest satisfaction, laundry cost, brand promise, and sustainability.
When you work with YOB Hotel Supplies, you get more than just linen: you get a partner. We help you pick the right towel types, materials, GSM, and par levels for your unique hotel. We also provide care guides, rotating strategies, and eco options — truly end-to-end.
Ready to elevate your guest experience with towels that feel like home but speak of luxury?
Check out our YOB Hotel Supplies towel catalog or contact us for a consultation. Let’s find the perfect hotel towels that blend beauty, comfort, and operational sense.