Towels are one of those simple luxuries that can make or break a guest’s experience. They may seem like a small detail, but when you’re designing a space to make guests feel welcome, there’s no substitute for a well-chosen set of fluffy, cozy, cloud-like bath towels. Soft, absorbent towels that dry quickly are key to providing that hotel-quality feeling that keeps guests coming back.
But not all towels are created equal! Choosing the best towels for an Airbnb requires balancing comfort, durability, and practicality.
In this guide, we’ll outline what to consider when choosing Airbnb towels and provide expert product recommendations so you can start shopping for these bathroom essentials today!
Should you provide Airbnb towels?
Yes, you should absolutely provide towels in your Airbnb!
Towels are one of the essentials every short-term rental needs. Just like at hotels, guests assume your property will be stocked with bath towels.
But don’t just provide the bare minimum. You want towels that say “I’ve thought about your comfort.” Offering plenty of bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths not only shows attention to detail but also elevates the guest experience.
How many towels do you need for Airbnb?
You know you need towels, but now you’re probably wondering how many sets of towels you need for your Airbnb.
Here’s the rule of thumb:
- Bath towels: 2 per guest + 2 extra in storage
- Hand towels: 1 per sink + 1-2 extra in storage
- Washcloths: 1 per guest + 2 extra in storage
- Pool/beach towels: 1 per guest
To keep things simple for you and your cleaning staff, pick a number and stick with it. Don’t bother putting out a different number of towels after each turnover. Instead, set out enough to meet your maximum occupancy every time. It’s better to have too many than not enough towels!
When purchasing towels, don't forget about your laundry cycle. If you're turning over the property quickly between guests, you need to have enough sets of towels to avoid running out.
Consider buying bulk towels for Airbnb. It’s a cost-effective way to stock up and ensure you always have a clean, fresh set at the ready.
How to choose the best Airbnb towels
Choosing the best towels is like choosing the best pillows — they need to meet a balance of function and comfort.
Consider these factors when choosing the best towels for a rental property:
Size
When it comes to towel size, bigger is usually better. Guests expect Airbnb bath towels that are large enough to wrap themselves in after a shower.
- A standard bath towel should measure at least 27" x 52" (but it doesn’t hurt to go bigger!)
- Hand towels should be around 16" x 30"
- Opt for 13" x 13" washcloths
Drying time
No one likes a damp towel. The quicker your towels dry, the better — especially if you've got back-to-back bookings.
Towels with quick-drying fabrics like cotton blends are a lifesaver. They’ll keep your laundry cycle moving smoothly, and your guests won’t have to worry about a soggy towel after a shower. You want towels that feel fresh and ready to use — without a long wait.
Absorbency
Absorbency is what separates a good towel from a great one. Look for towels that quickly soak up water and dry your guests off without excessive rubbing.
Turkish cotton is an excellent option for high-absorbency towels, which is why it's a host favorite.
Durability
Airbnb towels go through more use than you can imagine. They get washed frequently, and they’re likely to encounter some rough handling.
Choose towels that are built to last. High-quality cotton towels with strong stitching can withstand many washes without losing their shape or softness. Investing in durable towels will save you money in the long run.
Easy to replace
Let’s be honest: towels get dirty, worn out, or even stained. You need options that are easy to replace.
Instead of buying a set of towels from a store like Marshalls, where the stock is constantly changing, purchase from a reputable brand and opt for a line that has longevity. Otherwise, if you want to replace an old towel but still match the existing ones, you’ll have to hunt!
Texture and softness
Softness is what people remember most about towels. No one wants to step out of a shower and dry off with a scratchy, stiff towel.
Opt for towels with a soft texture that also maintain their softness after multiple washes. (Scroll down to see our list of recommended Airbnb towels that fit the bill!)
What color towels for Airbnb?
When choosing the best color towels for Airbnb, you’re really choosing how your bathroom will feel. The color of your towels can subtly influence the vibe of the space. But there’s also practicality to consider.
White towels:
- Pros: Classic, clean, and easy to maintain. White towels offer a luxurious hotel feel and can be bleached when needed. They also match any bathroom aesthetic, from minimalist to luxurious.
- Cons: White towels show stains easily. Frequent washing and attention are required to keep them looking pristine.
Colored towels:
- Pros: Great for avoiding stains and adding a pop of color to your bathroom. You can match them to your bathroom’s theme or add personality to the space.
- Cons: Colored towels can fade over time and may not always pair well with different bathroom decors. Some guests also expect white towels at rental properties because they feel cleaner.
For most Airbnbs, white towels for Airbnb are usually the best bet. They’re timeless, versatile, and easy to maintain, ensuring your guests feel pampered and the towels stay fresh throughout multiple stays.
List of best Airbnb towels
Towels are an Airbnb bathroom essential that you can’t overlook. Instead of spending hours scouring the internet for the best Airbnb towels, check out our recommendations below:
Best white towels for Airbnb
White towels are synonymous with cleanliness and luxury. These options will leave your bathroom feeling crisp and fresh, with a hint of hotel-style elegance.
Soft, absorbent, and made from premium cotton, these Turkish bath towels from Quince will make your guests feel like they’re at a five-star resort. The quality is top-notch, and they maintain their plush feel after multiple washes.
Parachute's Classic Turkish Cotton bath towels are a staple in high-end hospitality, offering luxurious softness and excellent absorbency. They are made from 100% Turkish cotton, providing a spa-like feel that your guests will love.
Crafted from thick Turkish cotton, the Zenith towels from Turkish Towel Company are highly absorbent and quick to dry, making them perfect for high-traffic Airbnb rentals. They offer a perfect balance of softness and durability.
Designed for the frequent use of short-term rentals, these bath towels by Parachute Hospitality are thick, absorbent, and durable. Perfect for busy vacation rentals, they’ll stay soft wash after wash!
A1 American's Golden Touch bath towels are as luxurious as they sound. Made from high-quality cotton, they offer a plush feel that your guests will appreciate.
Best bath towels for Airbnb
When shopping for bath towels for Airbnb, look for options that combine comfort, durability, and functionality. These choices will help your bathroom feel like a private spa:
Parachute's Soft Rib bath towels have a subtle ribbed texture that adds a touch of luxury while remaining practical. Their softness and absorbency make them perfect for high-traffic vacation rental bathrooms.
Brooklinen’s Classic bath towels are known for their plush feel and excellent absorbency. They’re a perfect choice for Airbnb hosts.
Made from bamboo, these Kassatex Kyoto towels are not only soft but also eco-friendly. They dry quickly and maintain their luxurious feel after repeated washes.
With their unique texture and eco-friendly materials, Ettitude's Bamboo Waffle towels are soft, absorbent, and quick-drying, making them ideal for Airbnb rentals.
Best hand towels
Don’t overlook your bathroom hand towels! They’re essential for a well-stocked bathroom. These hand towels are plush, absorbent, and ready for frequent use:
Soft, durable, and perfectly sized, Brooklinen's Classic hand towels are great for STRs.
These hand towels from Parachute Hospitality are made with high-quality Turkish cotton, providing both absorbency and a luxurious feel.
Best makeup towels for Airbnb
Makeup towels — essentially black washcloths — help protect your primary towels from makeup stains.
These options are gentle enough to use on your face while also being durable enough to withstand multiple washes:
Turkish Towel Company's Makeup Washcloths are designed to remove makeup while staying resistant to staining, making them the perfect addition to your Airbnb bathroom.
Another great makeup towel option, your cleaning staff will thank you for stocking Parachute Hospitality's Makeup Towels!
Best washcloths
Washcloths are an essential part of the towel lineup for your Airbnb. We recommend:
Soft, durable, and made for frequent use, A1 American's Golden Touch washcloths offer comfort and reliability for your guests. Perfect to withstand daily wear and tear.
Best Airbnb towel sets
Opting for a towel set is a smart and easy way to get the right number of towels without overthinking it. With multiple sizes in each set, you get consistency across your property and make it easy to replenish towels as needed. Here are some towel sets we love:
California Design Den's Signature Comfort 6-piece set offers softness, durability, and everyday luxury. The set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.
Made with eco-friendly bamboo, Comphy's towel set provides ultimate softness and comfort. The set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.
The Zenith 6-piece set combines plush softness and a high-end feel. Set includes two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths.
Where to buy towels for Airbnbs
Finding great towels is easy when you know where to look. Here are the best places to buy towels for Airbnbs.
Minoan
Minoan is your one-stop shop for Airbnb furniture, decor, and amenities. It’s a free-to-join, no-obligations platform exclusively for STR hosts and boutique hoteliers, offering discounts on industry-favorite brands.
We partner with over 100 brands — including those listed below — to pass incredible pricing onto you. Best of all, you can add your Airbnb towels to one cart alongside any other essentials or furniture you’re shopping for, and check-out all at once through Minoan.
Join Minoan today for free to start saving!
Quince
Quince offers luxurious, eco-conscious products at an affordable price point, focusing on premium materials without the hefty price tag. They’re known for their sustainable approach to home goods, ensuring that you can offer your guests both comfort and sustainability.
Quince's towels are incredibly soft, highly absorbent, and durable enough for frequent use, making them an ideal option for Airbnb hosts who want to make their spaces feel like a five-star hotel.
Brooklinen
Brooklinen has built a strong reputation for offering premium bedding and bath essentials at affordable prices. Their towels are known for their plushness, quick-drying qualities, and attention to detail. With a focus on comfort and durability, Brooklinen’s towels are perfect for Airbnb hosts who want to provide their guests with a spa-like experience.
Parachute Hospitality
Parachute Hospitality is the hospitality-focused arm of Parachute Home, a renowned brand known for its luxurious bedding and bath products. While Parachute Home caters to the consumer market, Parachute Hospitality offers tailored solutions designed specifically for the needs of short-term rental hosts. Their towels, made from high-quality materials like long-staple Egyptian cotton, combine durability with comfort, offering a premium experience for your guests.
Turkish Towel Company
Turkish Towel Company specializes in high-quality, handcrafted Turkish cotton towels that are both luxurious and durable. Known for their superior absorbency and softness, these towels make a stylish addition to any bathroom. Their rich history and craftsmanship shine through in every product, and their towels are perfect for Airbnb spaces.
Comphy
Comphy is a premier supplier of hospitality-grade linens, offering products specifically designed for short-term rental properties. Their towels are quick-drying, soft to the touch, and built to handle the constant use typical in high-traffic properties. With a focus on durability and comfort, Comphy towels provide an upscale experience for your guests while maintaining practicality for busy Airbnb hosts.
FAQ
What is the towel etiquette for Airbnb?
First, always provide a clean set of towels for each guest, which should include at least one bath towel, one hand towel, and a washcloth. If your Airbnb is larger or caters to families, add extra towels for convenience. And, don't forget to wash new towels before first use!
Make sure towels are neatly presented, either rolled or folded, and stored in an easily accessible location. Guests will appreciate having a backup set in case of accidents or spills, especially if they’re staying for an extended period.
Lastly, regularly replace older towels with new ones to maintain a fresh and welcoming environment.
What are the best quick dry towels for Airbnb?
Quick-drying towels are a game-changer for Airbnb hosts. They’re perfect for properties with high turnover and limited drying time between guest stays. The best quick-dry towels for Airbnb are typically made from materials like Turkish cotton or bamboo, which are both lightweight and absorbent.
Towels like the Turkish Towel Company's Zenith Bath Towels or Ettitude's Bamboo Waffle Towels are fantastic options because they dry quickly and maintain their softness and durability after numerous washes.
Are Costco towels good for Airbnb?
Costco towels can be a great budget-friendly option for Airbnb hosts, especially if you need to purchase in bulk. They’re generally durable and offer a solid balance of absorbency and softness, which is important for your guests’ comfort. While they might not have the same luxurious feel as higher-end options, they can still get the job done effectively, particularly for properties where a more economical choice is needed.
The main thing to keep in mind is to choose towels that are easy to wash and retain their quality after repeated use, so look for ones that are rated for heavy-duty cleaning, and always replace them when they start showing signs of wear.