Asking guests to bring towels and wash them

[Devika18]

I recently went on a trip and the host asked me to bring my own towels...lol I thought that was supposed to be included as it's an essential. But I try to be drama free and bring them...to my surprise they left beach towels and some bath towel for our usage but asked me to wash them. This is highly irritating because I'm on vacation and I pay a cleaning fee and towels should be taken care of. Is this normal because this will haul my decision to rent on air bnb again...

[Helen744]

@Devika18 I suspect if they have provided 'beach towels ' then the minimum of towels are provided like most Airbnbs do ,but that guests tend to either prefer their own towels for beach swimming, or they are not allowed to be taken from the property. Yes most Airbnbs will provide sufficient towels, but maybe read the amenities list .Its generally clear and is listed under 'linens' ,also before travelling its okay to ask the host any little thing that you are not sure of ,via messaging or phone. Good luck with your future trips and remember your host with Airbnb wants to talk to you , as you are their guest...H

[Helen744]

but Devika they are not 'hotels ' so if you need 'lots of towels ' then maybe go to a hotel ..Airbnb tend to provide for independant travellers and you are expected to be able to 'shift for yourself ' nothing out of the normal generally.Please look at where you wish to travel to very carefully and look at the hosts notes. This will tell you everything that you need to make your own decision ...It is different and not for everyone.. H

[Devika18]

Helen, I've traveled the world and never have I been asked to wash the towels I use...I know how to read just as they know how to charge my card. Not all descriptions are accurate on these sites. I'm allowed to have an opinion or ask a question about something I've never dealt with prior.....PEACE 

[Nur785]

@Devika18 

No it's not normal. Both asking the guests to bring their own towels and asking them to wash them are very unusual and I can confidently say probably less than 1% of airbnbs would have such a rule. 

You can always check out the house rules before you book, but most will provide sufficient towels and most (like 99%) will not ask you to wash your own towels, at most perhaps they will ask you to put them in the washer before you leave to save the cleaners sometime, but that's it. 

[Devika18]

Yeah that's what I thought, but I just didn't want the drama so the beach towels we used I just washed them. 

[Deb216]

@Devika18,  I Host a private home located on beautiful Cape Cod.

I supply our Guests with sheets, blankets, bath towels, beach towels, etc. and I do not ask our Guests to do the laundry!

Many cape cod rentals do not, I'm one of the few who are happy to help lighten the Guests' load so that they can relax and enjoy their stay

[Mariann4]

It's common in many areas to not provide towels or even linen @Devika18 . It's not a mandatory essential, but if you tick the box that you provide essentials towels and linen are on the list.

Airbnb tried to make it mandatory a few years back. They extremely soon had to reverse their decision since they operate worldwide and different places have different standards, culture or even financial capabilities. The protests were substantial.

[Till-and-Jutta0]

Other hosts experience that in Denmark too. There seem to be some differences between holiday home customs in various countries.