Extra towels for 5+ nights?

[Sara11312]

Hi everyone,

Quick question: for stays of 5 nights or more, do you provide double towel sets per guest, or just one set since there’s a washing machine available?

I aim to offer great service, so I’d love to hear what’s worked best for you and what guests usually expect.

Thanks!

Sara

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Sara11312 

Good question  - for a weekend stay I provide 2 sets of towels, and a lot more in the bathroom cupboard.  Guests with long hair need more towels, and some of us put them on a chair to sit on, which protects the fine upholstery. There are many more reasons any of us might use more towels in an ordinary stay, so I am generous. Definitely consider what you might wish for, and provide that, plus more. 

[Kelly333 · Accepted solution]

Hi Sara,

I've got 2 larger properties and I've basically stocked the linen closets with about 20 towels so guests can self serve (I don't just put out X # of towels for example).  I'm with you. I tend to err on the generous side and it has worked out great. No complaints and no guests have gone crazy with too much towel usage. 

Would it be possible for you to have a stash of towels guests can access so you don't have to give them more towels after 5 days?  Since you have a washing machine on site (and I assume a dryer too), then I would just provide guests with a bunch of towels and let them do laundry if they want fresh towels after a few days.  

Speaking of towels, the only "cleaning" I ask guests to do is to start a load of towels before they leave which saves my cleaners about 45 minutes each time. No guests have complained about having to start a load of laundy.  Maybe because they were grateful I had so many towels 🙂 

[Marie8425]

@Sara11312 

The best starting point is what is my average reservation.?

For me, my majority are single men with minimum30 day stays usually longer.  I supply 1 bathroom set and 1 bedroom set of linens.  I supply the laundry machines and soap.  I also monitor if washed as much as I like Haha.  If too long for me 10 days, I offer free trade for clean. lol  Some trade and some do laundry.  Nobody is mad.

[Frances3408]

@Marie8425 . 10 days for one towel, knowing its a tradie would be too long for me, even if they get my brown ones 😉

[Marie8425]

@Frances3408 

I totally agree haha but I try not to play mom since I usually have over 30 year old professional men. lol  The washer is available or since long stays they have a comfort level of just ask I will trade sooner.

The best, that we still laugh about, I offered a bed linen trade and he said no need I brought my own blanket so I am just sleeping on top of the bed. Haha  Then the quilt is your sheet, probably should clean it. lol  He is still here so not offended but I didn't understand that logic. lol

[Frances3408]

@Sara11312 . i'm with @Kitty-and-Creek0 . Two towels per person for a weekend stay and three for a 5 plus night. It saves the electricity (especially the dryer) of them running just a few things through and many guests are conscious of eco waste so often leave the extras untouched. We also have plenty of outdoor hanging options when the sun is shining.

One dog towel per dog per stay. 

All our guests staying in 3 bed homes are families and generally turn down the extra linen service offered after 7 nights, preferring to use the washer, dryer onsite when convenient.

[Elisa]

Hi @Sara11312 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question here, it’s a really interesting one!

I’m glad you connected with many hosts to talk it through.😍

What did you end up deciding about the extra towels?

Looking forward to hearing from you!

[Lilian1313]

Yes to leave extra towels. I normally put two towels per person for weekend stays, but I always leave extra towels in a bathroom closet in case they need more. I would definitely leave more available for 5+ nights. 

[Mary1523]

Hi, I do the opposite. I only leave one towel per person plus 2 hand towels and 2 bath mats per bathroom. The hygiene of hand towels and bath mats was more important esp post COVID.

My property takes 12. My laundromat bill would explode with any more towels, and another bag to get to the laundromat. I've got a washer and dryer and i know they use it, even for 2 night stays. Would rather them do that. Had no complaints after 10 years. It's interesting to read the other host experiences.

Even with pool towels, I ask guests to BYO but do provide some emergency pool towels. I justify this by saying that its unfair to lumber the cost of pool towels across those who don't swim as I would have to increase the rate to cover those. I again ask for emergency pool towel use to wash and dry and put back where found.

I found initially when I left double the amount of towels out, they used them all! 

If I was washing towels myself, maybe I would leave more towels out!

All the best, regs MK