Hostel stays are great for staying on a budget and finding new friends when you travel, but you might have some questions before you check in, like do hostels provide towels?
Knowing what amenities each hostel offers will help you pack for your trip accordingly. And as a hotel pro, I can help!
Most hostels do not provide towels, so it is important to pack your own. However, some nicer boutique hostels do provide towels.
Keep reading to learn more about hostel amenities and what you must bring for a stay.
Last updated: January 31, 2025
Published: January 30, 2024
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you. This compensation may impact how and where links are placed on this site.
⭐Get 10% Off Your First GetYourGuide Booking! Looking for the best tours, tickets, and activities for your next trip? The GetYourGuide app makes booking easy, with skip-the-line access, mobile tickets, and free cancellations on most activities. Download the app today and use code exponentialtravels10 for 10% off your first booking!
⭐Want to travel more and spend less? Daily Drop is a free, 5-minute daily newsletter that covers everything from travel tips and maximizing points to the latest deals and giveaways. Whether you’re new to travel or an expert, you’ll get valuable tips that can save you money and help you book your next adventure. 👉 Sign up for Daily Drop now!
Looking for more guides about staying in hostels?
- Amenities in Hostels
- Benefits of Staying in Hostels
- Hostel Safety for Solo Female Travelers
- Hostel Age Limits
- Lockers in Hostels
- Laundry in Hostels
- Packing List for Hostels
- Private Rooms in Hostels
- Toiletries in hostels
- What are hostels like?
Do Hostels Provide Towels?
I have stayed in dozens of hostels all over the world, so I have a lot of experience and knowledge when it comes to the amenities that hostels offer, including towels.
More often than not, hostels do not provide towels to guests, although they may be available to rent for a small fee. The lack of towels is one of the many ways hostels keep costs down, making them a great option for budget travelers.
Since hostels don’t provide towels, I suggest you always bring your own when you travel, even if you are expecting your hostel to provide one.
My go-to travel towel is the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel. I have two of them (in the largest size), and I love how fast they dry. They are also very compact, so they barely take up room in my backpack. Even if I pack both (usually one for showers and one for the beach), they don’t add much extra weight or space to my bag, which is why I love them so much.
However, there are hostels I have been to that have provided towels. These are typically “2-star” hostels and usually nicer chains (like HI hostels) or boutique hostels.
You can contact the hostel to see if they provide towels, or read the description on HostelWorld, which is my go-to site for booking all my hostels.
Hostelworld has over 36,000 hostels in 170+ countries, and it’s my go-to for finding a fun and clean place to stay no matter where I travel.
Hostel Towel Policies
Hostel towel offerings differ and can be a little confusing for first-time hostel-goers. Unlike hotels, where guests can almost always expect towels to be part of the standard room amenities, hostels vary in whether or not they provide towels.
Some hostels are similar to hotels in that they provide towels at no extra charge. These tend to be the more upmarket or boutique hostels that aim to provide a more inclusive experience. However, it’s not a given, and many hostel-goers come prepared with their own towels.
There are hostels, particularly those catering to the most budget-conscious travelers, that do not offer towels to their guests. This helps keep their costs, and therefore prices, low, but you have to bring your own towels and toiletries. Read more about what toiletries hostels provide in my guide to shampoo in hostels.
Other hostels offer a compromise by providing a towel rental service. Towel rental usually involves a small fee, ranging from a dollar to a few dollars. It sometimes includes a deposit that you get back upon returning the towel at the end of your stay.
Travelers need to check the hostel’s towel policy in advance. This information is often found on the hostel’s website, in the FAQs section, or by looking at reviews from previous guests.
Hostelworld (my go-to site for booking hostels worldwide) makes it easy to see what amenities each hostel offers.
Knowing what each hostel offers ahead of time can save you from any surprises and ensure you are adequately prepared for your stay at any hostel.
What To Do When Hostels Don’t Provide Towels
If you ever find yourself at a hostel without towels, don’t worry! There are several solutions to consider that will keep you dry and comfortable throughout your stay.
First, you can ask someone at reception where you can buy an affordable towel near the hostel. Local markets or department stores often carry cheap options that won’t ruin your travel budget.
Another possibility is to rent a towel directly from the hostel. Renting can be a convenient option, as it saves you the hassle of going out to buy one, and it’s usually not too costly — around a few dollars. Moreover, renting a towel from the hostel ensures you don’t have to travel with a wet towel when you depart. Not all hostels offer towels for rent, but this is a great option when they do.
However, many experienced travelers bring their own towels. A common choice is a microfiber towel, which is lightweight, compact, and quick to dry. Bringing your own microfiber towel ensures that you are prepared regardless of the hostel’s amenities, provides comfort in knowing it’s clean and personal, and offers versatility as it can be used at the beach, gym, and elsewhere.
My go-to travel towel is the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel. I have two of them (in the largest size), and I love how fast they dry. They are also very compact, so they barely take up room in my backpack. Even if I pack both (usually one for showers and one for the beach), they don’t add much extra weight or space to my bag, which is why I love them so much.
Regardless of your choice, being prepared and knowing your options will make your hostel experience hassle-free. Whether purchasing locally, renting at the hostel, or packing a trusty microfiber towel, you’ll be ready for a fun hostel stay.
The Advantages of Microfiber Towels for Travelers
Microfiber towels stand out as the preferred choice for many travelers because of their advantages. These towels are designed to be extremely lightweight, making them easy to pack without adding significant weight to your luggage. Anything lightweight is particularly beneficial for backpackers or those traveling with carry-on only, where every ounce matters.
One of the most essential features of microfiber towels is their quick-drying capability. Unlike traditional cotton towels, which may take hours to fully dry, microfiber can dry quickly, often within a few hours, when hung in a well-ventilated space. Quick drying time means you can use your towel, hang it to dry, and pack it up again without much delay — an ideal scenario for fast-paced travel or when moving from one location to another.
Additionally, microfiber towels are highly absorbent and can hold several times their weight in water. These qualities make them incredibly efficient for drying off after a shower, swim, or unexpected downpour. Despite their high absorbency, they remain compact when folded, occupying minimal space — a key consideration when packing light.
Durability is another factor not to be overlooked. Microfiber towels are robust and can withstand numerous washes without losing their absorbent properties, making them an excellent long-term investment for your travels.
Lastly, these towels often come with antibacterial properties that help prevent the buildup of odors and mildew, ensuring the towel remains fresh for longer periods — an essential feature when laundry facilities are scarce or you’re out exploring for the day.
In light of these benefits, carrying a microfiber towel is a wise choice when hostels do not provide towels and as a general travel practice. They embody the functionality and practicality that every traveler seeks while on the road.
My go-to travel towel is the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel. I have two of them (in the largest size), and I love how fast they dry. They are also very compact, so they barely take up room in my backpack. Even if I pack both (usually one for showers and one for the beach), they don’t add much extra weight or space to my bag, which is why I love them so much.
Hostel Amenities Wrap Up
Hostel amenities vary, and towels are one of the most important things you will need that may not be offered. Some hostels provide towels for free, others charge a small rental fee, and some do not provide them at all.
Packing a microfiber towel is a good idea if you will be staying in hostels, and it’s smart to bring your own towel regardless of what the hostel offers.
Ready to find an awesome hostel for your next trip?
Do Hostels Provide Towels? FAQs
Do all hostels provide towels?
Not all hostels provide towels. It’s common for hostels to have varying towel offerings. Some include towels as a free amenity, others offer towel rental services for a small fee, and some hostels may not provide towels at all, expecting guests to bring their own.
Should I rent a towel from a hostel or bring my own?
Whether you should rent a towel from a hostel or bring your own depends on your preferences and the nature of your trip. Renting can be convenient and saves luggage space, but bringing a microfiber towel ensures you have a quick-drying and travel-friendly option that is always at your disposal, regardless of where you stay.
What are the benefits of a microfiber towel for travel?
Microfiber towels benefit travelers because they are lightweight, compact, and quick-drying. They can also be more hygienic, as they are easy to clean and dry in a short amount of time. This makes them ideal for backpacking, where weight and space are at a premium, and quick turnaround times are often needed.
How much does it typically cost to rent a towel at a hostel?
The cost of renting a towel at a hostel typically ranges from a dollar to a few dollars. Prices may vary depending on the country, the quality of the hostel, and whether the towel rental is offered as a standalone service or as part of a package with other amenities.