If you are staying in a hostel for the first time, one of the most common questions you may have is whether hostels provide towels. The answer depends on the hostel.
After staying in dozens of hostels around the world, I’ve found that most budget hostels do not provide free towels, although many offer towel rentals for a small fee. However, some boutique hostels, upscale hostels, and larger hostel chains may include towels for free.
Because towel policies vary so much between hostels, it’s always a good idea to check the amenities before you arrive. In this guide, I’ll explain what to expect from hostel towel policies, when towels are usually included, and why I always recommend bringing your own travel towel just in case.
Keep reading to learn more about hostel amenities and what you must bring for a stay.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Published: January 30, 2024
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Do Hostels Provide Towels?
After staying in dozens of hostels around the world, I’ve found that most budget hostels do not provide free towels. Instead, many offer towel rentals for a small fee as a way to keep accommodation costs lower for travelers.
That said, some hostels do include towels, especially boutique hostels, upscale hostels, and larger hostel chains like HI Hostels.
Even when towels are included, I still recommend bringing your own travel towel just in case. A lightweight microfiber towel is usually the best option for hostel travel.
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.
Before booking, you can usually check whether towels are included by looking at the amenities section on Hostelworld or reading recent guest reviews.
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.
How To Check If A Hostel Provides Towels
Towel policies can vary a lot between hostels, which is why it’s important to check before you arrive.
In general:
- Budget hostels usually do not provide free towels
- Some hostels offer towel rentals for a small fee
- Boutique hostels and larger hostel chains are more likely to include towels
The easiest way to check is by looking at the hostel’s amenities section on Hostelworld. Most listings will clearly say whether towels are:
- Included for free
- Available to rent
- Not provided at all
You can also:
- Read recent guest reviews
- Check the hostel’s FAQ page
- Contact the hostel directly
I always recommend double-checking before your trip because showing up without a towel can be frustrating, especially if the hostel does not offer rentals.
If you are also wondering about toiletries, check out my guide to shampoo and toiletries in hostels.
What To Do If A Hostel Doesn’t Provide Towels
If your hostel doesn’t provide towels, don’t worry. There are still a few easy options that can make your stay much more comfortable.
Many hostels offer towel rentals for a small fee, usually just a few dollars. This is often the easiest option, especially for shorter trips. Renting from the hostel also means you don’t have to pack or carry around a wet towel while traveling between destinations.
If towel rentals are not available, you can usually buy an inexpensive towel nearby at:
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Department stores
- Local markets
Hostel staff can usually point you toward the nearest affordable option.
After staying in dozens of hostels, I personally think bringing your own microfiber towel is the best option. They are:
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Quick-drying
- Easy to pack
They are also useful beyond hostel stays for beaches, swimming, gyms, and long travel days.
Even if your hostel says towels are included, I still like having my own towel packed just in case.
Why Microfiber Towels Are Best For Hostel Travel
After staying in dozens of hostels, I’ve found that microfiber towels are one of the most useful things you can pack.
Unlike regular bath towels, microfiber towels are designed for travel. They are:
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Quick-drying
- Easy to pack
This makes them especially useful for hostel stays, where towels are often not included or may only be available for rent.
One of the biggest advantages of microfiber towels is how quickly they dry. Regular cotton towels can stay damp for hours and take up a lot of space in your bag, while microfiber towels usually dry much faster between hostel stays or travel days.
They are also useful beyond hostels for:
- Beaches
- Swimming
- Gyms
- Hiking
- Long travel days
Most microfiber towels also fold down very small, which is helpful if you are traveling with a backpack or carry-on luggage only.
Even when I know a hostel provides towels, I still usually pack a microfiber towel just in case.
Final Thoughts On Hostel Towels
Towel policies can vary a lot between hostels, which is why it’s always important to check before your trip.
While some boutique hostels and larger hostel chains provide free towels, many budget hostels either charge a small rental fee or do not provide towels at all. After staying in dozens of hostels, I’ve found that bringing your own microfiber towel is usually the easiest and most reliable option.
Before booking, I always recommend checking the hostel’s amenities, reviews, and policies so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
If you are planning your next hostel stay, Hostelworld makes it easy to compare hostel amenities, reviews, and room types before booking.
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?
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