Skip to content 
Wonder why hotel towels feel so luxurious? It’s frustrating when home towels feel scratchy. I’ll reveal the simple manufacturing secrets that make all the difference.
The secret lies in a combination of high-quality materials, specialized manufacturing, and professional laundering. Hotel towel manufacturers use 100% long-staple cotton, specific weaving techniques for durability, and processes designed for frequent, high-temperature washing. This creates that signature softness and absorbency you notice in hotels.
But it’s not just about one single secret. It’s a series of deliberate choices made by both the hotel and the manufacturer. From the type of cotton chosen to the way the towels are washed, every step matters. If you’ve ever wanted to bring that hotel experience home or offer it to your own customers, you need to understand these details. Let’s break down the most common questions I get about hotel towels.
What brand of towels do hotels use?
Ever tried to find the brand name on a hotel towel? It’s often a dead end because hotels don’t shop retail. Let me explain what they prioritize instead.
Hotels rarely use retail brands. Instead, they partner with commercial suppliers who manufacture towels to specific standards. These towels are often unbranded or feature the hotel’s own logo. The focus is on material, GSM, and durability, not a well-known consumer brand name.
Hotels operate on a massive scale, so buying retail brands isn’t practical or cost-effective. A retail towel is designed for home use, maybe a few washes a week. A hotel towel needs to withstand industrial laundering—high heat, strong detergents—daily for years. That’s why they work with manufacturers like us at TowelTrend. We create towels based on specifications, not brand names. It’s all about performance. Here’s a quick breakdown of what hotels demand.
Material is King
Hotels almost always choose 100% cotton. Long-staple cottons like Turkish or Egyptian are favorites because their longer fibers create a softer, stronger, and more absorbent yarn.
Weave and Weight
The classic terry weave is standard, but the weight, measured in Grams per Square Meter (GSM), is crucial. A higher GSM means a plusher, more absorbent towel.
| Feature | Hotel Towels | Standard Retail Towels |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Durability & Performance | Aesthetics & Brand |
| Material | 100% Long-Staple Cotton | Cotton, Blends, Microfiber |
| GSM Range | 600 – 900 GSM | 300 – 600 GSM |
| Sourcing | Direct from Manufacturer | Retail Stores |
Where do hotels get towels from?
Think hotels just pop down to a department store for their towels? That’s a common mistake. They actually use a specialized supply chain to get the quality they need.
Hotels source towels directly from commercial linen manufacturers and suppliers, like us at TowelTrend. These specialists understand the rigorous demands of the hospitality industry. They provide durable, high-volume products designed for constant use and industrial washing, ensuring consistency across thousands of rooms.
I’ve worked with hotel procurement managers for years, and their priority is always a reliable supply chain. They cannot afford inconsistencies or stock shortages. This is why they build long-term partnerships directly with manufacturers. This B2B relationship gives them bulk pricing, unmatched consistency, and the ability to customize products with their own logos. The process is very structured.
Initial Consultation
First, we sit down with the procurement team to discuss their specific needs. We talk about the desired guest experience, their budget, and the capabilities of their on-site or third-party laundry service.
Specification & Sampling
Next, we define the exact towel specifications—GSM, cotton type, size, and border style. We then produce samples for them to feel, test, and wash. They need to see how the towel performs before placing a huge order.
Production & Logistics
Once the sample is approved, we move to full production with strict quality control at every stage. We then handle the logistics, shipping the towels directly to the hotel’s central warehouse or individual properties around the world. This factory-to-door model removes friction and ensures they get exactly what they need, when they need it.
How do hotels get their towels to smell so good?
Do your towels smell musty even after washing? It’s a common problem. The secret isn’t a special fabric softener; it’s the professional laundering process hotels use every day.
Hotels achieve that fresh smell through a combination of high-heat washing, specialized detergents, and precise drying. They use industrial machines that wash at higher temperatures to kill bacteria, along with oxygen-based bleaches and neutralizing agents that remove odors without damaging the cotton fibers.
The fresh, clean scent of a hotel towel has very little to do with added perfumes. It is the result of a scientific cleaning process designed to restore the towel to a neutral, hygienic state. In my experience, this is one of the most guarded secrets of the hospitality industry.
The Washing Formula
Hotels use a multi-step chemical and thermal process. The main wash cycle uses very hot water, often between 140°F and 160°F (60-70°C), to effectively kill germs and bacteria. They use powerful detergents and an oxygen-based bleach. Unlike chlorine bleach, which can weaken cotton fibers and cause yellowing over time, oxygen bleach is gentler and whitens effectively.
No Fabric Softener
Here is the biggest surprise for most people: hotels do not use fabric softener. Fabric softeners work by coating fibers with a waxy, water-repellent film. This film builds up over time and kills a towel’s absorbency. The signature softness of a hotel towel comes from the high quality of the cotton itself and the tumbling action of the dryer, which fluffs the fibers.
The Drying Process
Proper drying is the final, critical step. Towels are tumbled in large, hot dryers until they are 100% dry. Any lingering moisture is a breeding ground for mildew and musty smells.
Why are hotel towels so good?
Ever wonder why hotel towels feel so much softer and more absorbent? It’s not just in your head. I’ll explain the key factors that create that luxurious, five-star feel.
Hotel towels feel superior because they are made from high-quality materials like 100% long-staple cotton. They are also constructed with a high-density weave (high GSM) for maximum absorbency and plushness, and are professionally laundered to maintain softness without residue from fabric softeners.
The exceptional quality of a hotel towel is not an accident. It is the result of intentional choices across three key areas. When a client comes to me asking to replicate that "hotel feel" for their own brand, I always walk them through these three pillars.
Pillar 1: Superior Raw Materials
It all starts with the yarn. As I mentioned, hotels invest in 100% long-staple cotton. The longer fibers create a yarn that is both stronger and softer. This means the towel can withstand harsh washing while feeling incredibly plush against the skin. It also makes the towel more absorbent and less prone to linting.
Pillar 2: Purpose-Built Construction
Hotel towels are engineered for performance. They feature a high GSM, which means more cotton loops are packed into every square inch. This dense construction is what makes them so thirsty. The edges are also reinforced with double-stitching to prevent fraying and unraveling, extending the towel’s life.
Pillar 3: Professional Care
The final piece of the puzzle is the professional laundering routine we just discussed. By avoiding fabric softeners and using high heat to clean and fluff the fibers, the hotel’s laundry process preserves the towel’s integrity. It ensures that the premium materials and construction continue to perform at their peak.
Conclusion
In short, the secret to great hotel towels isn’t a single trick. It’s a commitment to quality materials, purpose-built manufacturing, and professional laundering from start to finish.
