Airbnb hosts are expected to provide towels, but the exact number and type varies by listing
Airbnb does not have a single rule that applies to every listing. Instead, each host decides what towels and linens to include and lists those details in their property description. Most hosts do provide towels as part of the rental — it is standard practice — but you should always check the listing before you book to know what will be waiting for you.
The Airbnb platform itself does not supply towels or enforce a minimum number. Hosts buy and maintain their own linens. What you get depends entirely on what that individual host has chosen to stock and what they have written in their listing description.
Key Takeaways
- Towels are not may provide by Airbnb policy; each host decides what to provide and must list it in their property description.
- Most hosts include bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths, but the quantity varies — check the listing details before booking.
- If a listing does not mention towels, send the host a message before you book to ask what will be provided.
- Some hosts charge an extra cleaning fee that may or may not cover fresh towels; read the full listing to understand what is included.
Where to find towel information in a listing
Open the listing page for the property you are considering. Scroll down to the Amenities section. Hosts can check boxes for items like "Bath towels," "Hand towels," and "Washcloths." If these boxes are checked, the host is saying those items will be there. If they are not checked, assume they will not be provided.
Below the amenities checklist, many hosts add a written description of the property. Read this section carefully — hosts sometimes mention towel counts or quality here. For example, a host might write "Two bath towels and two hand towels per guest" or "Luxury Egyptian cotton towels provided."
If the listing does not mention towels at all in either section, that is a red flag. Send the host a direct message before you book and ask specifically: "Will bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths be provided?" A host who plans to include them will answer clearly. A host who does not will tell you, and you can decide whether to book elsewhere.
What hosts typically provide
Most Airbnb hosts include at least one bath towel and one hand towel per guest, along with a washcloth. Many provide more — two or three bath towels per person is common in mid-range and higher-priced listings. Budget listings or rooms in shared homes may provide fewer towels or expect you to bring your own.
The quality and condition of towels varies widely. A luxury apartment might stock high-end towels; a budget room might have older, thinner towels that are still clean and functional. The listing photos often show the towels, so look at the bathroom images to get a sense of what to expect.
Some hosts also provide specialty towels — beach towels if the property is near water, or yoga towels if they market the space for wellness stays. These are bonuses, not standard.
What to do if towels are not mentioned
Before you book, message the host and ask. Airbnb's messaging system is built into the listing page. Click "Contact Host" and ask your question. Most hosts respond within a few hours. This takes two minutes and prevents a surprise when you arrive.
If you have already booked and realize towels are not listed, message the host when ready. Many hosts will add towels to the property or arrange for them to be there before your arrival. Hosts want good reviews and will usually solve this problem quickly if you ask politely.
If you arrive and towels are genuinely missing or insufficient, take photos and contact Airbnb support through the app. Explain the situation and ask for a partial refund. Airbnb has a resolution process for situations where a listing does not match what was promised.
Bring your own towels if you are uncertain
If you are staying at a budget listing, renting a room in a shared home, or the listing is unclear about towels, pack a towel or two in your luggage. This costs almost nothing and removes the worry. Many travelers do this automatically, especially for shorter trips where they do not want to rely on a host's laundry schedule.
Bringing your own towel also makes sense if you have sensitive skin or prefer a specific type of towel. You control the cleanliness and material, which some guests find worth the luggage space.
Cleaning fees and what they cover
Airbnb listings often include a separate cleaning fee charged at checkout. This fee pays the host or a cleaning service to clean the property between guests. It does not automatically mean fresh towels will be provided — that depends on what the host includes in their amenities list.
Some hosts use the cleaning fee to cover laundry and provide fresh towels for each guest. Others use it only for vacuuming, dishes, and bathrooms, and expect guests to use the same towels throughout their stay. The cleaning fee and the towel policy are separate decisions made by the host.
Read the full listing description to understand what the cleaning fee covers. If it is unclear, ask the host before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get fresh towels every day at an Airbnb?
Not automatically. Most Airbnb stays are short-term rentals where you use the same towels for your entire stay, similar to a hotel. Some hosts offer daily towel changes for longer stays, but this is not standard. Check the listing or ask the host if daily towel service matters to you.
What if the towels are dirty or smell bad?
Take a photo and message the host when ready. Most hosts will replace them right away or arrange for laundry. If the host does not respond or refuses, contact Airbnb support and explain the situation. This is a legitimate reason for a refund or credit.
Can I request specific towel types before I arrive?
Yes. Message the host and ask — for example, if you need hypoallergenic towels or prefer thicker towels. Hosts appreciate specific requests and will often accommodate them if they can. The worst they can say is no.
Are towels included in the nightly price or the cleaning fee?
Towels are included in what the host provides as part of the rental. The nightly price and cleaning fee are separate line items. Whether towels are fresh or reused depends on the host's policy, not the fee structure.
What should I do if I arrive and there are no towels at all?
Contact the host when ready through the app and explain the problem. If they do not respond within an hour, contact Airbnb support. You may be able to get a partial refund, have the host deliver towels, or be moved to a different property. Document the situation with photos.