My daughter & I are going to Europe for the 1st time in two days. We'll be staying in hostels along our journey. Most hostels include linens (which I assume is sheets/pillowcases). What about towels and washcloths? Are they supplied by the hostels usually or must we pack our own?
Sincerely,
Jackie
Posted by
St. Louis
15 posts
The answer is dependent upon the hostels you're going to. If linens are provided, generally that DOES NOT include a towel. Many hostels include the linens but rent out towels. If you already know where you'll be staying, then look up the hostel on hostelworld or hostelz.
I rented towels last time I went but I did run in to one hostel that only sold towels and refused to rent them. Next time I go, I'm brining some microfiber towels. They're quick-drying and lightweight and may even pay for themselves in foregone towel rentals.
Remember, that not all hostels include linens, so you may end up renting those at certain places. But I recently stayed in hostels in Paris, Amsterdam and Munich, and each hostel did provide linens but not towels.
Washcloths: I've heard those are not as common in Europe as they are in the US. I would recommend bringing your own. Again, if you don't want to bring a microfiber towel, you could at least bring a very small one to use as a handtowel.
On a completely unrelated note: I wish I had brought a tiny LED light for the hostel. If you arrive late or need to find a bathroom at night but cannot turn on the main light b/c others are sleeping, this is well worth the fraction of an ounce in weight.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Washcloths are rare in European hotels, so I wouldn't expect to see them in hostels.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I've never seen washcloths at a hostel. We always pack a travel towel each (I pack a chamois instead) because some hostels provide a towel while others rent one. Towels are never plural in a hostel, one each is the best you can expect or rent one.
A twisty laundry line also comes in handy for hanging wet linens for overnight drying.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
I've never seen washclothes in any European hotel, less likely to see them in a hostel.
Some hostels rent towels for a small fee, but you will need to check on line for that.
I carry a microfiber towel and a small loofah sponge . Microfiber towles are very quick dry and light.It's worth buying one or two. I purchased mine from TJ Max for about $7 . It's not very large, but big enough to use it while I travel. You can also buy large ones from amazon.com or RS.