There are different preferences among people and in the tourism industry, given the massive variations in age, gender, race and culture from one guest to the next. However, one thing is a clear universal: people want ‘clean’.

What’s your policy?

Generally, hotels and motels will just change the towels between guests, and management will decide on a specific policy about whether or not to change them out every day. The same applies for bed linen (check out our previous article on triple sheeting. Some hotels provide signage to indicate that the guest can place the towel in the bathtub to show they require a new set of bathroom linen. This is a great way of putting some of the hygiene control in the guest’s hands, letting hotels avoid washing perfectly clean towels, and promoting eco-friendly practices by avoiding unnecessary power, water and chemical consumption.

Another open question is how many towels to provide. Some guests report that only one set was offered on check in and that it’s a nuisance to have to ask for more. It’s a smart idea not adhere to hard-and-fast rules of “One set per room!” and allow common sense to take over, providing sufficient towelling for the number of guests checking in.

It’s all about the guest

What has become evident is that some guests are losing trust in the hotel and motel industry and checking linens carefully for repeat use. This is probably due to poor hygiene practices of just a few offending establishments, as depicted on forensic TV programs such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Sure it’s “just TV,” but it means that hotel staff can no longer be too careful when making up rooms.

Whatever your policy, the smart move is to put yourself in your guests’ shoes. Decide who your guests are and, from their point of view, what they require from your housekeeping staff. It could be that they want new towels every day and not to be asked, while others are more than happy to reuse, particularly those who cite environmental concern as an important consideration when choosing lodging.