It’s all about the details as a short-term rental host. If you’re a homeowner with a pool or near a big body of water, it’s important to have pool towels for your Airbnb property. Think of it this way: You arrive at a property, and you’re ready to jump into that beckoning pool in the backyard. Just as you take off your shoes and go to jump in your brain goes “WAIT! Do I have a towel?”, if a towel isn’t available and you have to go to the nearest shopping center to get one, you’re going to be disappointed. That disappointment can leave a bad taste in your guests’ mouths. To start the trip off strong and keep the vibes flowing, you’re going to want to provide pool towels for your Airbnb guests. This guide will cover the best pool towels and help you decide which ones to offer in your home based on style, quality, and durability.

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Why pool towels are more important than you may think

Imagine this: you’ve curated the perfect listing photos, stayed on top of cleaning standards, and even leave little gifts for your guests. But then the pool towels are thin, scratchy, or worse – worn out. It’s the little things like that which could stand between you and a positive review. Here’s why intentional pool towel selection matters for hosts:

Comfort

Thick, plush towels add a touch of luxury to your rental. It’s that extra cozy feeling you’d expect at a 5-star hotel. While with bath towels you’d typically want two per guest, you can generally get away with one beach towel per guest. However, if you have the budget, it doesn’t hurt to add a few more.

Vibes

Towels can be a fun way to elevate your listing photos. Imagine a fun-colored towel laid out thoughtfully on your sun lounger. Use towels to add a pop of color and style to your listing.

Saves you money at the bank

Pool towels endure a lot. Between sun exposure, chemicals, and a rotating array of guests, investing in good, quality towels will help them last longer and keep you from constantly buying new towels.

Bath towels don’t cut it

As tempting as it may be, don’t use bath towels as your pool towels. They aren’t meant for the same type of drying off, and it shows.

The 5 best pool towels for Airbnb rentals

With these points in mind, let’s explore the top options on the market.

1. Utopia Towels Cabana Stripe Beach Towels

The Utopia Towels Cabana Stripe Beach Towels are a classic choice for hosts. They feature a timeless stripe design in multiple color options, perfect for blending seamlessly with your property’s aesthetic.

Key features:

• Large size perfect for lounging.
• Fade-resistant colors hold up after multiple washes.
• 100% ring-spun cotton for softness and durability.

Price point:

Budget-friendly at around $40 for a set of 4.

Best for:

Properties near beaches or with nautical-inspired interiors. These towels add charm without breaking the bank.

2. Laguna Beach Textile Company Towels

If you’re aiming for a touch of luxury, any options from the Laguna Beach Textile Company deliver. Inspired by high-end resorts, these towels are as stylish as they are functional. They also offer a handful of microfiber beach towels to consider.

Key features:

• Ultra-plush texture that screams luxury.
• Extra absorbent and dries quickly.
• Oversized for maximum guest comfort.

Price point:

Approximately $40 per towel.

Best for:

Boutique or high-end listings where WOWing guests is a must.

3. Dock & Bay Quick-Dry Beach Towels

If your listing emphasizes eco-friendliness, the Dock & Bay Quick-Dry Beach Towels are a perfect choice. These towels are lightweight yet super absorbent.

Key features:

• Made from 100% recycled materials.
• Sand-resistant and compact.
• Available in a range of colors and patterns.

Price point:

Starting at $25 per towel.

Best for:

Outdoor adventure or eco-conscious stays, especially properties near beaches or glamping sites.

4. Amazon Basics Cabana Stripe Beach Towels

Why Hosts Love Them

Amazon Basics offers a reliable option for budget-conscious hosts with their Cabana Stripe Beach Towels. These colored towels deliver functionality and style for a fraction of the cost.

Key features:

• Soft and absorbent terry cotton.
• Lightweight and easy to launder.
• Available in vibrant stripe colors.

Price point:

Around $21 for a set of 2.

Best for:

Hosts of modestly priced Airbnb and vacation rentals who want to offer a polished touch without overspending.

5. Cotton Craft Oversized Beach Towels

Affordable, bold, and vibrant, the Cotton Craft Oversized Beach Towels are perfect for creating a cheerful and inviting vibe for guests.

Key features:

• Set of 2 towels in assorted patterns.
• Lightweight yet super absorbent.
• Generous 39”x68” size.

Price point:

Only $35.99 for a set of 2.

Best for:

Family-friendly properties or listings targeting groups who love Instagram-worthy poolside setups.

Pro tip

A simple yet effective way to elevate your pool towels is with an aesthetic touch. For example, add a small wicker basket near the water that says something like “For Poolside use only”. This adds a touch of luxury while also signaling to guests they should specifically use these towels, not remove them from the property, and not try and use your bath towels.

How to make your pool towels last

These towels are going to experience a lot of turnover. As a result, you’re going to want to add proper care to your turnover routine. First, remember to rinse the towel before washing. This will help get the chlorine and chemicals off the towel. Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle to help remove the chemical odors and maintain the towels’ absorbency. Lastly, line dry whenever possible. Keeping the towel out of the dryer will prevent it from shrinking or weakening the material.

Final thoughts

As we said at the beginning of the post, it’s all about the details. You always want a towel that is strong, absorbent, and gets the job done. It’s also okay to want to add some spice to your decor and choose towels that fit or elevate the theme of your rental. Guests notice these thoughtful details

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!