Do Hotels Have Laundry Rooms?

If you’re traveling for an extended period or simply want to freshen up your clothes during your trip, you may wonder, “Do hotels have laundry rooms?” The good news is that many hotels do provide laundry services or have laundry rooms available for guests. Whether you’re on a family vacation, a business trip, or a backpacking adventure, having access to laundry facilities can make your stay more convenient. Let’s explore how laundry works at hotels, the services offered, and what you can expect.

Is It Okay to Do Laundry at a Hotel?

Yes, it is perfectly okay to do laundry at a hotel. Many hotels offer laundry services or have on-site laundry rooms specifically designed for guests. These facilities allow travelers to clean their clothes without having to find a laundromat or take dirty laundry home. Doing laundry at a hotel can be especially useful if you’re staying for an extended period or packing light and need to reuse your clothing.

Hotels usually offer two types of laundry options: self-service laundry rooms and full-service laundry. Let’s break down how each of these works:

1. Self-Service Laundry Rooms: Some hotels have laundry rooms equipped with washers and dryers that guests can use. These laundry rooms are typically located in a central area of the hotel, such as near the gym, pool, or on a specific floor. Guests can wash their own clothes, often for a small fee. This is a budget-friendly option and gives you control over how and when your clothes are washed.
2. Full-Service Laundry: If you don’t have time or prefer not to do the laundry yourself, many hotels offer full-service laundry. This is a more convenient option where you hand your clothes to the hotel staff, and they take care of everything. Some hotels even offer same-day laundry service, which is great if you need your clothes cleaned quickly. However, full-service laundry usually comes with a higher cost than using the self-service laundry room.

In either case, doing laundry at a hotel is perfectly acceptable and often a valuable service for travelers. Just be sure to check whether the hotel you’re staying at offers this amenity and what the associated costs might be.

Do Hotels Usually Have a Washer and Dryer?

Many hotels, especially mid-range and higher-end options, provide access to a washer and dryer either through self-service laundry rooms or in-room machines. Whether or not a hotel offers these facilities can depend on several factors, such as the type of hotel, its location, and the length of stay it typically caters to.

1. Mid-Range and Long-Term Stay Hotels: Hotels that cater to families, business travelers, or people staying for an extended period are more likely to have laundry rooms with washers and dryers. Chains like Marriott Residence Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, and Staybridge Suites by IHG often include laundry facilities, as these types of hotels are designed for longer stays and provide more amenities for guest comfort.
2. Luxury Hotels: High-end hotels may not always have self-service laundry rooms, but they almost always offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning. While it might be more expensive to have your clothes professionally cleaned, the convenience of having your laundry picked up, cleaned, and delivered back to your room can make it worth the extra cost.
3. Budget Hotels and Motels: In contrast, budget hotels and motels are less likely to have laundry rooms on-site, but this varies depending on the brand and location. If you’re staying at a motel or a budget-friendly hotel, it’s a good idea to check in advance whether laundry facilities are available. Some budget hotels may have partnerships with nearby laundromats, or they might provide a laundry service for a fee.
4. Vacation Rentals and Extended-Stay Properties: If you’re staying at a vacation rental, such as an Airbnb, or an extended-stay property, having laundry facilities is almost a given. Many vacation rentals come with in-unit washers and dryers, while extended-stay hotels often provide access to laundry rooms on-site, making it easy for guests to wash their clothes.

In general, many hotels have some sort of laundry option, but it’s always a good idea to check beforehand if you know you’ll need to do laundry during your stay.

What to Expect in Hotel Laundry Rooms

If the hotel you’re staying at does have a laundry room, it’s important to know what to expect. Here are a few details about how hotel laundry rooms typically work:

1. Location: Hotel laundry rooms are usually located in a central, easily accessible part of the hotel. You might find them near the fitness center, pool, or on a designated floor for guest laundry. Some hotels even have multiple laundry rooms to accommodate more guests.
2. Costs: While the use of hotel laundry rooms is convenient, there’s often a fee associated with it. Most hotel laundry rooms require you to pay per load of laundry, either by inserting coins or using a keycard or credit card system. It’s helpful to carry change with you in case the machines only accept coins. The price per load can vary but is typically reasonable compared to a full-service laundry option.
3. Supplies: Most hotel laundry rooms provide basic supplies, like detergent, for an additional fee. You may need to buy these from a vending machine in the laundry room or from the hotel’s front desk. Alternatively, you can bring your own laundry detergent if you know you’ll need to wash clothes during your stay.
4. Drying Facilities: Hotel laundry rooms typically have dryers available alongside the washers. However, keep in mind that drying times can vary depending on the machine, so allow yourself enough time if you’re planning to dry a lot of clothes.

What if the Hotel Doesn’t Have Laundry Rooms?

If the hotel you’re staying at doesn’t have laundry facilities, you have a few options:

1. Nearby Laundromats: Many hotels can recommend nearby laundromats where you can take your clothes to wash. In some cases, the hotel may even have a partnership with a local laundry service that can pick up and deliver your clothes.
2. Full-Service Laundry: Even if a hotel doesn’t have self-service laundry rooms, they almost always offer a laundry service. This option is more expensive, but it can save you time and effort, especially if you have a busy schedule during your trip.
3. In-Room Washing: If all else fails and you only need to wash a few items, you can always wash clothes by hand in your hotel room’s sink and hang them to dry. This isn’t ideal for a large load of laundry, but it can work in a pinch for smaller items like socks, underwear, or a shirt.

Conclusion

Many hotels provide laundry rooms or full-service laundry options for guests, making it convenient for travelers to clean their clothes during a trip. Whether you’re staying at a mid-range hotel with self-service washers and dryers, a luxury hotel offering laundry services, or an extended-stay property with in-room facilities, you’ll likely have access to some form of laundry service.

If laundry is important to you, be sure to check with the hotel before booking to confirm their laundry options. With these services available, you can travel lighter, stay longer, and enjoy your trip without worrying about dirty clothes!