There’s something luxurious and satisfying about stepping into a bathroom with perfectly folded towels, just like in a five-star hotel or spa. Hotels don’t just toss towels on a rack—they fold them neatly and uniformly to create an elegant, polished look. The good news? You don’t need a housekeeping team to achieve that same crisp, organized aesthetic at home.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fold towels like a hotel pro, whether you want to stack them, hang them, or display them in a spa-like roll.
1. The Classic Hotel Fold (For Neatly Stacked Towels)
This is the most common fold used in hotels and spas, ideal for stacking towels on a shelf or inside a linen closet. It looks crisp, clean, and uniform, making your space feel more organized and inviting.
How to do it:
- Lay the towel flat on a table or bed with the tag facing up.
- Fold the towel in half lengthwise so it forms a long rectangle.
- Fold it in half again lengthwise, keeping the edges aligned.
- Now fold the towel into thirds, bringing one end toward the middle and then overlapping the other end.
- Stack the towels neatly with the folded edge facing outward for a uniform look.
Where to use it:
- Linen closets for a neat, uniform stack.
- Open shelves to showcase a luxurious hotel-like vibe.
- Bathroom cabinets for easy storage.
Pro Tip: For extra fluffiness, shake out the towel before folding to prevent flat creases.
2. The Hotel Hanging Fold (For Towel Bars & Racks)
Hotels don’t just drape towels over a bar—they fold them neatly for a uniform, professional appearance. This method prevents bunching and creates a clean, elegant display.
How to do it:
- Lay the towel flat on a surface.
- Fold it in half lengthwise so the short edges meet.
- Fold it in half again, keeping the edges aligned.
- Drape it evenly over the towel bar, making sure both sides hang at the same length.
Where to use it:
- On towel bars in bathrooms for a polished, high-end look.
- Near sinks for guest towels, ensuring they look fresh and inviting.
Pro Tip: If layering a hand towel over a bath towel, fold the hand towel using the same method and place it centered over the larger towel for a cohesive, spa-like effect.
3. The Rolled Spa Fold (For a Luxurious, Relaxing Look)
Want to create a spa-like atmosphere? Rolling towels instead of folding them gives your bathroom a soft, elegant feel. Plus, it’s a great space-saver for small bathrooms or baskets near the tub.
How to do it:
- Lay the towel flat with the tag facing up.
- Fold one corner diagonally toward the center, forming a triangle.
- Fold the towel in half lengthwise so the pointed end is hidden inside.
- Roll the towel tightly from one end to the other, keeping it snug.
- Place the roll seam-side down to prevent it from unraveling.
Where to use it:
- Stacked in baskets for a chic, spa-like display.
- Placed on open shelves in a guest bathroom for an inviting touch.
- Stored inside a decorative bin for easy access near the bathtub.
Pro Tip: This method works beautifully with hand towels and washcloths too—place them in a woven basket for a resort-inspired look.
4. The Hotel Tri-Fold (For Open Display & Decorative Shelving)
If you love a minimalist, high-end aesthetic, the tri-fold method maximizes storage space while keeping towels visually appealing when placed on open shelves.
How to do it:
- Lay the towel flat on a surface with the tag facing up.
- Fold it in thirds lengthwise, bringing each long side toward the center.
- Fold it in half from top to bottom, keeping the edges clean and aligned.
- Place the folded edge facing outward for a polished, display-ready look.
Where to use it:
- On floating shelves in modern bathrooms for a streamlined look.
- Inside linen closets for neatly organized storage.
- On a vanity for decorative purposes.
Pro Tip: Stick to white or neutral-colored towels for a classic hotel vibe that feels fresh and sophisticated.
5. The Fancy Hotel Pocket Fold (For Impressing Guests)
For an extra touch of elegance, hotels sometimes fold towels into a pocket shape to hold hand towels, washcloths, or even decorative greenery. It’s an easy way to elevate your bathroom décor.
How to do it:
- Lay the towel flat with the tag facing up.
- Fold it in half lengthwise to form a long rectangle.
- Fold one end up about one-third of the way to create a pocket.
- Flip the towel over, keeping the folded pocket in place.
- Fold the towel in half again so the pocket is on the outside.
- Insert a washcloth, a small towel, or a decorative accent into the pocket.
Where to use it:
- On guest beds for a boutique-hotel-style touch.
- On bathroom counters to hold hand towels.
- On towel bars to create a decorative effect.
Pro Tip: Slip in a fresh flower or eucalyptus sprig for a spa-inspired look that smells as good as it looks.
