Hi
We are going to Italy in a week, Rome/Florence/Venice/Cinque Terra. Is it necessary to bring towels? I think each of the rooms we booked has its own bath. We are booked in the low end pricewise. We are trying to pack light and do not want to bring towels if not needed.
Thanks for any feedback.

Hi JP,

You will probably get the flat, tea towel type towels,although the B&B Peterson in Florence surprised us with nice, fluffy towels in different sizes.

Bring your own wash cloth.

I've never been to a B & B in Europe that didn't supply towels but they are not the kind of towels you are use too. Almost like large dish towels. They do just fine though.

Suggestion: Buy towels locally. Alternative; Bring two old towels, discard them.

We take camping towels--the flat, super-absorbent kind--just in case. If nothing else, they're useful for rolling up damp clothes before hanging them to dry.

I've been to several b&b's in Europe, and there have always been towels. Some have been skimpy, but I wouldn't consider carrying my own - what a hassle. There are some hostels where you might need to rent towels, but these are very low end backpacker places.

wash cloths are a different matter though. It is a good idea to take your own wash cloth(s)

I have never traveled to Europe with either a towel or a wash cloth.

As an aside, I never understand why people insist on telling others to bring wash cloths. Maybe someone can enlighten me?

Karen

Karen: to leave them as a tip for a maid, perhaps?

I can say that the small hotel where we stayed in London had towels but no wash cloths. My daughter uses one of those bath "poofs" & brought it. I was stuck until we were in a street market & I bought one for a few pence. Life saver for me! I also used it in Paris when we got there. Now I will pack it just in case. Guess we are used to the "Holiday Inn" deal where it is expected to be provided. My advice is hope for the best but prepare for the worst!

kaudry:
Washcloths are considered a very personal item throughout much of Europe and un-hygienic to use between persons, even after undergoing the wash and dry cycles. It is on par with borrowing underwear! Only hotels and higher priced B&Bs or those catering largely to American/English clientele will provide them routinely.

My husband and I have encountered hotels and B&B's in Europe that don't provide washcloths. We've experienced that in the UK as well. If you're a washcloth user, definitely bring your own just in case.

Thanks for the responses. i will use the towels they give me in the B&B. I am not a wash cloth user, so that will not be a problem.
Jim L.