Terry vs. Waffle: Choosing the Right Bathrobe for Your Hotel

Selecting the perfect bathrobe for your hotel or spa is a crucial decision that impacts guest comfort, operating costs, and inventory management. While terry bathrobes are currently favored by an estimated 80% of hotels, waffle bathrobes offer a compelling argument based on long-term cost savings.

The choice is difficult: Maximize guest luxury, or optimize laundry efficiency?

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two main types of hotel bathrobes:

---

Key Comparison: Terry Vs. Waffle

Feature	Terry Bathrobe	Waffle Bathrobe
Material & Weight	Typically 100% cotton ≈ 400 g/ m2	Typically 100% cotton ≈ 200 - 220 g/ m2
Guest Comfort	Undoubtedly superior. Softer, fluffier, and highly absorbent.	Less soft and luxurious; more modest appearance.
Initial Price	Slightly more expensive (estimated 10-20% higher).	Slightly cheaper due to less material used.
Washing Cost (The Crucial Factor)	Higher. Example: An XL robe weighs ≈ 1.3kg , costing ≈ €1.30$ per wash (at €1/kg).	Lower. Example: An XL robe weighs ≈ 0.8kg , costing ≈ €0.80€ per wash.
Shrinkage Risk	Shrinks up to 10%. Planning is simpler.	High risk. Can shrink 15-20% after 3-5 washes. Careful sizing is essential.
Appearance	Considered more luxurious, fluffy, and aesthetically pleasing.	More modest and practical appearance.

The Critical Factor: Long-Term Washing Costs

While the waffle robe is initially cheaper, the major difference emerges over the product's lifespan.

Example Washing Cost Comparison (Based on 70 washes/year for 3 years):

• Cost Difference per Wash: €0.50 higher for Terry.
• Total Extra Cost per Terry Robe (3 Years): 105€ (This is often several times the initial purchase price of the robe itself.)

For budget-conscious operations and those with very high laundry volumes, the waffle bathrobe offers significant long-term savings that far outweigh the initial purchase price difference.

A Warning on Sizing and Shrinkage

Regardless of the type you choose, measurements must be thoroughly planned before purchase.

• Waffle Robes: Due to the 15–20% shrinkage, many hotels mistakenly purchase robes that become too small after just a few washes.
• The Length Standard: To ensure guest comfort and modesty, a bathrobe should reach at least 15cm below the knee . Robes that are too short restrict movement and negatively affect the guest experience.
• Beware of Sizing: Be cautious of suppliers whose 'XL' sizing corresponds to smaller, non-European standards (eg, an Indian XL may only be a European M/L). Smaller robes are cheaper due to less material, tempting hotels to choose an inadequate product.

Theft and Branding Considerations

Both bathrobes are attractive souvenirs, and theft is a real issue (although towels are more commonly taken).

• Branding: If you order bathrobes (and towels) with your hotel's logo, a stolen product acts as a small advertisement.
• Risk: Experience shows that using beautiful, colorful, or highly luxurious bathrobes can significantly increase the rate of loss, especially if they have an attractive logo.

Conclusion

The final choice rests on your hotel's priorities:

Choice	Best For...	Why
Terry Bathrobe	Luxury Hotels & Spas	Maximizes guest comfort, softness, and luxurious appearance.
Waffle Bathrobe	Cost-Conscious & High-Volume Hotels	Provides significant savings on laundry costs over the product's lifespan.

Always purchase from specialized suppliers with proven experience to ensure the bathrobes meet quality standards and will retain a suitable size after extensive commercial laundering.