Provision of beach towels in rented flats

[Bean Counter]

Just beginning to think about what to pack for our August holiday - I like to mull these things over well in advance!. We’re flying Easyjet with our daughter, son-in-law and 2 young grandchildren and,I’m trying to think of ways to cut down on the number of pieces of luggage to bring.

It got me to wondering why beach towels are rarely included when you rent an apartment. I have to say that only once were in a flat with beach towels provided, but it was a joy not to have to pack them. This particular flat owner asked only that we made sure that we washed them before we left as that wasn’t included in his contract with the apartment managers.

Is it because of bad experiences in the past? Is it just difficult to make sure that there are beach towels there if you’ve said that there would be? Do people lose them or walk off with them? I’d be interested to know what others think.

 

[Baron de Lay]

It's a combination of just about all the points you've already thought of. It's all very well asking guests to wash towels before they leave, but if they don't then you end up with wet or dirty towels In the apartment for when the next guests arrive.

 

[Sparky]

Hi Bean Counter, i really do understand why owners don't provide beach towels and as the Baron says for all the reasons you gave.

They are not very expensive to buy, a lot of the shops here sell them for about 6€, when you have finished with them you could always donate them to the charity shop who also usually have them for sale at a very good price .

 

[mike_dublin]

2nd hand beach towels an option?

Not sure if the charity shop(s?) (e.g. Allen Graham, other?) sell 2nd hand beach towels, but if I remember correctly the Olimpia villa cleaning service on Carrer Juan XXIII (between Eroski and Celler la Parra - puerto pollensa map - Google Maps ) does sell them.

As you need a few it might be an option?

 

[sws97sdg]

Good reason to buy a used one is its washed, if you buy a new one to use as I did a few years ago, you may end up covered in bits of fluff, red and yellow in my case, they are ok after a wash or two though!

 

[wilcoxon]

I am very patriotic and always bring my Draig Coch towels. Look out for me on the beach.

 

[clinkham]

Good reason to buy a used one is its washed, if you buy a new one to use as I did a few years ago, you may end up covered in bits of fluff, red and yellow in my case, they are ok after a wash or two though!

LOL! sws walking about covered in red and yellow fluff! Do tell, were you able to get a table at Stay?

 

[Bean Counter]

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions. I do understand the reasons for not providing beach towels. I'll certainly check out Olimpia cleaning and other possible places to buy in the Port. I had thought of buying cheapos and leaving in the charity shops - but the kids will want to hit the pool the instant we arrive and I'm not sure I want to risk any "delay" while I rush round looking for towels! The solution is obviously to arrive lateish on a Tuesday and hit the market on Wednesday!

 

[Keswick1uk]

We are also out as a family in August. We always self cater and bring with us old tatty towels from home to use as beach/pool towels, then throw them away at the end of the holiday.

We don't go away every year - in fact, this is our first holiday like this for four years, so we do get time to find ourselves enough towels to treat in this way. Then I spend a few pounds at home buying nice replacements.

It's getting close and exciting now, isn't it?

 

[lovemallorca]

We are also out as a family in August. We always self cater and bring with us old tatty towels from home to use as beach/pool towels, then throw them away at the end of the holiday.

We don't go away every year - in fact, this is our first holiday like this for four years, so we do get time to find ourselves enough towels to treat in this way. Then I spend a few pounds at home buying nice replacements.

It's getting close and exciting now, isn't it?

You know what - When I read your post, the feeling of excitement that you get before a holiday shot through me! Thanks Keswick!

Four years - I bet that you can't wait! PP is looking good this year and I'm thinking that it is going to be HOT when you are over.

Towels are a crazy thing - The weight allowance on flights is so low now that you really have to think twice about every item that you take. Either use up space that could be used for clothes, or pay potentially more than the cost of buying new in PP to increase your weight allowance.

I always tell anyone coming over not to bother with toiletries, as it is often easier to buy them in Eroski's than to use up valuable space in your case.

I am back in the UK at the moment, but I wonder if any of those in the forum lucky enough to be in PP at the moment, could find out the prices at the laundry? It may just be cheaper to leave your old towels and home, rather than use up space that could be filled with other things?

 

[Keswick1uk]

Hadn't thought of luggage costs! I think we might be lucky and have a reasonable allowance (mind you, the holiday was quite pricey, so I dare say we have paid for it somewhere!). We have the added advantage of a 15 year old lad coming with us, who currently seems to think packing for two weeks in the sun requires only 2 x shorts, 3 t shirts and a pair of flip flops!

Looking at Sparky's daily weather thread, it does seem to be getting hotter all the time at the moment. I think we are going to have to split our day up, as locals do, and have a siesta in the afternoon. So pleased my hubby insisted on free and not timed air conditioning when he booked (on a cold, rainy, miserable day in 2012).

Can't wait!

 

[eleanor]

I am forever having to replace towels and bedding in our villa and am not keen on those available locally plus they seem more expensive and not such good quality. I use send my bag .com who pick up from home and deliver to the villa a couple of days later. They charge £30 for 30kg and offer an excellent service. They also operate a return service too.

With Ryanair charging £50 return (I think?) for an 18kg case this service might be a good alternative to transport a family holiday luggage without the pain of having to carry your own case!