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At Hampton and Astley, we craft our 650 GSM Egyptian cotton towels to the same standards as those found in the world’s most prestigious hotels, so you can enjoy five-star indulgence every day at home.
The secret behind 5-star hotel towels
Ever wondered why hotel towels feel different - thick, soft, and indulgent in a way that’s hard to replicate at home? The truth is, five-star hotels invest in exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and care. The difference starts with the fibres, the weight of the fabric (known as GSM), and the weaving process that gives each towel its plush, spa-like feel.
At Hampton and Astley, our Egyptian cotton towels are crafted to the same exacting standards as those used in the world’s most prestigious hotels, giving you that same indulgent experience, every single day.
What makes a hotel-quality towel?
Luxury hotels select towels not just for appearance, but for performance. The perfect towel must balance absorbency, softness, and durability while maintaining its beauty through countless washes.
Here’s what 5-star hotels typically look for:
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Material: 100% Egyptian cotton for unmatched softness and strength.
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GSM: A fabric density of around 650 GSM, considered the perfect balance of luxury and practicality.
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Weave: A tight, single-ply weave for a smooth, plush finish that dries quickly and evenly.
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Colour: Classic white - timeless, elegant, and easy to launder to a fresh, bright finish every time.
The same craftsmanship found in our Egyptian cotton bedding is reflected in every Hampton and Astley towel, combining luxury materials with lasting performance.
Why 5-star hotels choose Egyptian cotton
The finest hotels, from The Ritz-Carlton to Claridge’s, choose Egyptian cotton for one reason: the fibres are longer, stronger, and smoother than any other cotton in the world.
This means the towels not only feel softer but are also more absorbent and longer-lasting.
Shorter cotton fibres tend to stick out from the surface, making towels coarse and prone to shedding. Long-staple Egyptian cotton, however, creates a denser, silkier fabric that stays plush and beautiful, even after years of use.
To understand what makes authentic Egyptian cotton special, see our guide: 5 myths about Egyptian cotton sheets - debunked.
The 650 GSM sweet spot
GSM (grams per square metre) measures towel thickness. Too low, and the towel feels thin and rough. Too high, and it becomes heavy and slow to dry.
Through extensive testing, Hampton & Astley found that 650 GSM offers the perfect equilibrium:
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Thick and fluffy like a spa towel
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Highly absorbent, drying you quickly
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Fast-drying after use, staying fresh between washes
We’ve tested towels across every weight: discover more in our guide on what GSM is best for towels.
Lower weights felt too thin and lacked plushness, while heavier towels absorbed well but took too long to dry. Time and again, 650 GSM proved to be the sweet spot: the perfect combination of comfort, absorbency, and practicality.
Our commitment to using the finest long-staple Egyptian cotton — the same fibres used in our luxury bedding collection ensures a smooth, soft texture that only improves with time.
Designed for beauty and performance
Just like hotel interiors, the best towels combine form and function. Hampton and Astley towels feature double-stitched embroidered borders for durability and a refined colour palette - from pure white to soft blush and grey - designed to elevate every bathroom.
Each towel is carefully finished for longevity and easy care, staying soft and fluffy even after repeated washes. They’re engineered to feel indulgent from the very first use and only get softer over time.
You can see how widely our 650 GSM 'indulgently thick' range has been praised in our Best Towels UK 2025 review, confirming its place among the finest in the country.
How to recreate the hotel experience at home
You don’t need a suite at The Savoy to enjoy that five-star feeling. Here’s how to bring it into your own bathroom:
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Choose Egyptian cotton: The foundation of true hotel luxury.
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Opt for 650 GSM: The weight preferred by the best five-star hotels worldwide.
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Stay bright white: Wash regularly at 30°C and air dry to preserve softness and colour.
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Layer textures: Combine hand towels, bath towels, and bath sheets for a complete, coordinated look.
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Finish with fragrance: Add a calming diffuser or candle for a spa-like atmosphere.
The Hampton and Astley difference
Our towels are made using the same materials and craftsmanship trusted by luxury hotels, but designed for the comfort of home.
With over 2,500 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, they’ve also been recognised by GQ, The Telegraph, and House & Garden as among the best towels in the UK for 2025.
Experience the indulgence of hotel-quality Egyptian cotton, reimagined for everyday luxury.
✨ Shop the Hampton & Astley Towel Collection →
Related posts
→ What GSM is best for towels?
Discover why 650 GSM Egyptian cotton is the perfect balance of plush softness and quick-drying practicality — the true secret to everyday indulgence.
→ Best towels UK 2025: why Hampton and Astley tops every luxury list
Explore why our 650 GSM towels are celebrated by GQ, The Telegraph and House & Garden as the finest in the UK for comfort and craftsmanship.
→ Luxury bedding review 2025: what's best for hotel-quality sleep?
Learn what makes Hampton and Astley’s 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton bedding the ultimate choice for five-star comfort at home.
→ 5 myths about Egyptian cotton sheets - debunked
Separate fact from fiction with our guide to the real benefits of authentic Egyptian cotton and why it’s the gold standard for true luxury.
