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. Don't just take our word for it.
We've had more than 2,500 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, and The Independent named our design Best hotel-style towel 2026. In 2025, our towels were also recognised among the best towels in the UK by leading lifestyle titles, including The Telegraph, GQ and House & Garden.
→ Explore luxury bath towel sets
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, which we explain below), and the weaving process including the loop pile construction that creates the absorbent surface area responsible for that plush, hotel-style drying performance.
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.
GSM explained
GSM stands for Grams Per Square Metre, and relates to the density, thickness and weight of a towel. If your towel is thicker, more luxurious and softer, it'll likely have a higher GSM. If it's thin, quick drying and not as 'plush', then it'll be on the lower end.
Towel GSM Comparison: Finding the Hotel Standard
| GSM Range | Category | Characteristics & Feel | Best Use Case |
| 200 - 400 | Lightweight | Thin, coarse, and fast-drying. Often feels "scratchy" after a few washes. | Gym, beach, or kitchen tea towels. |
| 400 - 600 | Medium Weight | Your standard towel. Provides decent absorbency but doesn't feel plush. | Everyday hand towels. |
| 600 - 750 | Premium Luxury | The 5-Star Hotel Standard. Dense, soft, and highly absorbent. A perfect balance of drying time and luxury. | Master bathrooms, Guest bedrooms. |
| 800+ | Ultra Heavy | Extremely thick and heavy. Takes far, far longer to dry than lower GSM. | High-end spas. |
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 weave with a loop pile construction 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. A large part of that is due to Nile Delta's climate, which provides the perfect combination of humidy and nutrient-rich soil to produce extra-long staple fibres.
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. A word of warning, though, not all Egyptian cotton is the same.
Why 650 GSM is the sweet spot
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. A tightly woven, loop pile construction provides maximum absorbency, so they dry you really quickly, too.
You can find out more about the technology that makes our towels more absorbent than others in our guide to what makes a towel absorbent,
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. If you need help, read our complete guide to keeping towels soft and fluffy
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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 as the 'best hotel-style towels 2026' by The Independent, as well as winning 'best towel in the UK' accolades in 2025 from GQ, The Telegraph, House & Garden and more.
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.
→ What makes a towel absorbent? Towel construction, explained
Explore what makes a towel absorbent, from loop pile construction to cotton quality, towel weight and care. A practical guide to what really matters.
→ Luxury bedding review 2026: 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.
