Luxury Starts with Laundry: Everything New Hotel Owners Need to Know About Linens

When opening a new luxury hotel, it can be easy to focus on guest-facing features—the lobby, room design, and high-end amenities. But behind the scenes, one essential operation often slips under the radar: laundry and linen management. 

Addressing this early can help prevent costly surprises, streamline operations, and set your hotel up for long-term, sustainable success.

Here are four key things every new hotel owner should consider before opening.   

Establish Par Levels Early

Par levels represent the minimum number of sheets, towels, and other linens needed to operate efficiently. Establishing proper par levels during construction can help: 

• Define storage space requirements 

• Streamline laundry workflows  

• Prevent shortages during peak periods 

A good rule of thumb: most luxury hotels plan for three to five pars per item, depending on occupancy trends and laundry turnaround times. 

Build Storage with the Future in Mind 

Storage is often an afterthought—but it plays an important role in maintaining operational efficiency and guest perception. Even well-planned par levels can be difficult to maintain without adequate and organized storage space.  

Limited or poorly designed storage can compromise linen quality, leading to wrinkles, moisture buildup, and musty odors. Storage designed with growth in mind can support housekeeping operations, maintain quality, and strengthen long-term cost management. 

Factor in Linen Loss and Replacement Costs Upfront

Even the best linens experience wear and tear. Stains, damage, and occasional losses are part of daily operations. Anticipating replacement rates and understanding usage trends early can help maintain efficiency, control costs, and protect your hotel’s reputation from the start. 

Establish an Inventory Management System

Once operations begin, it can be easy to lose sight of linen usage and needs. Regular inventory checks and trend tracking using RFID technology can help prevent both shortages and overstock, while allowing for adjustments as occupancy patterns shift.

The Bottom Line

Laundry may operate behind the scenes, but it has a front-line impact on efficiency, costs, and guest satisfaction. Smart planning around par levels, storage, and inventory can build resilience, protect your margins, and elevate the luxury experience your guests expect.  

Questions 

Have questions on setting up your luxury hotel’s laundry system? Our team of experts can help. Contact us.