Some hotels offer complimentary use of their laundry facilities as part of their amenities, while others may charge a fee. It's important to check with the hotel beforehand to determine if there are any charges associated with using the machines. If there is a fee, it may be per load or based on the duration of use.

In the vast majority of hotels, guest laundry is not free and can actually be one of the most expensive "incidentals" on your final bill. Full-service and luxury hotels typically offer a "valet laundry" or dry cleaning service where you pay per item (e.g., $5 for a shirt, $10 for trousers), which is returned to your room in a paper bag or on a hanger. However, many "extended stay" or mid-scale brands like Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, or Ibis often provide self-service laundry rooms equipped with coin-operated or app-based washers and dryers. While the machines themselves usually cost between $2.00 and $4.00 per load, the service is far more economical for long-term travelers. Some high-end boutique hotels or "all-inclusive" luxury resorts may offer a limited amount of free laundry (such as two items per day) as a perk of membership or a specific room category. To save money in 2026, savvy travelers often use the "sink wash" method with travel-sized detergent or seek out local "wash and fold" laundromats near the hotel, which typically charge by the weight of the bag rather than the individual garment.