In 15 Seconds
- A polite request for extra linens at hotels or homes.
- Use 'Can I get' to sound friendly and natural.
- Perfect for travel, gyms, pools, and guest stays.
- Add 'please' at the end for the best results.
Meaning
This is a polite way to ask for extra towels when you are staying at a hotel, a gym, or someone's house.
Key Examples
3 of 6Calling hotel housekeeping
Hi, can I get more towels sent to room 402, please?
Hi, can I get more towels sent to room 402, please?
At a friend's house after a shower
Hey, can I get more towels? This one is a bit small.
Hey, can I get more towels? This one is a bit small.
At a high-end luxury resort
Excuse me, could I possibly get more towels for the pool area?
Excuse me, could I possibly get more towels for the pool area?
Cultural Background
In US hotels, it is common to tip a housekeeper $2-$5 if they bring extra items like towels to your room, though it is not strictly required. British people may use 'Could I have' more often than 'Can I get,' as 'get' can sometimes be seen as slightly too informal or 'American.' In Japanese hotels, towels are often provided in very specific sizes (face towel, bath towel). Asking for 'more towels' might result in the staff asking exactly which size you need. Hospitality is extremely generous. If you ask for 'more towels,' don't be surprised if the staff brings a very large stack to ensure you are perfectly comfortable.
Be Specific
If you need a specific type, say 'bath towels,' 'hand towels,' or 'washcloths.'
Don't just say 'Towels!'
Saying just the noun is considered very rude. Always use a full sentence.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite request for extra linens at hotels or homes.
- Use 'Can I get' to sound friendly and natural.
- Perfect for travel, gyms, pools, and guest stays.
- Add 'please' at the end for the best results.
What It Means
This phrase is your go-to request for more linens. It is simple, direct, and very common. You are asking for permission to receive more items. It sounds much nicer than just saying Give me towels.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase with staff or hosts. Start with Excuse me to be extra polite. You can add the number of towels you need. For example, Can I get two more towels? works perfectly. It is a standard 'request' structure in English.
When To Use It
Use this at a hotel front desk. Use it when calling housekeeping from your room phone. It is also great at the local swimming pool or gym. If you are staying at a friend's house, it is a safe way to ask. It works whenever you are the guest and they are the host.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a restaurant. Unless you spilled a whole gallon of water, it sounds strange. In a store, use Can I buy instead of Can I get. Avoid using it with a very demanding tone. You want to sound like a guest, not a boss. Don't use it if you are the one hosting the party!
Cultural Background
In Western hotels, 'more' is usually expected and free. Asking for extra items is a normal part of the service industry. Americans especially love having many fluffy towels. It is not considered rude or greedy to ask. Most hotels actually prefer you ask rather than using one towel for everything. It shows you value cleanliness and comfort.
Common Variations
You might hear Could I have some extra towels? for more formality. Friends might say Do you have any spare towels? at home. If you are in a rush, I need more towels is okay but less polite. May I have is the most formal version. Any chance of more towels? is a very casual, British-style variation.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits right in the middle of the formality scale. It is perfect for 90% of situations. Just remember to smile and add 'please' to ensure great service.
Be Specific
If you need a specific type, say 'bath towels,' 'hand towels,' or 'washcloths.'
Don't just say 'Towels!'
Saying just the noun is considered very rude. Always use a full sentence.
The 'Please' Rule
In English, 'please' can go at the start or the end. 'Can I get more towels, please?' is the most natural.
Examples
6Hi, can I get more towels sent to room 402, please?
Hi, can I get more towels sent to room 402, please?
Standard professional request for a hotel stay.
Hey, can I get more towels? This one is a bit small.
Hey, can I get more towels? This one is a bit small.
Casual and direct with someone you know well.
Excuse me, could I possibly get more towels for the pool area?
Excuse me, could I possibly get more towels for the pool area?
Using 'could' and 'possibly' makes it more formal.
Can I get more towels from your stash? I forgot to do laundry!
Can I get more towels from your stash? I forgot to do laundry!
Very informal and slightly desperate.
Can I get more towels? I think I brought half the pool home with me!
Can I get more towels? I think I brought half the pool home with me!
Using humor to explain why you need so many.
Can I just get more towels? I really need a long hot shower.
Can I just get more towels? I really need a long hot shower.
The word 'just' emphasizes the simple need for comfort.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the hotel request.
Excuse me, ______ I ______ more towels, please?
'Can I get' is the standard polite request form.
Which sentence is the most polite for a hotel front desk?
Choose the best option:
Adding 'Can I' and 'please' makes the request polite.
Complete the dialogue between a guest and a housekeeper.
Guest: 'Hi, our room only has one towel.' Housekeeper: 'Oh, I'm sorry.' Guest: '________________?'
This is the natural follow-up to stating a problem with towel supply.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Towels You Might Ask For
Bathroom
- • Bath towel
- • Hand towel
- • Washcloth
- • Bath mat
Practice Bank
3 exercisesExcuse me, ______ I ______ more towels, please?
'Can I get' is the standard polite request form.
Choose the best option:
Adding 'Can I' and 'please' makes the request polite.
Guest: 'Hi, our room only has one towel.' Housekeeper: 'Oh, I'm sorry.' Guest: '________________?'
This is the natural follow-up to stating a problem with towel supply.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, in modern usage it is perfectly correct for requests, though 'May I have' is more traditional.
Both are fine. 'More' is simpler; 'extra' implies you have some but want a surplus.
Say 'Can I get another towel?' or 'Can I get one more towel?'
In most hotels, yes. They have 24-hour staff for these requests.
In 99% of hotels, extra towels are free of charge.
Related Phrases
Could I have some extra towels?
similarA slightly more formal version of the same request.
I'm fresh out of towels.
builds onAn idiom meaning 'I have no towels left.'
Can you restock the towels?
specialized formAsking to fill the supply.
Fresh towels, please.
synonymA very short, direct request.
