Picture yourself in a plush hotel, elevator doors sliding open, fancy lobby behind you… and you’re in a fluffy robe and slippers, heading for total relaxation. Except maybe you’re not sure if that’s exactly what you should be wearing. That little buzz of panic? You’re not alone. Even the most seasoned travelers pause before stepping out to the spa for the first time. Is it weird to walk down in your robe? Should you sneak through in gym clothes? The truth: most people visiting a hotel spa obsess as much over what to wear as they do about their upcoming massage. Here’s a no-nonsense guide, with stuff you actually want to know, not just what the spa pamphlet tells you.
Typical Spa Expectations: How Most Hotels Handle the Dress Code
Hotels know their guests aren’t mind readers, but spa dress codes can still be a mystery. Nine times out of ten, hotel spas expect you to show up wearing something comfortable and easy to slip off. That usually means arriving in the robe and slippers they provide in your room. (If they don’t leave these in your closet, you’ll likely get them at check-in or the spa itself). In a 2025 survey by the Boutique Hotelier Group, 87% of luxury and boutique hotels encourage guests to use the spa’s robe-and-slipper combo, and most guests comply. But there’s more to the story.
Here’s the catch: Not all hotels have seamless robe culture. Some higher-end city hotels, for security, actually prefer guests wear casual clothing down to the spa and change there. Others (especially spa resorts or wellness retreats) make robes and slippers basically the official uniform—nobody bats an eye even if you glide through the breakfast buffet dressed for the steam room. If in doubt, check the lobby. If you spot others in robes, you’re good to go. If not, especially in conservative areas or chain hotels, play it safe with gym clothes or lounge wear.
Still feeling awkward? Know you’re not the only one. Plenty of spa-goers have stories about trying to blend in, only to end up bumping into the hotel manager or getting stuck in a busy lift with a bachelorette party. Don’t sweat it. The hotel staff have seen it all. If you’re undecided, call the spa desk directly and ask. They appreciate the question and usually give practical advice.
| Dress Code Style | Common At | Comfort Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Robe & Slippers | Luxury Resorts, Wellness Retreats | ★★★★★ |
| Gym Wear/Activewear | City Hotels, Business Hotels | ★★★★☆ |
| Street Clothes | Economy Hotels, Multi-Purpose Hotels | ★★★☆☆ |
| Swimsuit Under Robe | Beach Resorts, Family-Friendly Hotels | ★★★☆☆ |
Notice nearly everyone prefers hotel spa attire that’s easy to remove and feels right for the setting. Just skip stiff business attire or fancy dresses—no matter how cool the elevator selfie looks.
What Should You Actually Wear? Dressing for the Spa Without Overthinking It
This is where people get tripped up. Should you dress for Instagram, or just get as comfy as possible? The answer: Always lean comfy. Hotel spas are designed for you to relax, and nobody expects a style pageant.
Start with whatever the hotel provides. If that’s a robe and slippers, great—go full spa mode and save yourself the hassle of changing twice. If you don’t find a robe in your room, call down and ask the front desk, or check with housekeeping. Sometimes the best set is handed to you at the actual spa reception, right before your treatment. The golden rule: Never wear shoes or clothes that are tricky to remove in a small locker room. Choose easy-on, easy-off everything.
Worried about meeting someone you know in the lift or lobby? Easy fix. Bring loose layers you can pop over your robe—think a big t-shirt, hoodie, maxi cardigan, or even yoga pants over a swimsuit.
- Robes and slippers: Your safest bet in spa-focused hotels. Most people simply throw on the robe, slip into hotel-provided slippers, and head straight down.
- Swimsuits: Wear your suit under your robe if you plan on hitting the pool, hot tub, or thermal suite before your treatment. Opt for a dark color if you’re shy about see-through mishaps.
- Gym wear: If you’re hitting the spa before a workout, slide on some basic leggings or shorts and a loose tee. Stash your robe in your gym bag for later.
- Loungewear: Joggers, sweaters, or any clean, comfy clothes work fine if walking through a busy public area first.
- Nothing fancy, nothing fussy: Ditch jewelry, belts, or tight underlayers. They just get in the way and can even annoy spa therapists during a treatment.
One surprising trick: Some seasoned spa-goers wear flip-flops from home rather than hotel slippers, especially at hotels known for slippery or tiny spa changing rooms. If hygiene is a worry, bring your own slides.
Another secret: Always bring a spare bag. You don’t want to juggle your clothes, swimsuit, and phone as you wander out in a haze, dripping aromatherapy oil. Most spas hand out simple paper or canvas totes for your stuff, but not always.
Special note for families: Kids’ dress codes can be looser at family-friendly resorts, but swimwear is usually required in public areas. At adults-only or luxury spas, robes and slippers are still the norm, and your kids may be more comfortable in lounge clothes if allowed.
What to Avoid Wearing: Common Mistakes and Unspoken Rules
Ever seen someone try to enter a tranquil spa in jeans and a button-down, clutching a laptop bag? Don’t be that person. The biggest mistake isn’t fashion—it’s practicality. The less you fuss with what you’re wearing, the fewer awkward moments later. Here are the pitfalls guests share most:
- Clingy fabrics: Tight leggings, compression tops—anything hard to pull off when you’re warm or sweaty only makes things tricky.
- Street shoes: Not only are dirty soles a spa faux pas, but some high-end spas actually have "no shoes beyond this point" rules for hygiene. Flip-flops, slides, or slippers are safer.
- Heavy makeup and perfume: Both can interfere with treatments, ruin towels, or bother sensitive guests. Just go bare-faced or use minimal product.
- Overly casual wear in formal hotels: If the spa is in an old-money, super-formal grand hotel, wear lounge or gym wear over your robe until you reach the spa space. There’s nothing more awkward than passing a tuxedo-clad wedding party in your terrycloth wrap.
- Valuables and tech: Lock up your jewelry, watch, and any gadgets. Even the fanciest spas experience locker mix-ups, and you don’t want to stress about losing anything pricey while you try to enjoy your massage.
Here’s a pro tip if you’re big on skincare: Avoid wearing heavy creams, self-tanner, or body oil before treatments. Some ingredients interact with spa products, and therapists often provide a quick cleanse at the start anyhow.
One last word about etiquette: You probably don’t need to bring your own towel or show up dressed for the arctic. Hotel spas are (surprisingly) warmer than you think—most keep the spa zone a few degrees above the rest of the building to help you relax. Save the heavy sweatshirts and fluffy socks for after your treatment, if you like.
Packing and Planning Ahead: Making the Most of Your Time at the Hotel Spa
Successful spa trips always start with a bit of planning, especially since no one relaxes if they’re stressing over what they forgot to pack. Hotel spas have changed a ton in the past decade. In 2015, 60% of four-star hotels only offered basic locker rooms. Now, statistics from the Spa Industry Association say over 90% have full amenities: lockers, showers, toiletries, hair dryers, and often even phone charging stations. What does that mean for you? Pack less, relax more.
- Check spa policies before packing: Not every hotel lets guests walk through halls in robes. If the online reviews mention dress code drama, call ahead.
- Decide on your schedule: Plan for at least 30 minutes pre-treatment to enjoy amenities: sauna, whirlpool, or chill lounge. Wear your swimsuit under your robe if you want a dip before your massage.
- Pack a swimsuit, hair tie, and small toiletries: A compact, quick-dry swimsuit works for every hotel spa pool. A hair tie makes a difference during facials or massages, and some folks like their own brush or deodorant.
- Bring a water bottle: Spas offer herbal tea and cucumber water, but a refillable bottle saves you time finding refreshments.
- Don’t forget post-spa plans: If you’ll meet friends or grab a bite after, bring a fresh change of comfy clothes. Some hotels with rooftop spas even encourage guests to linger in robes, but city properties often want you dressed before hitting restaurants.
- Consider the season: If you’re visiting in winter, pack a cozy robe or socks for the walk back to your room (especially if your hotel’s spa is in a separate building or floor).
Traveling with friends or a group? Coordinate: Some hotels will arrange for guest robes to be sent to your rooms at the same time, or even let you book neighboring appointments. Solo travelers often enjoy having spa staff walk them from the lobby to the treatment area, avoiding the stroll-in-a-robe anxiety.
When you check in, bookmark the spa menu on your phone. Lots of guests make last-minute changes—swapping a facial for a scrub, adding time to a hot stone massage—and it helps to know what's on offer without walking back to your room to browse the paper menu.
If you have accessibility needs, email ahead for robe size, ramp access, or quiet lounge space. Modern spas are more accommodating than ever but rarely advertise extra-sized robes or slippers unless you ask. Tiny details like this go a long way toward making your visit smooth.
Strange but true: Some frequent spa-goers keep a "spa bag" pre-packed. If you hit the pool or spa every month, it’s worth creating a little kit: flip-flops, small waterproof pouch, compact brush, extra hairband, deodorant mini, and a light cover-up—leaving the stress at home with your stiff jeans and dress shirts.
Finally, if you’re treating someone else to a hotel spa day, tell them what to wear in your invitation. “Meet me in the spa in robe and slippers, leave everything fancy in your room”—way easier than guessing and hoping for the best.