How can you tell if a bath towel is really absorbant before it is
purchased? Is there a rating system?

Hello jayhallie-ga

Thank-you for your question.

There are three things you must consider when choosing a towel, the
quality of the material, the length of the loops and the density of
the loops.

For towels of identical material, a towel that has longer loops will
be softer and having a greater number of loops per square inch will
mean increased absorbancy.  Both of these point towards a heavier
towel being more absorbant and soft.  You should therefore look for a
heavier towel with longer loops and the weight is usually what is
indicated on towel packaging.  A figure of approximately 600 gsm
(grams per square metre) is usually said to indicate a typical "good"
towel.

I hope this information is of use.  Should you require any further
information on this subject please ask for clarification.

A few online discussions:
http://www.mcgaryandco.com/TerryTowel.htm
http://www.towelsrus.co.uk/page.php?xPage=news.html

Thanks!

Not what you asked, but as a 'by the way', I find that whether I've
bought cheaper or more expensive towels, I always wash them first in
Epsom Salts and then, every time afterwards, in Eucalyptus Wool Wash
and found that they're always soft and absorbent. I also use white
vinegar in the final rinse rather than fabric softener. Works for us!

Palitoy-ga,
Good answer.  I have run into towels that felt and looked good but in
use seemed to have been treated with an anti-absorbant.  Maybe I
needed Eucalyptus Wool Wash.

Probably one isn't suppose to do this, but on your Ohio hotel
question, I think the largest one was missed  (my stored comment that
I could not post):

"Well, these people claim their Regal Cincinatti is the largest in Ohio:

http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1999/11/19/fin_tristate_business.html

And here it is under new ownership and name:

http://www.millenniumhotels.com/MCIL.nsf/lu_hoteldoc/118$$hoteldescription?opendocumen

Myoarin