Generally speaking, I don't think hardware should be a resale issue unless it's a whole house full of something extremely dated, worn out, or highly stylized or personal. Even then, any buyer who can pick up a screw driver should know that most hardware is easily replaced with their own choice and one of the easiest and fastest ways to make a place their own. I wouldn't worry about it at all unless this is being fixed up specifically for sale. In that case, less might be more (the train rack gives you a towel bar and leave it at that). People can always add hardware of their chosing. Stay with a basic style they can add to (train racks generally are).

Would the hooks, if you use them, be in a regular wall? If so, they are easy to replace, especially if you keep a small container of touch-up paint marked for the room it goes with. If you are drilling holes in tile or something, then replacement is more of an issue, but as long as towels can be hung and have enough room that they dry properly, I don't see an issue for most folks. If this is for space considerations only, make sure that hooks large enough to hold and dry towels well don't stick out more than a towel bar. And if they are for your use, get what you want.

Thanks for your thoughts - yes, the hooks would be in a regular wall. The original tile around the tub had a towel bar set into the back wall - which my son never used since it was always wet, of course.

I happen to be quite fond of towel hooks. I put one within arm's reach of tubs and showers so one can grab their towel easily before they get out of the wet area. In a guest bathroom, a row of hooks can hold more towels that a towel bar, so the family that's visiting has enough room to all hang their towels. The drawback is that towels take a little longer to dry on a hook vs flat on a bar. Also, be sure not to mount the hooks at eye level, especially in a small space.

After seeing it on this forum, I just bought the coat hook bar below to use in our guest bathroom. It's not mounted yet, but I like that the hooks fold flat when not in use.

Here is a link that might be useful: hook bar

I am surprised folks are concerned about hooks as a resale issue. Never would have occurred to me. When we bought this house, the master had no towel bars, hooks or rings and my biggest concern was getting the rid of the carpet and the wallpaper.

I like hooks, but we are currently using a quilt rack at the end of the tub. Works great. :-)

I have hooks in one of my bathrooms, and I like them fine. These each have an upper and lower knob, and have an antique look I find attractive. I sometimes hang my change of clothes there while I'm showering.

My remodeled master bath will probably have a hook or two in addition to towel bars -- having two doors to a fairly small room makes it hard to find enough wall space for bars.

I prefer hooks in small bathroom spaces. In a small 5 x 10 bath I have 2 in the back of the door for primary towel hanging. I also have one with 2 prongs built into the glass shower wall so towel(s) can be picked off the glass from inside the shower when you open the door to exit. When finished drying off they go back on the door where they are invisible when the door is open. Less cluttered look without bars and towels helps small space look bigger.

Thank you all for your thoughts! I think I will proceed with the hook idea.

I used only hooks in my newly built home. I love the look and functionality. The kids finally hang their towels up!

Well, you know, personally I don't like towel hooks one bit, but I sure wouldn't decide against buying a place just because it had them. I don't think you need to worry about that at all.