Hotels Move Away from Solid Bathroom Doors
Hotel bathrooms are undergoing a significant design shift as many establishments move away from traditional solid doors. This trend has sparked mixed reactions from guests, as reported by Katie Deighton in the Wall Street Journal. Numerous midprice and boutique hotels are increasingly opting for alternatives such as frosted glass, sliding barn doors, curtains, and partial walls.
Hotel Design Trends
The new approach aims to enhance natural light and reduce maintenance costs. However, these alternatives often neglect to provide adequate privacy, leading to concerns among guests. Some hotels are even exploring the idea of completely omitting bathroom doors. Instead, they are experimenting with placing sinks and showers within the main room and designing discreet toilet areas divinely separated by glass or unique nooks.
Guest Reactions
- Some travelers are indifferent to the changes.
- Others have raised privacy concerns.
Sadie Lowell, a digital marketer, has initiated a campaign advocating for traditional bathroom doors. Through her “Bring Back Doors” initiative, Lowell communicates directly with hotels to understand their bathroom privacy options. She has compiled a public list of hotels with inadequate privacy measures, currently counting 500 properties in the no-door category.
Advice for Travelers
For guests who find themselves in rooms devoid of bathroom doors, the Times of London columnist Cathy Adams offers practical advice: utilize lobby restrooms if privacy becomes an issue. This recommendation serves as a reminder that despite evolving hotel designs, basic amenities still play an essential role in guest comfort.
As the hospitality industry evolves, the question remains: are hotel bathrooms better off without solid doors? With a growing debate on the subject, it will be interesting to see how this trend influences guest experiences in the future.
