Story perspectives

Hotels Embrace Open Bathrooms, Sparking Privacy Backlash

1/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Wall Street Journal reports that hotels are adopting open-concept bathroom designs featuring frosted glass, sliding panels, or no doors.
This shift raises privacy concerns among guests.
Sadie Lowell, a digital marketer, launched the “Bring Back Doors” campaign, which lists 500 properties without traditional doors.
Columnist Cathy Adams advises travelers to use lobby restrooms for added privacy as the debate continues in the hospitality industry.

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Story summary

The Wall Street Journal reports that hotels are adopting open-concept bathroom designs featuring frosted glass, sliding panels, or no doors.
This shift raises privacy concerns among guests.
Sadie Lowell, a digital marketer, launched the “Bring Back Doors” campaign, which lists 500 properties without traditional doors.
Columnist Cathy Adams advises travelers to use lobby restrooms for added privacy as the debate continues in the hospitality industry.