Full Breakdown
The Shift in Hotel Bathroom Design: A Move Towards Openness
1/26/2026, 10:51:02 AM
Overview of the Design Change
Many midprice and boutique hotels are increasingly replacing traditional solid bathroom doors with alternatives such as frosted glass, sliding barn doors, curtains, or even omitting doors altogether. This trend, highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article by Katie Deighton, aims to enhance natural light and reduce maintenance costs, but it has sparked significant concerns regarding guest privacy.
Guest Reactions and Privacy Concerns
The redesign of hotel bathrooms has elicited mixed reactions from travelers. While some guests are indifferent to the changes, many have expressed discomfort with the lack of privacy. Complaints have surfaced on social media platforms, including Reddit, where users have shared experiences of staying in rooms with no doors or inadequate enclosures. One traveler noted, "I don’t want to watch anybody use the bathroom, and I’d like some privacy." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among guests, particularly those traveling with family or friends, about the potential for awkward situations.
Digital marketer Sadie Lowell has taken action in response to these design changes by launching the "Bring Back Doors" campaign. Through her initiative, she has compiled a public list of 500 hotels that offer either partial or no privacy in their bathroom designs. Lowell actively communicates with hotels to inquire about their bathroom door policies, highlighting the growing demand for traditional privacy measures.
Industry Perspective and Cost Considerations
Hotel operators cite rising construction, maintenance, and energy costs as key factors driving this design shift. By eliminating solid doors, hotels aim to simplify room layouts and reduce long-term expenses. However, this approach has raised questions about the balance between cost savings and guest comfort. Some establishments are experimenting with placing sinks and showers in the main room while tucking toilets behind glass or in discreet nooks, further blurring the lines of privacy.
Official Statements and Responses
While there has been no formal response from major hotel chains regarding the backlash against these design changes, the trend has prompted discussions within the industry about the future of hotel bathroom layouts. As hotels continue to innovate, the challenge remains to meet guest expectations for privacy while pursuing cost-effective design solutions.
Practical Advice for Travelers
For guests who find themselves in rooms without traditional bathroom doors, advice from Cathy Adams of the Times of London suggests utilizing lobby restrooms when privacy becomes an issue. This recommendation underscores the importance of basic amenities in maintaining guest comfort amidst evolving hotel designs.
Conclusion: The Future of Hotel Bathrooms
As the hospitality industry adapts to new design trends, the debate over the necessity of solid bathroom doors continues. The implications of these changes on guest experiences will likely shape future hotel designs, as operators seek to balance aesthetics, functionality, and privacy.
