Hotel bathrooms are quietly becoming a source of frustration for travelers, and the trend isn’t accidental. As hotel owners prioritize profits over guest experience, bathroom design is increasingly cutting corners—sometimes literally, with the removal of doors altogether. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s a symptom of broader cost-cutting measures that are reshaping the hospitality industry.
The Vanishing Door: Privacy Under Threat
A recent Wall Street Journal report highlighted a growing trend: hotels are ditching full doors for bathrooms in favor of sliding panels, frosted glass, or even no separation at all. The rationale is simple: reduced construction and maintenance costs. But guests are pushing back, arguing that basic privacy should be non-negotiable.
This issue is particularly acute for shared rooms. The expectation that bathroom activities remain private is fundamental, yet hotels are eroding this standard. Some travelers are now calling ahead to confirm bathroom setups before booking, a clear sign of growing dissatisfaction.
This isn’t an isolated incident. The elimination of doors follows previous downgrades, like the removal of desks, comfortable seating, and even full housekeeping services. The hotel industry is streamlining, and guest comfort is often the first casualty.
Beyond Doors: Functionality Over Form
The problem extends beyond privacy. Many hotel bathrooms suffer from poor design choices that prioritize aesthetics over usability.
- Showers: Too many showers lack full enclosures, resulting in flooded floors. Controls are often confusing or require stepping into the water to adjust.
- Layouts: Some rooms cram double sinks into tiny spaces, leaving no counter space. Others feature awkward shower/tub combos that offer the worst of both worlds.
- Functionality: Basic usability is often ignored. The controls should be controllable without getting wet.
These aren’t minor inconveniences; they’re indicators of a systemic failure to prioritize guest needs. The result is bathrooms that feel cheap, poorly planned, and frustrating to use.
The Bottom Line
The decline in hotel bathroom design is a direct result of financial pressures. While some may dismiss these changes as trivial, they contribute to a broader erosion of the guest experience. Hotels are increasingly prioritizing short-term profits over long-term satisfaction, and the bathroom is just the latest battleground in that trade-off.
