The Unexpected Bathroom Feature You Should Start To Check For When Booking A Hotel Room
Having a view of the toilet from the bed might sound like something that would only happen in a budget hotel where design is merely an afterthought. However, a lack of privacy is becoming the norm in accommodations across the globe, including luxury resorts and five-star stays. From Europe to Asia, many modern hotels are forgoing bathroom doors in favor of open floor plans, where the shower and toilet share a space with the minibar and TV.
This construction quirk isn't an entirely new concept. Rather, it's been trending in the hospitality world for at least 15 or so years — even if some guests resent it. On Reddit, user u/KennKennyKenKen posted the question, "Why do hotels have open plan bathrooms? I don't need my partner seeing and hearing me take a s***." Similarly, TikToker @alencejjy shared a video of the moment they discovered their hotel bathroom had no door. "We have to leave the room whenever someone showers," reads the clip's caption.
Open bathrooms can take on many forms. In some cases, you may find a European half-door in the shower. In other rooms, the bathtub is on display while the toilet is hidden. In the most open of floor plans, everything is exposed, offering zero privacy between guests. If you're not an exhibitionist at heart, make sure to check for a bathroom door before booking your next stay.
Why some hotels don't use bathroom doors
You may not prefer bathrooms without doors, but many hotel companies and managers do. There are several reasons why hotels choose open layouts, even if they're not always popular with travelers. First, minimizing the number of doors in a room can make it appear more spacious, which can give guests the illusion of a larger room. This is also accomplished with glass walls and large windows (potentially turning your sudsing-up session into an accidental peep show).
Open floor plans also caught on thanks to the spa-style bathroom trend. Something about a garden tub placed next to a cozy bed elicits "me time" vibes, even if it's not always the most practical choice. Some older hotels have also adopted this style in an attempt to refresh outdated rooms.
However, doorless bathrooms aren't only inspired by aesthetics. Some designers consider them useful for guests who don't know their way around the space and may mistake the front door for the bathroom. Then there's the benefits for housekeepers. Without barriers blocking the way, housekeepers can clean more quickly, even if you happen to leave your hotel room messy upon departure.
How to make sure your hotel has bathroom doors
Whether you're doing a mini-moon with your significant other or taking a group vacation, you probably don't want to find a completely open bathroom when you walk into your hotel room. Thankfully, you can avoid getting stuck with an awkward open layout with a few simple steps. First, check the hotel's official website for room photos before booking. Make sure to view the photos for the exact room you plan to book so you have an idea of what you're reserving.
If there aren't many photos available on the hotel's website, turn to tools with user-generated content, such as Google Reviews. To do this, search for the hotel on Google Maps, and then find the photos shared by guests. You can also search the written reviews using keywords such as "bathroom door."
If you've found a hotel that you believe has bathroom doors installed in each room, it's a good idea to confirm the layout with the property before completing your reservation. Call the hotel and let them know you'll be traveling with a companion or group and that you value privacy during your stay. They can share whether the space you're eyeing will have a door or if any other arrangements (such as a curtain or room divider) are available.