The Luxurious Bathroom Feature American Tourists Aren't Used To In European Hotels

If you've ever stayed in a European hotel, you might have noticed a sleek metal fixture mounted on the bathroom wall that feels and looks completely different to anything you're used to seeing back home. Turns out, these ladder-like metal racks — generally warm to the touch — are actually radiators designed specifically for towels.

A standard in most European bathrooms — 90% of homes in the United Kingdom have these installed, for example (per Elegant Radiators) — these heated towel racks serve a practical purpose that goes beyond the luxury of having always-warm towels at hand. From preventing bacterial growth to controlling bathroom humidity, these fixtures efficiently dry towels in just a few hours — ultimately creating a more hygienic and comfortable bathroom environment.

And while European bathrooms across the content all come with their own list of unexpected items you might find in the shower or mysteriously missing sink stoppers, these heated towel racks stand out as one of the most practical features that many U.S. travelers wish would make their way across the Atlantic.

Unlike their American counterparts, a lot of Europeans tend to think of towel radiators as an essential bathroom staple rather than a luxury add-on. Dating back to the early 1900s when central heating first came up, these fixtures began as simple cast-iron pipes covered with ornate screens. They continued to gain popularity in the 1930s, as dedicated bathrooms became the standard in most homes. And by the '60s, heated towel racks had evolved significantly — with more efficient designs and materials that made them accessible to most households.

Beyond just keeping towels warm and toasty for when you step out of the shower, however, these fixtures also help to dry towels quicker. This quick-dry factor ultimately helps with controlling bathroom humidity — especially in smaller spaces or bathrooms without windows, which can trap moisture and create stuffy environments. All of this — combined with simple lifestyle changes, like taking shorter showers while you're in Europe — works to prevent bacterial growth and eliminate musty odors that can develop in damp bathrooms.

And while some people might think that having a heated rack will spike utility and energy costs — it turns out, these devices are actually a lot cheaper to run than most traditional dryers. Using about the same amount of electricity as a standard light bulb, they provide an efficient solution for keeping towels fresh and bathrooms feeling comfortable all year long.