The Changing Landscape of Hotel Bathrooms

More and more news stories are coming through that are revealing an ever increasing number of hotels trying something a bit (well, a lot) different. So what is the big change? It seems as if they are starting to make the bathroom part of the actual bedroom.

Glass Wall Design

Some hotels are choosing to put a glass wall in between the bedroom area and the bathroom area. It doesn't give you a lot of privacy when you need to use the loo, but it does apparently add a sense of style.

Some claim it can be more luxurious too, although that point is most certainly still up for debate.
Privacy Solutions

Some thoughtful designers have added another feature however, in case modesty may become too much to cope with. This takes the form of a screen, or blinds in some cases.

These can then be lowered to provide a more solid 'wall' in between the two areas of the room.

Public Opinion and Privacy Concerns

So is this something we can look forward to seeing more of in the future? Many people would hope not – and it would seem to be some way off if it were to happen. After all most of us do prefer our privacy, and while it might be forward thinking to start knocking down walls, given the choice many people would still opt for hotels with the two essential parts of the room separate.

Consumer Preference

Given the choice many people would still opt for hotels with the two essential parts of the room separate. Privacy remains a top priority for most travelers.

Luxury Market Focus

It should be noted as well that most of the hotels that have opted for this type of layout are, shall we say, at the more posh end of the market. These are hotels where design and form are both prominent and important.

Luxury Hotels
  • High-end market focus
  • Design-driven approach
  • Form over function
  • Premium pricing
Average Hotels
  • Won't adopt this trend
  • Customer preference aware
  • Privacy-focused design
  • Traditional layouts

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Another feature of these ultra modern open plan bathrooms isn't quite so bad. This feature will only work in a multi storey hotel, since it could create no end of problems on the ground floor. Some hotels are opting to position the bath right in front of a huge floor to ceiling window.

Location Matters

As we said, this would be ideal on the 15th floor, but not so good when you are looking out directly onto the street. Privacy concerns vary significantly by floor level.

Higher Floors
  • Better privacy
  • Scenic views
  • Natural light
  • Luxury experience
Ground Floor
  • Privacy concerns
  • Street visibility
  • Security issues
  • Not recommended

Future of the Trend

So it remains to be seen whether these glass walled bathrooms are simply a fad or whether they will become more and more popular as time goes by. It's safe to say that only a portion of the more expensive hotels will probably even consider going down this route though.

Pro Tip

Thankfully, traditional bathroom privacy is likely to remain the standard for most hotels. The glass wall trend appears to be limited to luxury establishments where design experimentation is part of the appeal.