Hotels Removing Bathroom Doors Spark Privacy Backlash Among Travelers
NEW YORK, N.Y. — A growing trend in hotel room design is raising eyebrows and ire among travelers nationwide. Across various hotel brands, traditional hinged bathroom doors are being eliminated in favor of sliding panels, frosted glass, curtains, or in some cases, no physical separation at all between the bathroom and sleeping areas. This shift, driven by rising construction and maintenance costs, has left many guests feeling exposed and demanding a return to privacy.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, hotel operators are adopting these open or semi-open bathroom layouts to simplify room configurations and reduce long-term expenses. However, the tradeoff has been significant guest dissatisfaction. Social media platforms and forums such as Reddit have become hotbeds for travelers sharing experiences of hotel stays where bathroom doors are missing, partially enclosed, or replaced by sliding doors that fail to fully close.
“I’d like some privacy,” one traveler lamented, echoing a sentiment widely shared online. The absence of traditional bathroom doors has led to discomfort, especially for those traveling with family or companions. The design changes blur the line between private and communal spaces within the hotel room, which many guests find intrusive.
Experts note that the hospitality industry is grappling with increasing costs related to construction materials, labor, and energy efficiency. By removing bathroom doors, hotels can reduce installation and upkeep expenses, streamline cleaning processes, and potentially lower energy consumption by improving airflow. The U.S. Department of Energy highlights how efficient design choices can impact operational costs, but the balance between cost savings and guest comfort remains delicate.
Travelers have responded by calling hotels directly to inquire about bathroom layouts before booking, and some are actively seeking out properties that still offer traditional bathroom doors. The backlash has prompted some industry watchers to question whether the cost-saving measures might ultimately harm customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Hospitality associations, such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association, have acknowledged the trend but emphasize that guest feedback is crucial in guiding future design decisions. They advise travelers to review room descriptions carefully and communicate preferences during booking.
Meanwhile, consumer protection agencies like the Federal Trade Commission encourage transparency from hotels regarding room amenities and configurations to ensure guests can make informed choices.
As the debate over bathroom privacy in hotels continues, travelers are reminded to research accommodations thoroughly and voice their preferences to hospitality providers. Whether the trend toward open bathroom designs will persist or recede remains to be seen, but for now, many guests are making it clear that privacy remains a non-negotiable expectation in their travel experiences.
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