The traditional solid bathroom door, a staple of hotel privacy for centuries, is facing an alarming decline across the hospitality industry. According to recent reports, hotels are increasingly opting for sliding barn doors, curtains, strategically placed walls, or even transparent glass enclosures instead of conventional doors. This trend has ignited fury among guests who perceive it as a drastic erosion of personal space and a step too far in cost reduction efforts.
The Rise of the 'See-Through' Bathroom
As highlighted in exposés, some establishments have taken the concept further by relocating sinks and showers into the bedroom area, with toilets confined to glass boxes or cubby-like spaces. Bjorn Hanson from New York University's Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospitality notes this shift, which transforms intimate moments into potentially awkward shared experiences. For couples, it can test relationships, as comedian Becca Herries quipped that such doors are designed to either move a relationship forward or end it altogether.
Privacy Compromised in the Name of Savings
The driving force behind this change appears to be financial. From a chief financial officer's perspective, solid doors represent ongoing maintenance costs, including lightbulb replacements and handle repairs. By eliminating or simplifying these elements, hotels aim to cut expenses, albeit at the expense of guest comfort. One disgruntled traveller recounted their experience with a frosted glass door, stating, "You couldn't see the fine details, but you could see everything else," underscoring the discomfort many feel.
Guest Reactions and Activism
While some guests adopt a nihilistic attitude, claiming indifference to toilet placement, others are fighting back. The Bring Back Doors website, founded by digital marketer Sadie Lowell, serves as a crowdsourced database rating hotel privacy. Lowell's own traumatic experience sharing a doorless room with her father in 2024 fueled her campaign, which categorises hotels from "confirmed bathroom door" to "zero privacy: no door, no wall, or wall with a window." This initiative highlights a growing demand for traditional amenities in an era of minimalist design.
The Broader Implications for Hospitality
This trend raises questions about the balance between innovation and guest satisfaction in the hotel industry. As properties experiment with open-plan layouts to reduce costs, they risk alienating travellers who value discretion and comfort. The debate extends beyond mere convenience, touching on social etiquette and the very definition of a restful stay. Whether guests will ultimately vote with their feet remains to be seen, but the backlash suggests that for many, a solid door is non-negotiable.
