Bathroom Talk

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Sep 2006 05:46 PM

Regular readers of my Travel blogs know that after the view, the first thing I look for in a superior hotel room is a nice bathroom. Now, finally, hotels are taking notice of customers like me. A recent trade publication just announced that: "After spending billions revamping bedding, bars and lobbies, U.S. hotels are starting to tackle guest bathrooms."

Well, hooray for that. It's about time hotel management realized that bathrooms can not only distinguish their properties from their rivals, but also please guests (like me) who are looking for a spa experience... if only for a night. Of course, an elegant bathroom can also justify or speed up rate increases, and what company is not interested in the bottom line? Recently, Embassy Suites brand manager Jim Holthouser said: "A nice bathroom is so important it can make or break a guest's stay. I couldn't agree more.

So what does this willingness to upgrade mean for your next hotel stay? According to luxury hotel chains, you can expect to see bathrooms that are "bigger and more sophisticated." In other words, most chains are looking to replace bathtubs with tiled, walk-in showers (to read my reaction to his move click here), and add body spray fixtures and double vanities. Meanwhile, less-expensive hotels are replacing man-made countertops with granite, installing curved shower rods and upgrading showerheads in existing bathtub showers.

Hoteliers started to realize that they needed to invest in bathrooms because many guests complained their bathrooms at home where far superior to what was offered at said hotel. Guests' complaints were heard and now hotels are trying to make amends.

For example, if size is an issue for you, you may want to book a room at the boutique hotel Gansevoort (it's set to open next April) in Miami's South Beach. It is currently constructing 9-by-10-foot bathrooms, twice the size of the common 5-by-8-foot hotel bath. Also, the trendy and upscale Park Hyatt in Washington doubled the size of its bathrooms during a year-long renovation and created tiled areas so large, you can shower without door or curtain enclosures. If you are looking for luxury, the Marriott hotel chain has replaced old showerheads with rain-like or high-end, multistreaming showerheads. Finally, as part of a major redesign, the St. Regis in Washington reports it is investing in mirrors with a built-in TV screen. Bathrooms at the new Renaissance Schaumburg near Chicago already have the new feature.

Related Articles:

Bye Bye Bathtubs!

Traveling with Children: Finding the Best Hotel Room

Finding a Good Deal on a Hotel Room

Hotel Rooms-Smoking or Non-Smoking: The Choice Is No Longer Yours

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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