I read this article on the Wall Street Journal about a hotel trend in which they are moving away from real doors to the bathroom. Personally, I have stayed in rooms that have these barn doors, glass doors or even a totally open space. It definitely bothers me that there is no proper bathroom door. While this may be a good design choice, it does not work for me when I desire privacy in the bathroom
Design Trend or Design Mistake?
According to The Wall Street Journal, an increasing number of hotels are abandoning traditional opaque bathroom doors in favor of modern alternatives such as barn-style sliders, frosted glass panels — or, in some cases, nothing at all. The rationale isn’t purely aesthetic. Hotels argue these choices can:
- Maximize natural light and make small rooms feel larger
- Reduce build and maintenance costs
- Create a sleek, modern look that appeals to design-minded guests
Designers also say that eliminating bulky swinging doors can improve accessibility and provide architects with more flexibility in tight urban spaces. But for many guests, the result feels like a step too far.
The Privacy Backlash
Travelers aren’t staying quiet. Social media and travel forums are filled with complaints about open-plan bathrooms. From awkward encounters with roommates to unexpected displays when doors are missing or transparent. One TikToker documented her shock at a European hotel room where the bathroom was completely open to the sleeping area, leaving her to wonder why basic privacy was no longer a priority.
Another activist and the creator of BringBackDoors.com, has made it her mission to push the industry to restore real, closing bathroom doors. Her site catalogues hotels based on their bathroom privacy levels and offers travelers a way to avoid properties that skimp on this basic amenity.
Why Guests Really Care
Here’s the heart of the issue: most people expect the bathroom, even in a hotel, to be a private sanctuary, not a stage. Without solid doors that close and latch, travelers report:
- Awkwardness when sharing rooms with partners, friends, or family
- Sounds and smells escaping into the bedroom
- Safety concerns about visibility into the bathroom
- Functional problems like water splashing everywhere without a proper shower enclosure
The Industry Defense
Hotel designers defend the shift, saying it’s partly driven by shrinking room sizes and fierce competition. Without walls and bulky doors, the limited square footage feels more open and less claustrophobic. In some luxury properties, glass partitions are also used to let sunlight reach deeper into the space, a feature that can make a room feel more upscale and brighter.
Plus, fewer nooks and crannies mean simpler cleaning tasks for housekeeping. A consideration that, when multiplied across hundreds of rooms daily, translates to significant operational savings.
Where This Leaves Travelers
The bathroom door debate is more than a quirky design squabble. It highlights a growing tension in hospitality between minimalist aesthetics and basic guest comfort. Some travelers embrace the modern look; others are so opposed that they’ll avoid booking rooms without solid doors altogether.
Where does this leave us. If the bathroom door is important to you, always check photos and reviews for bathroom layout and privacy details before you book. If it does not, then enjoy the more open space in your room.