Who is responsible for designing these new hotels? You really have to wonder when you see some of the so called “features”.
Like the open bathroom concept. Trust me – the most important thing I want is privacy in my bathroom. Mexican hotel developers learnt this very quickly when they got feedback from the more prudish sector of their guests (namely Brits and Americans) that ablutions are things not to be shared. Hastily erected screens do little to give a real feeling of security during those “private moments”.
The other little trick seems to be frosted glass doors on the toilet. Who the hell dreamt that one up? Not only does it create an echo chamber (embarrassing) but every movement of the occupant is outlined – especially when the light is on. We had a room like this at the in W in Barcelona and in the end arranged privacy breaks for each other as in “Darling… I am just popping down to pick up a newspaper!”
My absolute favourite is the Jacuzzi tub in the bedroom. Please don’t. It makes me feel like I am sleeping in a bathroom. Especially when the tap drips.
So you are probably asking by now – what the hell does this fussy bitch like? (And yes – Darling – I AM fussy).
I love hotel beds – I love the linen – extra soft Egyptian – especially the Starwood Hotels – divine. I love large walk in showers and rain shower heads. I love to have fresh towels every day – yes I know it is not “eco” but when I am at home I recycle – on vacation I like to be pampered. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has divine showers – they changed the tub into a walk in shower with excellent results and even installed shelves on the wall inside the shower with stacked up towels. Going to the South Pacific or on safari? You have to have an outside shower. Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands in South Africa has a large walled garden at the back of the bedroom with two huge rain shower heads – just gorgeous. At Earth Lodge – shower out in the open air with complete privacy.
You see! There are lots of things I love.
The Travel Lady's Blog 
I agree, open concepts are terrible!! Maybe for Europeans it’s not as risque, but as a Canadian I like my privacy!
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Just look at the show homes here in Calgary, no door between the bedroom and on suite. Hate that…
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There are some hotels in which (lack of) space dictates the layout, while in others, cultural norms guide the amenities. An example of the former would be the Citizen M at Schipohl, Amsterdam airport. Our room was tiny, as in <100 sq ft. The toilet was on one side of the room, shower on the other, each in a tubular, full-height frosted enclosure with a door which slid open around the circumference. An example of the latter would be in many parts of southeast Asia where there IS no toilet paper – water and various forms of application thereof manage to suffice.
But that's all part of the charm – and the learning experience of travel.
Eric
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So true Eric – that’s the fun of travel. The unexpected! Make for good dinner party discussions. I have stayed at the M at Schipohl and it is just perfect for a place to break up a long international flight. Just the ability to take a shower and have a proper sleep makes the world of difference. Thanks for your comments. Lesley
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Lots of laughs – I am a travel agent looking for a hotel in South Africa that has a private bathroom for my clients – I have found one so far. I agree – bathrooms are for private use.A lot of people travel together these but they are not necessarily a couple!
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So true – I love my best friend – but not that much! Another pet peeve I have are jacuzzi tubs in the bathroom. Some might think it romantic. I don’t. Makes me feel as if I am sleeping in the bathroom!
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