A growing trend in hotels to replace solid bathroom doors with sliding panels, glass cubicles—or in some cases, no doors at all—has sparked outrage among guests, who see it as a cost-cutting move taken too far.

According to a report highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, hotels across the US and Europe are increasingly opting for “sliding barn doors, curtains, strategically placed walls and other replacements” instead of traditional, fully enclosed bathrooms. In some layouts, sinks and showers are moved into the bedroom, while toilets are boxed into glass enclosures or cubby-like spaces.

Privacy vs profits

Hospitality experts say the shift is driven by economics. Bjorn Hanson of New York University’s Jonathan M Tisch Center of Hospitality noted that, to finance teams, “the humble door can look like a money pit,” citing maintenance costs such as fittings, handles and lighting.

Guests, however, are unimpressed. Many describe the experience as awkward—particularly for couples and business travellers sharing rooms. “You couldn’t see the fine details, but you could see everything else,” one guest told the Journal, describing a frosted glass toilet enclosure. Another summed it up bluntly: “I love my partner, but I don’t want to watch them use the restroom.”

Backlash goes digital

The backlash has gone online, with travellers creating tools to warn others. The Bring Back Doors website now crowdsources hotel listings, rating bathroom privacy from “confirmed bathroom door” to the dreaded “zero privacy”.

The site’s creator, Sadie Lowell, said her motivation stemmed from sharing a hotel room with her father in 2024—without a bathroom door. “That’s when mild inconvenience turned into real anger,” she wrote.

Will guests push back?

Some travellers remain indifferent, but many say privacy is non-negotiable and could influence booking choices. Critics argue that while hotels may save on costs, they risk alienating guests who expect basic dignity—even on a budget stay.

As hotels experiment with open-plan designs, one thing is clear: for many travellers, a solid bathroom door isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.