Hotel bathroom - how to arrange it
January 2023

What shouldn’t you save on when arranging a hotel bathroom?
First of all, when designing a hotel bathroom, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic legal regulations. This is the first set of guidelines that are taken into account. It’s a series of recommendations that the bathroom must meet, regardless of the standard of the hotel. It’s mandatory that it has a shower unit or a bathtub. The safety of guests must be taken into account here, so it’s recommended to invest in mats, rugs or non-slip tiles to protect against slips and falls. Next on the list comes a washbasin with a countertop or with a shelf for toiletries. What can’t be missing here either are a toilet bowl, an illuminated mirror and an electrical outlet with a cover. Finally, there must be some space for other accessories, like a wastebasket, hangers and a soap dish or dispenser.
When designing an interior, it’s best to look at it from an ergonomic point of view right away. It’s also worthwhile optimizing the process of preparing and cleaning the room for the next guests, and thus ensuring that the cleaning of the hotel bathroom is quick. What’s important here are the type of finishing materials and the number of hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
Adaptation of the hotel bathroom for people with disabilities
We should think about the adaptation of the hotel bathroom for people with disabilities already at the design stage. It’s not always possible to redesign a finished interior so that it’s comfortable to use for people with special needs. Arrangement mistakes can not only significantly reduce comfort, but also put the user at risk of falling, for example. The toilet bowl in a bathroom for people with disabilities should be at a height of 40cm and equipped with a special seat. The shower unit should have a curbless entryway. In the shower there must be a seat and grab bars. The latter should also be installed in other parts of the bathroom. The comfort of use is also determined by a touchless or metering faucet sink, as well as a tilting mirror.
Bathtub or shower in the hotel?
This question should also be answered in advance. Most often, the hotel bathrooms are small, and thus such solutions that don’t take up a lot of space and provide convenience are needed. A shower enclosure seems ideal in this case. Not only doesn’t it take up a lot of space, but it’s also functional and convenient for guests to use, and involves less water consumption. In an ergonomic and well-thought-out bathroom, there shouldn’t be many nooks and crannies where dirt could accumulate, and thus would be more difficult to keep clean. Enclosures with a flat shower tray or a linear drain will be an effective solution.
Your hotel bathroom can have a bathtub instead of a shower. However, guests usually prefer the first option. The bathtub itself takes up a lot of space, so it will be better for larger spaces. To combine the functionalities of a bathtub and a shower unit, a bath screen can be used.
How to choose a mirror for a hotel bathroom?
One of the basic elements of any bathroom, including a hotel-style bathroom, is the mirror. It will not only increase its functionality, but will also make it appear visually larger and give it depth. In addition, if we choose a mirror that matches the bathroom design style, it will be a decoration, too.
The ideal size of the mirror depends, among others, on the width of the sink. When the washbasin is large, the mirror above it can’t be narrow. As a universal rule, it should have the same width as the basin. Round, oval and rectangular mirrors work well here. There are designers who deviate from this and eagerly hang mirrors that are larger than the sink - this suggestion is noteworthy in a situation where the basin itself is small in size. We shouldn’t forget that the mirror should be functional in the first place. If the hotel bathroom also has a mirror on a different wall than the sink, the mirror above the sink can be smaller. This choice is rare, though.

How to choose the toilet bowl
Another matter to consider is the toilet bowl. Practicality and aesthetics count here. A universal solution is a standing toilet, where the bowl is combined with the water tank and cistern. An undoubted advantage of this option is quick installation. However, if the hotel bathroom is small and it’s decorated in a contemporary way, a wall-mounted toilet will be a good option. The tank and the cistern are then in the wall, and the bowl itself is on a frame concealing the installation. As a result, it saves space, looks better and is easier to clean.
Types of washbasins that are often used in hotels
Due to their frequent use, the sanitary ware in a hotel bathroom must be made of durable and resistant materials. Hence, ceramic washbasins are installed most often. They can be either unglazed or glazed, the latter having a surface that prevents the deposition of dirt, which at the same time makes them more expensive. There are also glass basins to choose from. They have a unique look, often have original shapes and are colorful. However, they break easily and require frequent care. There is also a choice of stone conglomerate basins, which are rather rare in hotels.
Washbasins differ not only in terms of the material they are made from. The installation method varies, too. Furniture washbasins are very popular in hotel bathrooms. Their size is designed to fit particular models of cabinets. With this solution, we get a cabinet with doors, which guests will undoubtedly appreciate. Another popular type are countertop basins, which depending on our vision, can be placed on the countertop or recessed into it.
Lighting in a hotel bathroom
The matter of lighting can’t be overlooked. The general lighting located on the ceiling is the basis. Plafonds, ceiling lamps and halogen fixtures will be suitable. Which option will be the best one depends on the design style. However, ceiling lighting is too weak for such tasks as face shaving or putting on makeup. Hence, there should be additional spot lights by the mirror. Symmetrical fixtures located on both sides of the mirror will work well. Another suggestion is a fixture mounted above it. It’s important to choose such lighting that doesn’t create shadows or dazzle.

Wall finishing
Sanitary ware, lighting and a mirror are not the only things we need to take care of. Before placing them in the bathroom, we will need to finish the walls and floors. Since the bathroom has a high level of humidity, the finishing materials must be water-resistant. Various options are available, making it possible to choose something that combines functionality and aesthetics. So what is used most often?
Bathroom tiles
For years, they’ve been used most often in the bathroom. They are valued for their resistance and durability. By choosing high-quality tiles, we can be sure that the hotel bathroom will serve for a long time without the need for renovation. Although tiles are still associated with rectangle and square shapes, the possibilities that come with them are much greater. You can choose from hexagons, arabesques, herringbone and several other types. With them, a unique design will make a stay in the bathroom.
Paint
Often in contemporary bathrooms, tiles are no longer laid on all surfaces, instead some of them are covered with paint. This is a good option, provided that the paint is adapted to the conditions found in bathrooms. We need to focus on those destined for bathrooms. They should be hydrophobic and impermeable and at the same time resistant to abrasion and stains. It’s good if the paint ingredients prevent the growth of fungi and mold.
Wallpaper in a hotel bathroom
Through original interior design, some hoteliers want to be positively remembered by their guests. In the case of bathrooms, a wallpaper can be helpful. However, it’s not about the usual wallpaper used in rooms, as this one will quickly stop looking good. Vinyl or fiberglass wallpapers and other waterproof wall murals will work well here. They aren’t as durable as tiles, but their cost isn’t very high. They can be wiped with a wet cloth and they look amazing.
Bathroom accessories for hotels - what to take care of
The cherry on top in any arrangement are various kinds of accessories. They facilitate the use of the room and emphasize its character. A hotel-style bathroom can’t lack them either. Towels in several sizes should be made available to the guests, and it’s good if we place there some beauty tools as well. Many beauty product manufacturers offer lines for hotels, so the packaging can have the property logo on them. Other useful bathroom accessories for hotels include a hair dryer, for example, or a pleasant to the touch bathrobe. Reputable resorts can offer shower caps, bath gloves or face masks. Guests appreciate all additional accessories, as they further facilitate beauty treatments. That’s why it’s worth investing in special makeup mirrors, for example. They aren’t expensive, but they will have a positive impact on the rating of the hotel.