Travel
Why hotel rooms are ditching the bathroom doors – with desperate guests forced to use swimming pool loos for privacy
HORRIFIED guests cried “enough is enough” as hotels ditch bathroom doors – and visitors are forced to use swimming pool toilets.
Shocked clientele fumed they are “so tired” of their lack of privacy as modern hotels move away from traditional room fixtures.
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Fahim Anwar, from Los Angeles, was gobsmacked when he took a shower at an Austin hotel.
The comedian was disturbed by a pool of water gathering on the bathroom floor – thanks to no door.
He told the Washington Post: “I have experienced it so many times that I was like: ‘Enough is enough. This must be addressed’”.
“I am so tired of the lack of doors.”
It comes as hotels are shying away from full-sized shower partitions and instead choosing alternatives that leave their guests feeling exposed.
Designers are opting for frosted glass, curtains, and saloon or sliding doors.
‘ZERO PRIVACY’
But none of these are as daunting as the doorless trend, which sees any type of privacy stripped back to zilch.
The movement has sparked fury among some guests who fear it could lead to some embarrassing moments when travelling with friends or new partners.
On Hotels.com, a guest at CitizenM in D.C. said her husband “found great joy” in startling her while she was using the loo.
But management told her the bathroom design was part of a “unique concept” that provided an “open and modern experience.”
Meanwhile, a Reddit user who shared their experience wrote: “Has anyone else noticed a ton of hotels now have open plan bathrooms with zero privacy?
“Who wants to watch their fellow traveler on the toilet?”
Nevertheless, hotels seem firm on their new design choice.
David Eisen, vice president and editor in chief of Hotels Magazine said: “The bathroom is supposed to be a sanctuary,
“It’s the one place in a hotel room where you want to feel like you’re private and alone.”
‘GO DOWN TO THE LOBBY’
And, Lauren Imburgia, senior project designer with Gettys Group’s Interiors: Bespoke studio, said doorless, or partial coverings are often used to maximise space with “limited square footage”.
Glass partitions can also allow for more natural light, which creates the illusion of a larger space.
It also saves money because the guests won’t have to rely on artificial lighting.
Plus, most hotel maids only have a tight 30 minutes to clean a room, and the bathroom, so less surface area to get through helps make this speedier.
Cameron Sperance, a senior hotels reporter at the Points Guy, added: “With fewer materials that go into making a distinctly separate room, it’s a lower build-out cost.”
He advised guests go to other areas of the hotel if they’re seeking more privacy, such as the lobby, or swimming pool facilities.
Mr Sperance admitted: “If you want to maintain some privacy, just go down to the lobby.
“I’ve done that with friend groups and even my own husband.”
Meanwhile, Becca Roderick, design director of interiors at Morris Adjmi Architects, said designers have to find a balance between “pushing the design envelope and really giving people privacy.”
This comes as at travel expert revealed why you should always turn up early for your hotel room while on holiday.
And, here are three ways to get a hotel room upgrade without having to pay for it.
Plus, a hotel manager told how the simple ways you can bag free stuff during your stay.
I’m a former hotel manager – here’s why you should never use the toiletries in your room
A FORMER hotel manager has revealed why you should never use the toiletries in your room.
Hotel rooms are used by lots of different people and not everyone treats things as respectfully as perhaps they should.
This can lead to items being damaged or being much dirtier than a guest might assume.
Melissa Hanks (@melly_creations) used to manage hotels and knows which items in the room shouldn’t be trusted by visitors.
In a recent video on TikTok, the former hotel manager revealed why guests should avoid using certain hotel toiletries.
While sharing footage of refillable toiletry pumps, she said: “I will never use these refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles that are in the shower.
“People could put anything in them, and I’ve seen Nair and God knows what else in there.”
These types of pumps can be easily unscrewed, which means malicious guests could fill them with any type of product.
In the following clip, Melissa showed another type of toiletry pump that appeared to be securely locked.
She added: “Now, these I will use because if you look, you have to unlock them to open them and refill.”
This is because guests won’t be able to tamper with refillable pumps that have been locked.
The video has had more than 1.7 million views, with some concerned hotel guests commenting about the safety of their shower gels.
One person wrote: “The shampoo thing stresses me out. I’m on the road all the time, and I keep my packing to a minimum by using hotel shampoo.”
In the comments, Melissa said that some hotels, usually those with three or more stars, will still stock miniature bottles of shampoo and conditioner at the reception desk.
Other hotel staff members also shared their own advice in the comments.
One person wrote: “As a former housekeeping manager at Disney, I never use the glass cups in the rooms.”
While a third person commented: “I worked at a resort and watched the housekeeper wipe the toilet then use that same rag to wipe off the coffee pot! I’m still disgusted.”
While another person added: “After being a housekeeper at a hotel, I just never want to stay in one ever again.”
Melissa also recently revealed why guests should avoid using the ice buckets in their rooms because people use them “for things that you don’t even want to think about.”
Meanwhile, this simple hotel mistake could result in you losing your room to someone else.
And guests always annoy housekeeping staff members by trying to help them when checking out.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation and ALDAU Development have opened the Hyatt Centric Cairo West – the first art-centered lifestyle hotel in Cairo, promising to take guests on an immersive journey through Egyptian history reimagined for modern travellers.
Continue reading Art-inspired Hyatt Centric Cairo West opens to guests at Business Traveller.
Travel
Art Deco lido forced to close until the end of the year – despite just re-opening after £11million restoration
ONE of the UK’s most beautiful lidos has been forced to temporarily close – despite just re-opening.
Saltdean Lido, in Brighton reopened this summer after a huge £11million renovation.
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The 14-year project was part of National Lottery funding, which revamped the cafe and pool area.
However, the pool has been forced to close already, due to unexpected damages.
The underground leak – one of several in recent years – means the lido has had to close at short notice.
The lido said on social media: “We have experienced a few underground leaks around the pool in recent years and again earlier this year.
“We now have another leak and it is apparent that we have a problem with the pipework all around the pool.
“Despite our best efforts to keep the pool open during this period, we have been advised that there are structural risks in doing this and the water level should be reduced while excavation takes place.
“This means, very sadly, that it is necessary to close the pool until these essential works are completed.
“There is no good time to do this, but on balance, winter is better than summer.”
The works are estimated to take up to four weeks, meaning the pool could reopen by the end of the year.
Other improvements include replacing some of the roofs and windows.
They added: “We hope you will continue to support us through gym memberships, attending our events and enjoying the café and restaurant and look forward to welcoming you back into the pool soon.”
People were left gutted by the news.
One wrote: “What a great pity after all of your efforts.”
Another agreed: “So sorry to hear this … how very sad.”
Saltdean Lido has a 40 metre outdoor heated pool, meaning it remains open even during the winter months.
A kid’s splash pool and grassy area make it a popular spot in the summer months.
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There are even three food eateries, along with co-working spaces and gym classes.
The Art Deco lido was built in 1938, and was seen as such an innovative design of its time.
However, it closed just two years later due to the war.
It was even nearly bought by Butlins in 1958 when it was derelict although this was scrapped.
Last summer, a new Brighton lido opened right on the beach.
Swimming safety advice
Experts have revealed some of their top advice for both adults and kids heading to the water this summer:
How to stay safe at the beach
Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety at the RNLI said: “If you find yourself being swept out to sea in a rip, try to relax and float until you are free from the rip and you can then swim to safety.
“If you see someone else in danger, alert a lifeguard or call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
How to stay safe at the swimming pool
Tiny Hearts Education, former paramedic and CEO Nikki Jurcutz said: “Always put your little one in bright or contrasting colours that would be easy to find in an emergency.
“It only takes 20 seconds to drown, little tips like this could save a life”.
An Auqabliss spokesperson added: “Swimming toys such as noodles, dive rings, floaties and beach balls can be dangerous if left in the pool.
“Children may try to grab these from the pool’s edge and fall in.”
How to stay safe at a waterpark
Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks Technical Director, said: “Never send a child down the slide on their own, not only are they going to be entering the slide pool area independently, they then have to exit the pool and wait for an adult.
“And wave pools should be avoided until your child is really confident with water going over their faces and you know they are able to regain their feet independently.
“Waterparks are often very busy places and it’s easy to lose sight of a child in a split second.”
Sea Lanes Brighton has a 50 metre, six-lane heated pool, with sea views too.
And here’s another lido hoping to reopen in the UK.
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EASYJET is launching a new route between Newcastle Airport and Lyon, with services to start operating in January.
Earlier this year, the low-cost airline announced 33 routes launching from 11 UK airports, including a brand-new service from Newcastle.
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Direct services will start operating between the two cities from January 4, 2025.
The weekly service will operate every Saturday.
Flights will leave Lyon at 10.15am before touching down in the UK at 11.25am.
Services from Newcastle Airport will then depart from the UK at 12.05pm, landing in the French city at 3.05pm local time.
Flights between the two cities will take roughly two hours.
Tickets are already on sale, with one-way fares starting from £26.99.
Lyon is the third largest city in France, which means there’s plenty of attractions and activities to keep holidaymakers entertained.
One of those is Parc de la Tête d’Or – the largest urban park in France.
Holidaymakers should also explore Croix-Rousse, a bohemian district that was once home to the city’s silk manufacturers.
The area is packed with indie bars, restaurants, galleries and shops.
Lyon is also known for its ties to the cinema with the Lumière brothers living in the French city.
The Lumière brothers are often credited as being the inventors of cinema, with the Institut Lumière, their former home, now housing a museum that traces the history of cinema.
Earlier this year, Newcastle Airport was named one of the best in the world at an award ceremony in Bahrain.
The regional English airport was crowned the ‘Overall Winner’ at the Routes World Awards 2024.
It also retained its title of ‘Airport of the Year‘ in the under 5 million passengers category for the second year running.
In the last few months, Newcastle Airport has added several new routes, with the 16 airlines flying to 80 destinations.
Sun Express, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish airlines, will launch a new service from Newcastle to Dalaman, Turkey.
Direct services will start operating on May 4, with additional flights to Antalya also being added to the airport’s roster next year.
Tour operator Jet2 has also added another route from Newcastle International Airport to its summer 2026 programme.
Flights from Newcastle to Preveza, Greece, will begin operating on May 26, 2026.
What is it like to visit Lyon?
THE Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot visited Lyon, here’s what she thought about the French city…
Lyon is the gastronomic capital of a country obsessed with food.
But there’s so much more than eating to explore in its evocative old town. It has more than 2,000 years of history to discover as well as fantastic shopping and quirky museums.
From the cobblestones of its historic old town to the sweeping panoramic views from Fourvière hill across its two rivers, France’s third largest city is a striking and surprising destination for any first-time visitor.
With its incredible gastronomy, ancient Roman ruins and vibrant nightlife, it’s an ideal weekend getaway.
And as the Cote d’Azur is less than two hours away by train, it’s also the perfect stop-off for those planning a trip to the south.
With two majestic rivers piercing the city centre — the grand Rhône and the smaller Saône — Lyon is a particularly scenic place to see on foot.
The cobbled paths and mysterious passageways of Vieux Lyon, above right, or old Lyon, are often busy with tourists but are also unique and perfect for photo opportunities.
Head to the vast Parc de la Tête d’Or for a tranquil stroll. Spanning almost 300 acres, France’s largest urban park is an oasis of calm that also contains a boating lake, botanical gardens and even a zoo.
While the quirky hillside neighbourhood of Croix-Rousse will give your legs a good workout, its charming cafes, winding streets and colourful public art make it worth the walk.
A Ryanair route to Marrakech will launch in October, just in time for the winter season.
Earlier this year, Jet2 also added five extra routes from Newcastle.
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Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort – the first hotel built in Dubai’s iconic Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area more than two decades ago – has unveiled the results of its extensive renovation
Continue reading Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort unveils extensive renovation at Business Traveller.
Travel
I’ve stayed in hundreds of hotels including five star resorts – but I always go back to this budget British chain
PART of the job of being a travel writer is getting to stay in some extremely amazing hotels around the world.
Some of the best hotels I’ve stayed in were unforgettable – real bucket list stuff.
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There was the five-star overwater villa in the Maldives, where the entire room was glass-walled and sea-fronted, with new floral arrangements delivered every evening.
Or there were the stunning fairytale lodges in Kenya, where my pre-dinner entertainment was watching elephants come to the watering hole.
But if you ask me what my go-to hotel is? It’s the humble Premier Inn.
You probably think I’m mad for opting for a budget chain over bucket-list resorts, but let me explain.
Of course I love it when I walk into a sparkling hotel, where staff greet me by name with a glass of champers in hand.
But those kinds of places come at a price – with some resorts costing upwards of £1,000 a night.
As someone who has always been a backpacker and cheap traveller (my biggest bargain being an £8 hostel in the middle of a nightclub in Thailand) it’s hard to quantify that cost, no matter the glamour.
Yet the humble Premier Inn has never left me down, and all for the price of a meal out.
I’m apparently not the only one. A study conducted by the hotel chain in 2022 found that 83 per cent of guests would stay again after booking.
And that £39 base rate has looked after me in the form of clean, if not simple rooms.
If you don’t believe how much I loved a Premier Inn bed, then come to my house – I have the same pillows as the hotel.
They are also amazingly located in the middle of cities, next to airport terminals, or in ideal bases to explore the area.
And it always marks the start of something exciting.
The night before a long flight, not able to sleep with anticipation, or arriving just to drop my bag and get ready for a day exploring a new city.
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It’s ease of check-in and check-out beats a fancy resort, which always seem to take forever.
Not Premier Inn, where I dump my card in the morning and am out in seconds.
And I am the guest who gets Buffet Fear – that nervousness when there are just too many stations and options.
In my opinion, you can’t go wrong with a classic English fry up, where you know what you’re getting every time.
Followed up by a croissant or three, of course, that you can sneak into your bag for laters…
My top favourite hotels around the world
- The University Arms, Cambridge
- The Peninsular, Hong Kong
- Artist’s Residence, London
- Atmosphere Kanifushi, The Maldives
- Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka
- The Ned, Doha
- Life House, Miami
- Wymara Resort + Villas, Turks & Caicos
- The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife
- 3HB Faro, Portugal
I’m not saying I’m not a fan of a gorgeous hotel – I’m still dreaming of my beachside suite, after a trip to Turks & Caicos last year.
But the humble Premier Inn has a place in my heart. Purple pillows and all.
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The scheme aims to give passengers, especially those who have a disability, more confidence when navigating through a station
Continue reading GTR creates 3D maps for ten UK train stations at Business Traveller.
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