The Curious Case of Doorless Netherlands Hotels Bathrooms

I have a question for the Netherlands hotels bathroom designers—what’s the obsession with not having a properly enclosed bathroom in hotel rooms?

What’s with this idea that people want to be watched while they’re showering? Sure, there may be exceptions and occasions, but can I say—on behalf of everyone—what the hell?

It all started when I was travelling with my cousin. We stayed at an airport hotel in 2014, and the shower was literally in the middle of the room. I let it go—it felt like a one-off, maybe just an airport hotel quirk.

But this time around, it happened again. The hotel was in a business district, surrounded by office buildings. My room was even on the same level as a law firm (thank you, iPhone Zoom). So… why? Why not give us some privacy, especially after spending practically the whole day together?

Then there was Arnhem. Gorgeous room—but not only was everything transparent, but there was also zero separation. No door, no partition—nothing between the bathroom, the bathtub, and the rest of the room.

Please, give me some privacy.

I know I’ve pinpointed a few specific hotels in the Netherlands, but this is slowly becoming an epidemic. I’ve seen it in places like Hyderabad, Singapore, and even Jakarta—though to be fair, those at least had options like sliding doors or curtains.

I’ve long tolerated hotels cutting back on toiletries in the name of sustainability—and I’m all for it (though IMO toothpaste can still be made available sustainably, rather than expecting us to carry it across multiple geographical locations) —and removing bathroom doors, thereby compromising basic bathroom privacy? That’s where I draw the line, or aptly close the door.

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