Hotel Bathroom: Bathtub or Shower?: A designer’s practical guide to choosing between bathtubs and showers in standard hotel rooms

A few years ago, a hotel client asked me to remove every bathtub in a newly renovated property… two months later, a family travel group complained there were no tubs for kids. That project taught me something important: bathroom choices in hotels are never just about plumbing. When I start a renovation today, I usually mock up the whole room in a quick 3D floor layout before deciding whether the space deserves a bathtub or a sleek shower.

Small spaces force big design decisions, and hotel standard rooms are the perfect example. Over the years, I’ve helped properties test both approaches, and each one can work beautifully when it matches the hotel’s guests and layout. Here are the key ideas I always walk owners through when making the bathtub‑or‑shower call.

Factors Hotels Consider When Choosing Bathroom Types

The first thing I tell hotel owners is this: the decision is rarely about what designers like. It’s about operations, cleaning time, plumbing layout, and guest expectations.

In older buildings, existing plumbing stacks sometimes make tubs easier to keep than switching to large walk‑in showers. In newer builds, though, showers often win because they simplify construction and free up precious square footage.

Guest Demographics and Travel Purpose

Who stays at the hotel matters more than any design trend. When I worked on a business hotel near an airport, nearly every guest wanted a quick, efficient shower before catching a flight.

But when I designed rooms for a family‑focused resort, removing tubs was basically impossible. Parents told us they needed them for bathing kids, and that single detail affected booking decisions more than we expected.

Room Size and Property Layout Constraints

Standard hotel rooms are usually tight, and bathrooms often get the smallest footprint. A bathtub typically needs about 60 inches of length, which can dominate a compact layout.

When space gets tricky, I often test different bathroom footprints in a simple floor plan draft. Sometimes replacing a tub with a walk‑in shower suddenly creates room for better storage, larger vanities, or improved circulation.

Cost of Installation and Maintenance

From a budget perspective, showers are usually easier on both construction and maintenance. Frameless glass showers look modern and require fewer waterproof seams than tub‑shower combos.

That said, I’ve seen luxury hotels intentionally keep tubs because they signal comfort and relaxation. The real cost isn’t just installation—it’s cleaning time, repair frequency, and long‑term durability.

Accessibility and Safety Considerations

This is the part many owners underestimate. Stepping over a tub wall can be difficult for older guests or travelers with mobility issues.

That’s why many newer hotels lean toward curbless or low‑threshold showers. When I’m evaluating accessibility options, I often experiment with a small hotel bathroom layout in 3D to see how grab bars, seating, and entry clearance actually fit.

Decision Framework for Hotel Owners

If I had to simplify my design advice, it comes down to a balance of guest expectations and spatial efficiency. Business hotels and urban properties usually benefit from showers, while resorts and family‑oriented hotels often keep at least some tubs.

The best compromise I’ve seen is a mixed strategy: standard rooms with showers for efficiency, and a portion of rooms with bathtubs for families or longer stays. That flexibility keeps both operations teams and guests happy.

FAQ

1. Should hotel rooms have bathtubs or showers?

It depends on the hotel’s target guests. Business travelers typically prefer fast showers, while families often value bathtubs for children.

2. Do most modern hotels still install bathtubs?

Many new hotels are replacing tubs with walk‑in showers to save space and reduce maintenance. However, upscale or resort properties often keep tubs in certain room types.

3. Do guests prefer showers or bathtubs in hotels?

Surveys and industry feedback generally show a preference for showers, especially among short‑stay business travelers. Comfort features like rainfall showerheads often improve guest satisfaction.

4. Are bathtubs more expensive to maintain?

They can be. Tub‑shower combinations often require more sealing, cleaning time, and repairs compared with modern shower installations.

5. Is a shower better for small hotel bathrooms?

Usually yes. Walk‑in showers can free up floor space and make the bathroom feel larger and easier to move around in.

6. Are bathtubs required in hotels?

No universal rule requires them. However, hotels often include at least some rooms with tubs to accommodate families or long‑stay guests.

7. What about accessibility requirements?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires certain accessible bathroom configurations in U.S. hotels. Many compliant rooms use roll‑in showers because they provide safer entry.

8. What is the best bathroom setup for a standard hotel room?

In many modern properties, the best setup is a spacious walk‑in shower with good lighting and storage. But hotels targeting leisure travelers often benefit from keeping a mix of showers and bathtubs.