Travel behaviors are shifting in unexpected ways. Once upon a time, the number of beds determined where people stayed—but not anymore. Today, a growing number of travelers are booking based on bathrooms. This trend isn’t just anecdotal; it’s shaping how properties are marketed and what guests value most during their stay.
If you’re a host, hotelier, or frequent traveler, understanding why people are booking based on bathrooms can help you make smarter choices—whether you’re listing a rental or choosing your next getaway. Below, we explore five powerful reasons why bathrooms are now the most influential room in the house.
1. Bathrooms Reflect Cleanliness and Quality
Cleanliness remains the top priority for travelers, according to Statista’s data on accommodation selection. And the bathroom is often the ultimate cleanliness test. A modern, spotless bathroom builds instant trust, while a dated or grimy one can turn guests away—no matter how comfortable the beds are.
This is one of the biggest reasons people are booking based on bathrooms. A clean, upgraded bathroom communicates that the host cares about the guest experience, hygiene, and attention to detail.
In fact, many guests report skipping listings that don’t show clear photos of bathrooms, reinforcing that booking based on bathrooms is becoming a non-negotiable filter.
2. Wellness Travel Is Booming—and Bathrooms Are Key
Wellness-focused travel has exploded, projected to become a $1.3 trillion industry by 2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute. This trend isn’t just about spas and yoga retreats—it’s about feeling relaxed and cared for, even at your Airbnb or vacation rental.
That’s why more travelers are booking based on bathrooms that offer a personal spa vibe. Think rainfall showers, soaking tubs, dimmable lighting, towel warmers, and calming color palettes. These features turn a basic necessity into a sanctuary, making the bathroom a place of restoration.
When a listing features words like “spa-like bathroom” or “luxury soaking tub,” it immediately attracts wellness-minded guests who are booking based on bathrooms to support their self-care routine.
3. Group Travelers Need More Than Just Beds
Families, friend groups, and multi-generational travelers are hitting the road in larger numbers than ever. But group travel comes with one major challenge: bathroom bottlenecks. Nobody wants to share one bathroom with 8 people on a weekend trip.
That’s why large parties are increasingly booking based on bathrooms—not just how many there are, but how they’re arranged. Multiple en-suites, powder rooms, and dual vanities are now in high demand.
When choosing between two properties with the same number of bedrooms, the one with more or better bathrooms often wins. This proves that booking based on bathrooms is not just a luxury preference—it’s a practical need.
4. Bathrooms Are the New Aesthetic Statement
Instagram and TikTok have made design-forward travel more relevant than ever. Guests want more than comfort—they want beautiful spaces that are photo-worthy. While kitchens and pools have long held this spotlight, bathrooms are now trending hard.
Think moody tile, gold fixtures, vintage tubs, skylights, and hanging plants. Stylish bathrooms draw attention on social media, and guests are specifically booking based on bathrooms that fit their personal aesthetic or feed goals.
In fact, according to Booking.com’s 2024 Travel Predictions, over 40% of Gen Z travelers say photo appeal influences where they book. So when hosts design and market their bathrooms well, they’re tapping into a new segment of guests who are actively booking based on bathrooms to get that perfect shot.
5. Remote Workers Want Their Own Space
With digital nomadism and hybrid work now normalized, guests are staying longer and expecting more from their accommodations. For these travelers, privacy and comfort matter more than ever.
That’s why they’re often booking based on bathrooms, especially when traveling with a partner or coworker. Multiple bathrooms allow people to stick to their own schedules, decompress separately, and maintain a sense of normalcy even on the road.
Longer stays mean guests will spend more time using—and noticing—the bathroom. Remote workers aren’t just looking for a bed and a desk; they’re booking based on bathrooms that make them feel at home for weeks at a time.
Why Hosts Should Highlight Bathrooms to Stand Out
With so many guests booking based on bathrooms, it’s essential for hosts and property managers to rethink how they promote their listings. Here’s how to get ahead:
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Show the bathroom clearly in photos. Highlight lighting, layout, and cleanliness.
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Include the bathroom count early in your listing title or bullet points.
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Invest in upgrades. Modern fixtures, updated tile, and extra amenities go a long way.
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Add spa touches. Bathrobes, bath salts, candles, and quality towels all make a difference.
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Use the trend to your advantage. Literally say that your place is perfect for guests booking based on bathrooms—many are searching using that exact mindset.
Whether you’re offering a luxury retreat or a budget-friendly rental, the bathroom can be your biggest competitive edge. In today’s market, travelers aren’t just booking based on bathrooms because they want to—they’re doing it because it directly impacts the quality of their trip.
Final Thoughts
The travel industry is evolving, and guests are no longer making decisions based on beds alone. From wellness seekers to content creators to families and digital nomads, people are booking based on bathrooms more than ever before.
This shift offers incredible opportunities for property owners and hosts who are willing to upgrade, photograph, and market their bathrooms effectively. So if you want to win more bookings and get ahead of the competition, take a closer look at your bathroom—it might just be the most powerful room in your listing.
Want to attract more guests booking based on bathrooms?
Check out Airbnb’s design tips or explore Vrbo’s success strategies for hosts to help you stand out.
