For travelers in the 1980s and 1990s, having a telephone in a hotel bathroom was considered a hallmark of luxury. Alongside televisions above bathtubs, bathroom phones symbolised an era of opulence. Their presence in five-star hotels was a clear sign of decadence, even if their necessity was debatable. They were appealing to travelers who valued convenience and exclusivity during their stays.
Mobile phones changed the game
With globalisation and modernisation in the past decades, everybody owns a phone. Nearly two-thirds of the global population owns a mobile phone. Hence, the need for bathroom phones has sharply declined. Not only has it declined but what was once considered a luxury is now considered disgusting. Especially by the younger generation. I mean who would like to use a telephone besides a toilet seat that has probably been used by hundreds of people everyday.
According to The Telegraph, a staff member at a five-star London hotel revealed that their establishment had removed bathroom phones, describing them as “outdated.” However, the hotel declined to comment publicly, likely reluctant to advertise the removal of what was once considered a luxury feature.
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Are bathroom phones still a sign of vintage elegance?
Despite this shift, some hotels continue to see value in keeping bathroom phones. Jonathan Toni, CEO of Hotel Technology International Ltd, a company that manufactures these devices, insists they remain relevant. “Originally, phones in hotel bathrooms were installed for the convenience of guests who might be expecting a call, but the safety aspect was also very apparent and remains the case today,” he told The Telegraph. He added that the most popular model, the Fuego Series Bathroom phone, is still considered elegant.
Bathroom phones affect hotel ratings?
Some organizations no longer consider bathroom phones essential for a hotel’s rating. In the UK, most hotel rating criteria does not mention bathroom phones, though they still demand a range of luxury bathroom accessories for five-star establishments.
On the other hand, some hotel ratings in the US continue to require bathroom phones for four- and five-star status, although industry experts have speculated that this requirement may eventually fade away.
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The shifting away of bathroom phones
The introduction of mobile phones made bathroom telephones outdated for most guests. Today, while some hotels maintain them for safety or nostalgia or just as a vintage piece, their role as a sign of luxury has faded. However, in the era of their popularity, they represented the ultimate blend of practicality and decadence, establishing their strong mark in the hospitality industry.
