Travelers have had enough. It’s time to make hotel room bathrooms private again
The article critiques the trend of transparent bathroom designs in hotel rooms that compromise guest privacy and comfort.
External Articles
All aboard Rome’s new hotel inspired by the Orient Express
Architect Hugo Toro transformed five 17th-century Roman buildings into the Orient Express brand's first hotel, drawing design inspiration from the Pantheon and Roman fountains.
Four historic train stations reimagined as luxury hotels
Features four iconic railway terminals transformed into luxury accommodations, from London's St Pancras to Tokyo Station Hotel.
America’s Top Hospitality Architects & Designers: Crafting Exceptional Spaces
To mark the publication of Forbes’ inaugural America’s Top Hospitality Architects & Designers list, we gathered a group of distinguished principals from listed firms—each not only an award-winning designer but a thought leader in the field—for a conversation about the core issues and opportunities that define progressive hospitality design today. Our aim: To bring to life the vital relationship between business leaders and those who design their exceptional spaces.
Forbes and Rockwell Group
No doors, frosted glass: Why hotel bathrooms feel like peep shows
Los Angeles comedian Fahim Anwar was showering at an Austin hotel when he reached a boiling point. As water sprayed onto the floor, a shallow pool forming, he realized he could no longer stay silent about the partial door.
onion expands nature-inspired resort with pool villas atop thai mountains
Interior design and architecture studio Onion completes the second phase of Sala Khao Yai in Thailand and expands on the original resort, incorporating three types of villas: a three-bedroom Pool Villa, two Pool Villa Suites, and two Pool Villas. Situated on a mountaintop, the design of the development offers sweeping vistas of the country’s National Park. The masterplan prioritizes the orientation of buildings, maximizing natural light, wind flow, and views of sunrise or, in the case of the three-bedroom Pool Villa, a 360-degree panorama.
The 100 Most Incredible Hotels in the World in 2025
What makes compiling a list like Fodor’s Finest Hotels such a daunting task is the outrageous number of hotels worldwide. The United Nations World Travel Organization has estimated that there are roughly 700,000 hotels in the world–from hostels to uber-luxury. Other estimates suggest the number is closer to 1 million properties–and some believe there are even more. And while there seems to be no definitive answer, one thing is certain: that’s a lot of options.
Why the Branded Residences Market Is Surging
Imagine living in a condo with everything at your fingertips: a full suite of amenities—from coworking spaces and wellness facilities to art studios and private screening rooms—all paired with luxury hotel services and wrapped in a stunning design. That’s the allure of today’s branded residences, and it’s no surprise demand is skyrocketing.
Christian Louboutin becomes shareholder of Experimental Group
The famous French shoe designer acquired a stake in Experimental Group ahead of the group’s expansion in the United States, confirming its interest in the hospitality sector.
Warren Street Hotel is a colourful marvel in downtown Tribeca
Among the cobblestone streets and red brick accents found in downtown Tribeca, Firmdale Hotels’ third New York property, the Warren Street Hotel, sticks out with its striking blue exterior and bright yellow top developed by architecture firm, Stonehill Taylor. The property, which is the sister hotel to Crosby Street in SoHo and The Whitby in Midtown, comes from the hands of British designer and Firmdale founder, Kit Kemp, and her daughters, Minnie and Willow.
Kengo Kuma on making Tokyo Edition Ginza ‘warm, intimate, and spiritual’
The idea of evoking the atmosphere of a private residence lies at the core of architect Kengo Kuma’s latest hotel project, The Tokyo Edition Ginza – which he likens to a Japanese home, ‘warm, intimate and spiritual’. The new hotel flows through a 14-level structure on a quiet corner spot in the Ginza district, mixing a material warmth and a minimalist simplicity with edgy Edition touches in a network of intimate spaces.
The ‘world’s skinniest hotel’ measures nine feet across
A new hotel in Indonesia is trying to nab the title of being the “world’s skinniest.” But its creator says the project isn’t just about trying to set a world record – it’s about getting international attention for the small town he calls home.
Inside Raffles London at The OWO
Raffles Hotels & Resorts has made its long-anticipated debut in London, opening the doors to Raffles London at The OWO (Old War Office). Comprising a hotel and residences, spa and ballroom, alongside an array of restaurants and bars, The OWO heralds a new chapter for Whitehall.
3 Lessons From the Women Who Won at the World's 50 Best Hotels
It was an incredible few days for hoteliers in London with the celebrations around the inaugural World's 50 Best Hotels. Held in the grand historic Guildhall with over 800 people in attendance, the mood was high with everyone in black-tie sipping champagne and honorees adorned in red scarves and women in red dresses.
The World’s 50 Best Hotels Announced For 2023
Following the success of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Bars, 50 Best has just announced The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023, marking the brand’s first global launch since 2009.
Art, Design, Luxury Hotels: Exploring Asia With Designer Bill Bensley
Anyone who has stayed in an exuberantly designed hotel in Asia has most likely experienced the designs of Bill Bensley: the Bangkok-based designer is the creative force behind The Siam Hotel Bangkok; Rosewood Luang Prabang, Shinta Mani Angkor and Capella Hanoi among others. Apart from his hotel designs, though, Bensley is also an artist and philanthropist and those three interests combine in the first Bensley Art Trail, a 12 day tour for those interested in art, design, luxury and conservation from November 28th-December 10th. Bensley will lead it, taking 12 guests behind the scenes of several of those hotels as well as his home, with itinerary details constructed by the Bangkok based luxury, bespoke travel company Smiling Albino. Proceeds will go to the Shinta Mani Foundation which is based in Cambodia to fund 32 scholarships for students of the Shinta Mani Foundation Hospitality School, Class of 2024.
The man behind the world’s sexiest (and most elitist) hotels
Ian Schrager is the guy who made Studio 54 the hottest nightclub in history (think Bianca Jagger atop a white horse) and went on to create hotels so hip — the Delano South Beach in Miami, Mondrian in LA, St Martins Lane in London — you had to look a certain way to book a room.
Ennismore’s Gaurav Bhushan: “We proved lifestyle is the future”
Ennismore’s combination of entrepreneurialism and individuality has arguably become the envy of the hotel world. Valued at more than US$2.2 billion, Ennismore is not just s a ‘hotel group’. Instead, it is a “lifestyle collective”. There are more than 15 individual brands, each challenging what hospitality can be. The London-born business has grown from operating only The Hoxton brand to a global force, backed by the world’s wealthiest governments.
By Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO, Ennismore
The 18 Most Secluded Resorts in the World
In a world of global connectivity, getting away from it all can seem like an impossibility. But for some travelers, there is a class of five-star resorts working to provide peaceful solitude without asking you to sacrifice luxury and comfort. Legendary hotel designer Bill Bensley has been at the forefront of this movement, creating award-winning remote getaways in places like Vietnam, Thailand, and Bali (and soon, North Congo).