Hotel and Airbnb Bathroom Trends Every Property Owner Should Know
In today’s competitive short-term rental market, your bathroom can make or break a guest’s impression. Whether you manage a cozy Airbnb or a luxury vacation rental, the bathroom is one of the first spaces guests notice—and one of the easiest to elevate. Travelers now expect more than a clean space; they want an experience that feels both relaxing and high-end, like what they’d find in a boutique hotel.
In this guide, we’ll explore the latest hotel and Airbnb bathroom trends that today’s guests love—and how you can incorporate them to boost bookings, earn five-star reviews, and stand out from the competition.
Why Bathroom Design Matters in Short-Term Rentals
Your bathroom plays a major role in the guest experience. It’s where comfort meets functionality—a space guests expect to be spotless, stylish, and efficient.
A well-designed bathroom can:
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Increase your property’s perceived value
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Enhance your listing photos and online appeal
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Encourage glowing reviews and repeat stays
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Justify higher nightly rates
With travelers using filters and photos to make split-second booking decisions, a modern, thoughtfully designed bathroom can be your biggest advantage.
Trend #1: Spa-Like Serenity
The biggest trend across hotels and Airbnbs in 2025 is creating a spa-inspired atmosphere. Guests want a place to unwind, not just wash up.
To bring this feel to your property:
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Neutral tones: Choose calming colors like soft beige, gray, white, or sage green.
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Minimal clutter: Use floating shelves or built-ins to keep counters clean.
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Natural touches: Add bamboo accents, stone textures, or plants for organic warmth.
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Upgraded lighting: Install dimmable or layered lighting so guests can choose between bright and soft illumination.
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Plush details: Include rolled white towels, soft robes, and a candle to create that spa vibe instantly.
Even small bathrooms can feel luxurious with a few thoughtful touches that prioritize comfort and calm.
Trend #2: Walk-In and Barrier-Free Showers
Hotel-inspired bathrooms are all about open, accessible shower spaces. Walk-in and barrier-free showers have become a defining feature in both luxury hotels and Airbnb remodels, offering a sleek look and easy maintenance.
Property owners love these showers because they:
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Make cleaning quicker between guests
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Create a sense of openness and space
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Appeal to guests of all ages and mobility levels
Consider using large-format tiles or groutless shower panels like JETCOAT™ to achieve a seamless, modern look without the hassle of constant grout maintenance. For a finishing touch, go with matte black, chrome, or brushed nickel fixtures to match your property’s style.
Trend #3: Bold Statement Walls
While spa tones dominate the base palette, many hosts are adding a pop of personality through statement walls. Hotels use accent walls behind vanities or tubs to instantly elevate the room’s design, and you can do the same.
Options include:
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Patterned tiles in geometric or mosaic styles
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Textured panels that mimic marble, stone, or wood
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Contrasting grout colors for visual dimension
For a lower-cost upgrade, consider refinishing existing tile or adding a faux marble reglaze for a high-end look without replacement costs.
Trend #4: Smart and Sustainable Features
Today’s guests care about both convenience and eco-conscious design. Modern hotels are incorporating smart technology and sustainable choices—and Airbnb owners are following suit.
Add-ons that impress guests include:
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Touchless faucets and motion-activated lights
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Water-efficient showerheads and dual-flush toilets
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Smart mirrors with LED backlighting or anti-fog features
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Energy-efficient ventilation fans to keep humidity down
These upgrades not only attract eco-minded travelers but can also lower your utility bills—a win-win for property owners.
Trend #5: Statement Vanities and Fixtures
Your vanity often serves as the focal point of the bathroom. The trend right now? Minimalist elegance with functional flair.
For a modern hotel-inspired feel:
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Choose floating vanities to make small spaces appear larger.
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Mix wood and matte finishes for a warm, contemporary style.
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Install vessel sinks or integrated solid-surface countertops for easy cleaning.
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Select bold fixtures—like champagne bronze or matte black—for visual contrast.
If your vanity is in good shape structurally but looks outdated, refinishing or reglazing it can provide a brand-new look for a fraction of the cost of replacement.
Trend #6: Durable, Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
When it comes to maintaining your rental, durability and cleanability are key. Constant guest turnover means surfaces must withstand frequent use—and still look spotless for every booking.
Popular hotel-grade materials include:
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Acrylic or solid-surface panels that resist stains and mold
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Refinished tubs and tiles for long-lasting shine and protection
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Quartz or cultured marble countertops for sleek, low-maintenance beauty
Bathtub Made New offers professional refinishing and reglazing services that help property owners transform worn or outdated bathrooms quickly—saving both time and money while maintaining that like-new appeal guests expect.
Trend #7: Lighting Layers That Elevate Ambiance
Lighting is one of the most underrated yet powerful design elements in any bathroom. In modern hotels and high-rated Airbnbs, layered lighting creates both functionality and mood.
To achieve the same look:
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Combine task lighting (around mirrors) with ambient lighting (overhead) and accent lighting (under vanities or niches).
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Use warm, soft LED bulbs for a welcoming glow.
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Install backlit mirrors to create a high-end appearance that photographs beautifully for your listing.
Lighting upgrades not only enhance the guest experience but also make your bathroom shine in online photos—an essential part of standing out on Airbnb or VRBO.
Trend #8: Mixing Textures and Materials
High-end hotels often mix contrasting textures to add depth and sophistication. You can replicate this look by pairing matte with gloss, wood with metal, or tile with glass.
Some easy combinations include:
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Matte black fixtures with glossy white tiles
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Wood-look floors with white quartz counters
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Polished nickel with natural stone backsplash
These combinations help your space feel layered and intentional—exactly the type of thoughtful design that appeals to guests seeking comfort and style.
Trend #9: Compact Luxury for Small Spaces
Even small Airbnb bathrooms can feel luxurious with the right design approach. Hotel designers have mastered the art of compact luxury, focusing on maximizing every inch without feeling crowded.
Here’s how:
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Use wall-mounted storage and niches instead of bulky cabinets.
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Add sliding glass doors instead of swinging ones.
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Choose light colors and reflective surfaces to make the room feel bigger.
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Invest in a space-saving vanity with hidden drawers or open shelving.
Remember—guests care more about cleanliness, functionality, and ambiance than square footage.
Trend #10: Personalized Touches That Tell a Story
Finally, today’s Airbnb travelers love spaces that feel unique and personal. While hotel bathrooms emphasize consistency, Airbnb guests appreciate a touch of personality that reflects the property’s story.
You can achieve this by:
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Including local artwork or photography
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Adding signature scents through candles or diffusers
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Using themed décor that aligns with your property’s overall vibe—coastal, modern farmhouse, rustic retreat, etc.
These small, personal details help guests connect emotionally with your space and remember their stay long after checkout.
Transform Your Rental with Professional Refinishing
You don’t need a full remodel to achieve a high-end look. With professional bathtub and tile refinishing, you can modernize your property’s bathroom in just a day or two—without demolition or disruption.
At Bathtub Made New, we help hotel and Airbnb property owners throughout Western NY refresh outdated bathrooms quickly and affordably. From reglazing tubs and tiles to refinishing vanities and shower walls, our team can help your space look brand new again—and photograph beautifully for your next booking.
Ready to elevate your rental’s appeal and boost your occupancy rate?
Contact Bathtub Made New today to learn how we can help transform your bathroom into a five-star experience your guests will rave about.