?Due to the fact that bathrooms sit away from the windows in most hotel rooms, a transparent bathroom allows for more light to flow through the space, and helps to make smaller rooms feel much bigger than they are,? said Sawyer.

The shift toward glass showers in hotels is driven by a combination of modern aesthetics, space optimization, and maintenance efficiency. From a design perspective, glass enclosures create a "minimalist" look that opens up the bathroom, making small hotel rooms feel significantly larger and brighter by allowing light to flow through the entire space. Unlike fabric or plastic curtains, glass is non-porous, making it more resistant to mold and mildew, which is a major hygiene benefit in a high-turnover environment. In 2026, most hotels use tempered or toughened glass, which is shatter-resistant and drys much faster than a traditional curtain. From a management standpoint, glass is actually more durable and sustainable; it doesn't need to be laundered like a curtain or replaced every few months due to wear and tear. Additionally, clear glass allows the hotel to highlight high-end details like marble tile or premium fixtures, effectively "showing off" the luxury of the bathroom to the guest while providing a splash-proof, modern solution.