The Best Bathroom Amenities from Luxury Stays: Why High-End Bathrooms Make All the Difference

After checking into more luxury stays than we can count—and consulting on countless short-term rentals from the ground up—we’ve realized something: the bathroom sets the vibe. Sure, we love a plush bed and a killer view, but there’s something about a thoughtfully designed, high-tech, high-comfort bathroom that instantly takes a stay from “nice” to “next-level.” And in a life spent travelling, it’s these little luxuries that stick with us.

And trust us, we’ve been asked. Many accommodation owners reach out, asking us to audit their space or advise during the build phase to create the kind of elevated, unforgettable stay guests rave about. And if there’s one thing we always tell them? Don’t sleep on the bathroom.

So whether you’re planning your next trip or designing your own rental, here are the bathroom features we’ve fallen for (and why they make all the difference when you’re living life on the road):

Smart Mirrors: Reflecting the Future

My latest obsession. Smart mirrors with built-in LED ring lighting and heat make skincare and makeup applications flawless—no matter the lighting outside. And since I spend a good chunk of my travel life on camera, having a mirror that doesn’t cast weird shadows? Game changer. Bonus points if it comes with Bluetooth connectivity so I can catch up on a podcast while getting ready.

Intelligent Toilets: Bidet Life Forever

My love affair with bidets started in Europe back in 2014, and honestly? They should be standard everywhere. Heated seats, motion-activated lids, customizable bidet settings, and built-in air dryers—if your toilet isn’t smarter than your phone, what are we even doing?

Bonus points for self-cleaning systems (because hygiene), odor-neutralizing tech, and anything that means I can keep my hands off handles and buttons. North America is finally catching on, and I’m here for it.

Customizable Showers: Personalizing the Experience

You already know rainfall showerheads and body jets are dreamy, but some of our favourite stays have taken it up a notch with digital controls that save your perfect temperature, ambient lighting, and built-in Bluetooth speakers. It’s the kind of setup that turns a regular shower into a full-on spa moment.

Smart Faucets: Touchless and Efficient

Luxury doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. We love seeing more accommodations invest in touchless faucets, programmable temperature controls, and water monitoring systems that conserve resources without sacrificing experience.

As responsible travellers, those things matter to us. It’s refreshing to see luxury stays balancing indulgence with sustainability and making conscious choices about water usage.

Heated Flooring and Towel Racks: Embracing Warmth

You haven’t truly lived until you’ve stepped out of the shower onto warm floors and wrapped yourself in a freshly heated towel. Especially in the colder months. It’s peak cozy, and we will never stop talking about it.

Integrated Entertainment Systems: Merging Leisure with Routine

If you’ve never watched your favourite show from the tub on a waterproof bathroom TV, add that to your list. Throw in a Bluetooth speaker system and you’ve got a whole vibe. Look, we’re not saying you need to binge Netflix from the bath, but… we’re also not not saying that.

Built-in Gadgets: Convenience at Every Corner

The best bathrooms go beyond the basics with heated cabinets (yes, please), voice-controlled lighting to set the mood, and even digital health monitors like smart scales that sync to your phone. It’s those thoughtful extras that make you feel like someone really thought about your stay from start to finish.

Soaker Tubs with a View

End-of-day ritual? Glass of wine, good book, and a deep soaker tub with a view of the woods, the water, or the mountains. The best stays know how to position these perfectly, and it’s never not magical.

Double Vanities

This might sound minor, but if you travel as a couple, you know the value of a double vanity. No fighting over mirror space. No waiting for your turn. Just streamlined mornings and peaceful prep time.

Privacy Matters

Open-concept bathrooms might be a design flex, but give us actual doors and defined spaces any day. Luxury doesn’t mean losing privacy. The best stays find that balance.

Why Bathrooms Matter in Travel

When you’re always on the go, staying in new places week after week, it’s the little luxuries that make travel feel sustainable and enjoyable. A beautiful, functional bathroom with thoughtful tech and cozy details can turn a stay from “just another night” into a five-star memory.

So next time you’re booking your trip? Check the bathroom photos. Trust us.

Need some inspo? Here are a few of our favourite stays with next-level bathroom setups:

• Tattingstone Inn (the new Marigold suite bathroom in particular)
• Skipper Hill 
• The August House

Creating the Ultimate Bathroom Experience

There are a couple of key spaces that can elevate a short-term rental and the bathroom is at the top of that list.  Over the last few years, we’ve seen an increasing emphasis on creating bathrooms that strike a balance between functional and athletic, practical and bougie.  Personally, I think a well-designed bathroom elevates your whole day (and stay).  It adds a ton of value to a short-term rental and creates that level of comfort and luxury that really takes a place from just OK to spectacular.

If you’re designing a short-term rental or upgrading your space to give guests that “wow” moment, this is where Max Home Construction comes in. Their expert team helps transform ordinary bathrooms into stunning, functional retreats that blend thoughtful design with top-of-the-line features. From optimizing layouts to installing the latest technology, they specialize in creating bathrooms that leave a lasting impression—while adding serious value to your property.

With Max Home Construction, luxury isn’t just a vibe. It’s built-in.