Bad News About Yotel's Bathroom Doors: They Don't Lock

June 21, 2011 at 9:39 AM | by ASchechter | Comment (1)

Don't plan on getting any privacy at Yotel�especially when you're in the bathroom. Despite an expertly calibrated luggage robot and all-white entrance hall reminiscent of The Jetsons, the design team responsible for the lobby appears to have left out one tiny detail: the bathroom doors don't actually lock. But first, a little back story.

Last Friday, we visited the hotel's new tripartite public space, which features�get ready for it!�a restaurant, an airport lounge-inspired lobby bar, and a sprawling wraparound outdoor terrace. Interestingly, the venue has been dubbed FOUR, though we could only count three separate spaces (unless they're counting the private ~~fishbowls~~ club cabins?) But who are we to split hairs. The wooden floor that had been cleared last week for the 100 Under 2 performers was once again populated by the low tables and cushion seats that define DohYo, and the chopstick-wielding diners were in full force.

Outside, there was plenty to like: the air was warm, the seating was ample (some of the "cabanas" come with their own glass-encased fire pits!), and the bartender even generously offered to mix us an off-menu concoction, since he didn't have the ingredients to make the one we requested (Sake Sangria, $12). He named it the Bella Lula, and handed it across the bar with a wink. We were charmed.

We were not charmed, however, when my friend stepped into the bathroom to freshen up (which, having just come off a five-hour commute from Vermont, was much needed) and got walked in on twice in a row, even though he had secured the lock on the door. And in case you're wondering, his first drink was still half-full, so his judgment wasn't exactly impaired.

We asked a nearby concierge, and she confirmed that, yes, the doors have trouble locking, and the same thing had in fact happened to her. Hmm. Seems like the kind of thing you'd want to clue your manager in on. Sure, alcohol mixers run out. And sometimes kitchens fall behind on health code. But un-lockable bathroom doors? In the lobby? We expected better, Yotel.

[Photo: HotelChatter]

Comment (1)

Return to » Bad News About Yotel's Bathroom Doors: They Don't Lock

Sorry to tell you but my DOS stayed here this past weekend and she confirmed that the bathrooms did not have any issues closing. If you did have a problem it must have been an isolated incident or perhaps the outcome of one too many Bella Lulas. :)

The hotel is super sexy and chic. The rooms are extremely spacious even for NY rooms and the sliding bathroom doors are nothing but complimenting to the overall modern appeal. The doors are frosted and actual make the rooms look bigger since they don't take up space. The hotel is very well designed and thought out and the views from the guest rooms are outstanding. Perhaps next time I would suggest you actually request a site so you can get a complete vision of this great addition to NY.

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