To stay competitive, existing luxury hotels are remodeling and new hotels are building with a focus on the design of the bathroom. Luxe Lavs contributor Angela Fairhurst found four hotels keeping up with the trends.

The Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland, Ohio 

Image Credit: Don Riddle Images

Located in downtown Cleveland, Ritz-Carlton Cleveland is a top-rated hotel in Ohio, and recently completed a massive 18-month transformation of all 206 rooms and suites and public spaces, elevating the Midwestern landmark to modern status. The complete makeover was shepherded by Bedrock, a Detroit-based developer. The new rooms and suites are inspired by Lake Erie, which is visible from many parts of the property, colored with a soft palette of clear and clean blues, taupes, and grays. Subtle shiny finishes reflect the steel-making history of the city. Artwork by local and regional artists is also a key design feature. The new bathrooms are mostly gray and white marble, with a splash of black marble on the walls above the tubs. A favorite feature is the fogless backlit shaving mirror in the shower. Asprey amenities complete the package in the suites with everything from combs to shaving and toothbrush kits.

Kimpton Solamar in San Diego, California

Kimpton Solamar in the East Village of San Diego is a boutique hotel recently remodeled by Paletteur’s Gino Castaño and David Lasker and inspired by the area’s Balboa Park and historic Mission. The bathrooms are awe-worthy when guests enter and see their vibrant black and white palette. The walls are covered with “Encaustic” wallpaper using pigments mixed with hot wax that are burned in as an inlay to give the illusion of tile. The vanity mirror is shaped like a surfboard, illuminating the unique wall covering and reflecting the tiered sconce. The gauged wood face of the vanity and heavy stone counter top add more texture and materials. The bath amenities are luxury Atlier Bloom and Frette robes hang on the door hooks. Kimptons also have a “Forgot It, We Got It” card in the room so the front desk can provide any items left at home.

Zungulila Bushcamp in Zambia

Founded by Andy Hogg, The Bushcamp Company is the only safari operator in the southern section of Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park. South Luangwa is one of Africa’s most unspoiled and remote national parks with a wide diversity of habitats and high density of game. The newly refurbished Zungulila Bushcamp has four spacious tents, each with its own private bamboo verandas, giving the feeling of being outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of the interior with en suite bathrooms and hot-and-cold running water. There are outdoor showers paired with the property’s newest addition: freestanding copper baths handmade in India and coated in zinc. You can relax in the bubbles while taking in views of the Kapamba river and a nearby plain where the natural springs attract large herds of free-roaming game such as thirsty elephants, lions, and large herds of buffalo.

AKA Times Square in New York City

AKA Times Square hotel residences are located a block from Times Square and three blocks from the subway and Bryant Park. This upscale extended-stay hotel is located in a landmark Romanesque Revival building and offers a quiet, luxurious stay in the heart of the lively neighborhood. The contemporary studios and suites have wood floors, modern artwork, kitchens with high-end appliances, Egyptian linens, free WiFi, and washer/dryers, which are all ideal for longer stays. Penthouse suites have two levels and additional living areas. AKA recently redesigned its penthouse collection. The Penthouse Residence master bathroom is nearly the size of a standard NYC hotel room. At 200-square feet, the bathroom provides the ultimate, spa-like experience. With a sculptural, modern freestanding bathtub, oversized dual rain head shower behind a free-floating glass wall, vanity for two, and Bulgari amenities, one could almost live in the bathroom.

To see more unique hotel bathrooms around the world, check out:

• Romantic Hotels for Ski Lovers
• Hotel Suites With Their Very Own Spas
• Visiting the Red City of Marrakesh

By Angela Fairhurst for PeterGreenberg.com