State-of-the-Art Barrier Island Center Bathroom Is An Eco-Friendly Wonderland

Barrier Island Sanctuary Management & Education Center
8385 S Hwy A1A
Melbourne Beach, FL USA
www.barrierislandcenter.com

Where is it?

Easy as could be to find.

From the parking lot, head into the main education center building. Once inside the front doors, you'll see a sign greeting you and pointing to the various exhibits inside, as well as to the bathrooms.

As indicated, the toilets are to your right, down a cavernous hallway with a big sign above its mouth reading, "Restrooms."

At the end of that hall is a stone tortoise sculpture hanging on the wall. The door to the men's room is to the right of the tortoise sculpture, the women's room to the left.

What's it like?

According to the place's officiate website, this is a "a modern educational facility with classrooms, an interactive exhibit room, a library, offices, auditorium, restrooms and a gift shop. The center provides a focal point for the Archie Carr Refuge and the associated barrier island by providing exhibit space, a presentation hall, and ongoing educational programs that promote stewardship of the area’s fragile natural resources."

So bottom line, the property is a nature preserve on the Atlantic coast of Florida, and the building is its exhibit hall and information center. But don't let that make it sound like it's just another science museum extension. That's hardly the case.

This place holds several unique exhibits showcasing the nature in the area. You can get a look inside salt water ecosystems, examine at how the region's subtropical climate affects plant growth, get up close and personal with many of the marine inhabitants, take some thrilling beach walks and more.

On the surface, the place feels like a neat locale for a school field trip. But it transcends the kiddie-friendly facade to become something with wider appeal. Anyone who enjoys Florida's natural beauty will enjoy this place -- because ultimately it's a celebration of Florida's nature, with plenty of hands-on experiences to be had, from cylindrical fish tanks to informative lectures to paved coastline trails that take you through mangrove fields, to name a few.

Even better: Admission is free.

And even better than all that -- believe it or not -- are the bathrooms here.

I know what you're saying: After all the national parks we've profiled here lately, and the outhouses, and other supposedly environmentally considerate toilets, how much better is this one to those?

A lot better. Simply put, this bathroom has a lot of ambition and wants to be both stylish and environmentally friendly, and it pulls it off, putting all those other high-profile locations to shame, really.

In fact, the setup and execution here are so good that it makes me want to revisit the other national parks, outhouses, and environmentally friendly locations that had first seemed successful in their green outlook (like IKEA Orlando, Nona Sushi, Whole Foods South Orlando and the lot) and re-review them, because really those are lacking the accomplishment and style found here.

Yes, it's that good here.

The design is pretty straight forward. It's a rectangular room, with all plumbing fixtures set up on the left side wall. On it, you'll fine a single sink station, two waterless urinals, and two toilet stalls (the one in the far corner being the handicap stall). On the opposite wall from those items is the hand drier and a garbage can.

The lower walls and floor are covered with slate tiles, the floor in one-foot by one-foot tiles and the walls in four-inch square tiles. Most of the tile is desert red/brown in color, though both the floor and walls house matted ocean blue tiles for highlights. The upper walls are painted beige drywall, with the tile line cut in a wave pattern. Thanks to the color scheme and wave pattern, the place immediately brings to mind visions of sandy beaches, gentle rolling waves, beached sea shells and sparkling sunlit coral, and as a result once you step in you feel amazingly relaxed. Quite an accomplishment.

Like the bathrooms at the national parks, particularly the ones at Yavapai Point and Desert View at the Grand Canyon, the upper wall across the from the fixtures has a line of windows in it, which lets in lots of natural light. Not so much that you squint at the brightness here , but enough to make the place pleasant to see. If you want more light, just turn on the switch by the main door -- in most cases, because of the bathroom's environmental stance, the lights will be off when you enter. There is a sign next to the switch asking you to turn off the lights when you leave, of course.

Because of the natural light, some of the deeper corners of the room get shadowy without the artificial lights on, but they are not so dark that you can't see what's there or not use anything (as such as the case with the Zion Canyon Main Entrance Toilets).

Beige metal dividers separate the urinals (one of which is lowered for children) and are long enough to create plenty of privacy for the user (take note, Main Street Brewery in Cortez, CO and Tamarisk Restaurant in Green River, UT.) Both urinals are of the waterless variety (like the ones found at the aforementioned IKEA Orlando, Nona Sushi, and Whole Foods South Orlando), only these have a sea shell pattern to them instead of being just plain Jane.

The same beige separator wall material makes up the toilet stall walls, creating comfortable, spacious sectionals that are both comfortable and functional. The toilets themselves are the least environmentally friend item in the place -- just standard white porcelain commodes with manual flushes. But I also like the fact that they're homey commodes, not the industrial ones you usually see in such places. It keeps the place honest, for some reason, and works well within the design. Auto-flush would have been a nice touch, but then again this place isn't about wow factor, it's about a meeting place for style and practicality, and that's achieved here with great success.

The sink is also not very flashy -- standard white unit with small mirror overhead -- but it's automatic and functional. Again, that works fine, given the environment. Strangely, there's no mounted soap dispenser here or in the handicap stall -- instead, there's a bottle of hand soap available. Not a big deal but something to consider in the future -- and perhaps the only shortcoming here, though hardly a hangup.

As you can imagine, the place is immaculately clean. Nary a drop of water or a bit of stray paper on the floor or vanities. Better still is a beach-like scent is pumped into the air, lending a strong freshness to the room. Very impressive.

Even the trashcan, that large black canister, is somehow given a sense of stateliness, thanks to the spotlessness of the place.

And I like that the walls are covered with signs offering various eco-friendly tips, which range from the obvious (turn off the lights before you leave) to the interesting ("Things You Can Do To Protect Our Oceans").

Taken as a whole, this is the pinnacle of eco-friendly bathrooms and should be what all other eco-friendly bathrooms should strive towards.

Marks out of 10:

10. A wonderful experience through and through.

Comments to the Management:

You've attained near-perfection, now reach further by adding auto-flush toilets and mounted soap dispensers. Though at the same time I kind of like the homey charm you have without it. Great job.

Quality Abounds at Pan Pacific

7 Raffles Boulevard ,
Marina Square,
Singapore
039595


http://www.panpacific.com/singapore/Overview.html


Where is it?

From the check in head toward the back of the hotel and around to the left. In the corner you’ll see a set of toilets.


What’s it like?

I was on the phone to home as I walked into the room to be greeted with a fabulous view. I obviously voiced my opinion as the response down the phone was “well if its that good you won’t be taking me then”. Well as it was the business executive floor and kids are certainly not allowed I guess that will be the case. Let’s just say I just wish that all the hotels I visit on business could be like this.

The bathroom in the room was pretty damned spectacular, but lets stick to the public toilets. Not being near the main entrance I’m sure this toilet sees much use. Still, there’s been no expense spared. These toilets rival all but the most outrageous in Vegas.

The thing that struck me the most were the doors to the stalls. Walnut with veneer inlay means you know the designers are trying to make an impression. Add to this there is a vanity area at the entrance so you can check your tie is just so without getting in the way of others.

Then there was the choice. Four sinks, a row of urinals, five stalls, and two sinks. All this choice just for little old me? Then there is the style of the place. Granite on the walls. If only my house was built with such quality.

Overall I could spend plenty of time in these places any time. Oh I look forward to my next visit.

Marks out of 10:

10. Yeah I want to live here.


Comments to the management:

Pan Pacific Perfect

Water-themed Sensi Offers Zen-like Bathroom-Going Experience

Sensi
Bellagio Las Vegas
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV USA 89109

http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/sensi.aspx

Where is it?

The restaurant is located in the Bellagio Hotel. To get there from the front desk, head towards the Spa Tower, rounding the left side of the Bellagio Conservatory and going past the spa and down the hallway to the convention center area.

To find the restaurant's bathroom itself, enter through main entrance and turn left at the greeting station -- there is an opening in the stone-covered walls there (looking much like a cave entrance). Inside are the loos.

What's it like?

This is a stylish, water-themed restaurant filled with unique modern decorative touches. The walls here are made of giant stone blocks. The tables look like they are made mostly of dark-stained bamboo. The chairs are metallic and wood mixes. And indoor waterfalls and infinity pools dot the dining room and bar area, lulling people with the sounds of gently rushing water. Combined, the decor exudes a sort of Southeast Asian feel that's both exotic and hip.

The kitchen is in the middle of the place, enclosed by four glass walls, and the idea is that the guests can watch the chefs make their food firsthand from any spot in the dining room while waiting for their meals. The menu is brief, with only about 15 items available at one time, and the cuisine fuses various Asian styles (Indian, Thai, Japanese, etc.) into dishes that are approachable to American palettes -- all while containing some traditional frills. While decent, I found that the food tended to pile on its ethnic touches a little too thickly: The kabobs were well grilled but were also so heavy with spice that you wondered if the chefs were trying to cover up the taste of inferior meat; the Kobe beef mini-burgers were good but would have been better without all the accouterments (bean sprouts, wasabi mayonnaise, etc.) so that I could actually taste the meat used (isn't that the point with Kobe beef?). Ironically, the best thing I tasted while here was the homemade ginger beer, which was a refreshingly spicy mix of ginger, soda, cane sugar and lemongrass.

While the dining room is ornate and complex, the bathrooms take a decidedly minimalistic route when it comes to decor. This is a simple station, made only for one. The walls and floor are covered with jet-black marble tile, giving the place a stark yet sophisticated look. A white toilet sits at the far end of the place, jetting out of the wall like a piece of modern art. The sink, a bowl-shaped overlay made of blue glass, sits placed atop a clear glass vanity counter, with a metallic faucet that looks like an old farmhouse spigot. It's clean, cool, functional -- and combined, the place it extends the idea that you're in a cave (remember that you essentially walk into a cave to get here), which makes it perfect for longer visits that require privacy.

And if you think about it, all the flowing water around you in the dining room does initiate the need for a longer visit.....

Marks out of 10:

10. It's a work of thematic art. Bravo.

Comments to the Management:

Wishful thinking here, since it's hard to improve upon near-perfection, but how about placing a smaller waterfall inside the lavatory?

Michael Mina Offers Modernist Cuisine, Classically Elegant Stink-Free Facilities

MICHAEL MINA Bellagio
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV USA 89109

http://www.michaelmina.net/

Where is it?

The restaurant itself is located behind the Bellagio Conservatory, in between the Dale Chihuly store and the hotel's 24-hour kitchen, the Bellagio Cafe.

Once in the restaurant, head all the way to the rear of the place, rounding the open kitchen and slipping into the rear of the dining room. Keep steering left until you see the back entrance to the kitchen (which at this point is closed). Head that way, but turn right before reaching the kitchen door. Go down that hallway there and you'll find the bathrooms at the end.

What's it like?

This is a classy, high-minded and somewhat stuffy restaurant overlooking the Bellagio pool, with an emphasis on seafood and modernist plate presentation. That means you'll get very fresh seafood concoctions but they are served in a manner that makes the food look more like works of art on the plate than actual food. Some people like that sort of thing (Bobby Flay is a firm believer in putting presentation first, for example), and while I admired the minimalist presentations, I found the dishes themselves to be a bit pedestrian in inspiration and composition and didn't feel the end result was worth the hefty price tag.

I had a tasting menu here, however I think that had I gone for the $80 lobster pot pie, which is what most of the diners were having, I would have been a little happier with the results. Such as it was, I ended up with a five-course meal that was decent (a great caviar starter, for example, and a fine dessert sampler) but not overwhelming (not like the meal I had at Bellagio neighbor Circo), and in a way I felt a bit cheated. Such is the modern spin on nouvelle cuisine, I guess.

The place itself is decorated with a sort of hip elegance. The front dining room is filled with woods, while the back (overlooking the pool) emphasizes white linens, muted lighting and off-white colored walls and floors. The service is a little stuffy as well but it's still prompt and efficient. The prices are exorbitant no matter what you order.

The bathroom, on the other hand, is warm, inviting, modest, classy, clean and unique -- everything you wish the rest of the restaurant would be. It's a long white room that accommodates only one person at a time. The toilet sits at the far end of the place (below an ornately framed mirror), the sink -- a beautiful white unit set in a glass vanity topped with flowers -- sits about halfway down on the left (when facing the back wall). Simple white marble tile lines the floor and walls. Cloth towels. Soft, flowery smelling soap that both moisturizes the skin and gets any fishy odor out. And impeccably clean!

Even better: It don't hold odors. When I went for my visit, I had to stand in line to get in (it only holds one person, remember). The guy ahead of me in line claimed he'd been waiting a long time to get in -- which means the person inside was..... well, you know.

Anyway, that guy came out and the next guy went in, and he proceeded to stay in the bathroom a good 10 minutes. By that point, I was thinking that I would be entering a gas chamber when it came around to my turn. BUT NO! When the next guy left, I eased into the room and was met with no trace of stink, just a flowery perfumed air (and not one that had been singed by air freshener) that reminded me of springtime. That made the experience all the more enjoyable!

Marks out of 10:

10. A glorious place relieve yourself or inhale some stink-free air!

Comments to the Management:

The bathroom's damn near perfect -- it's the rest of the place I'm worried about.

Bellagio Bathroom Is Belisimo

Bellagio Las Vegas
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S.
Las Vegas, NV USA 89109

http://www.bellagio.com/

Where is it?

This beautiful hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, known for its elaborate fountain show, has dozens of bathrooms in it. The one visited on this occasion was in the Spa Tower. To get there, do the following: From the front desk, go back towards the Conservatory, sticking to the left of it (go right and you'll end up at the hotel's casino). Continue walking, paste the 21-foot chocolate fountain and the waterfall-themed restaurant, Sensi, and head towards the Spa Tower elevators, which lead to the Spa Tower rooms.

Go past the elevators leading to the Spa Tower rooms, past the sundries store, and then go left at the crossroads in the hallway. This will lead you to a dead end, on the left side of which is the bathrooms. (If you go straight or right, you will end up in the hotel's convention center wings.)

What's it like?

Superb in every way.

The room itself is spacious and stretching but not so much to make you feel like you're in a cavern. Rather, the design here emphasizes privacy, with the sinks sitting just ahead of the urinals and the urinals sitting just ahead of the stalls -- a perfect situation, really, so no one can sneak any peeks.

Two sets of marble tile coat the spaces here. The floors are covered by two-color tile set in a modernist checkerboard pattern. The walls are covered with tile featuring streaks of beige and off-white. It's stately, elegant yet not off-putting -- essentially, you feel like you're in a museum but you don't mind leaving your mark.

The sink area features elegantly framed mirrors above each station, along with automatic faucets that stream warm water and automatic soap dispensers, along with easy-to-reach paper towel (thick ply, of course) at every stop. The toilets are immaculately clean and all automatic flush -- and, thanks to the thick divider walls, you feel isolated inside them and free to go about your business at leisure, even if the place is packed.

Best yet, these bathrooms cater mostly to those entering or leaving the hotel's convention center, so they get little traffic. Also, they are somewhat tucked away and unless your convention hall area is nearby or you feel the need to go after leaving the sundries shop, you will probably never visit this bathroom.

Marks out of 10:

10.

Comments to the Management:

Keep up the good work. This is one of the hotel's true hidden treasures.

Grand Lakes' Loos May Be Most Regal in O-Town

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
4040 Central Florida Pkwy
Orlando, FL USA 32837
(407) 206-2300

Where is it?

There are dozens of public toilets in this luxury hotel. The one visited was on the G Level, across from meeting room Amarante 1. To get there, enter through the main entrance, head north through the hotel's shopping area (where you'll find a Starbucks and John Craig, among others) until you reach the escalators. Go down one level, turn right, then immediately left. The bathrooms will be on your left about 20 feet down the hallway.

What's it like?

The JW Marriott Grand Lakes is an enormous hotel in the south part of Orlando, filled with many fine dining options (and the best macaroni and cheese in town by far!), top-notch golf and spacious rooms. As expected, their public toilets are immaculate stations, supremely clean, spacious, classy, sophisticated and comfortable. Quite a mix, considering that most toilets of this caliber offer only a selection of those qualities, not all of them at once.

The facilities themselves are pristine: Roomy stalls and urinal areas, sparkling, in perfect working order, and offering much privacy. The bathroom itself holds about 10 stalls, which makes it a bit daunting at first (so many choices!) but once you've settled in you'll feel nothing but comfort and coziness. If only there were vending machines in the stalls -- I would have been there all day!

The vanity is highlighted by a row of ornate mirrors, as well as various wicker and glass decorations. A pleasing floral scent greats you the instant you open the door (making even the smelliest of deposits seem unembarrassing), and a soundtrack of hip-yet-soothing new-age-inspired house music plays on the sound system above -- just loud enough to excuse any noises you might make but so loud as to cause you to feel rushed or uncomfortable.

Other highlights include: a temperature control set cooler than expected (which makes a pleasing counterpoint if stepping in from outside -- the entrance to the pool is only 50 feet away); the golden lighting that shines down from the ceiling (really embodies the luxury mindset here); the choice of drying your hands with terrycloth or paper towels (you deposit the former in a wicker laundry basket when done -- another nice touch); and some of the silkiest, most flowery smelling hand soap I've ever tried.

Marks out of 10:

10. It ain't heaven, but it's close. I actually asked about rent prices before checking out of the hotel -- sadly, it was out of my range.

Comments to the Management:

Sheer perfection. Keep up the good work.

SaniFair Vorsprung Durch Technik

Bottrop Süd
A2 Fahrtrichtung Ost
Bottrop
Near Essen
Germany


http://www.rast.de/services/leistungen/sanifair/sanifair.html


Where is it?

Go through the main front doors and head around to the left. Go down the spiral staircase. Head right, paying your 50 cents.


What’s it like?

There’s nothing like the German Autobahn. An advised limit of 130km hour is now suggested across the network, but you know that they don’t make VW’s, BMW’s, Mercedes and Audis (especially the A8’s) with that in mind. The Germans disregard the suggested speed limit when the road is clear and my 1.9 Tdi is sluggish in such company. Still, it is nice to know that you can make the best use of a clear stretch when it arrives.

With Sanifair I’ve found another reason to admire the German road network. These must be the most technologically advanced toilets I’ve ever seen. What might start with mild disgruntlement at having to pay, soon turns to admiration. These toilets are spotless. People were actually looking around in amazement!

There was plenty of capacity, so you didn’t feel hassled by other users even though it was fairly busy. You are also soothed through your visit with piped music that is unobtrusive and actually calming. The lighting is nice bright and modern. Just on this basis you’d be happy.

Then there are the technical facilities. Entering the stall I thought the toilet looked a little over styled. But, it was only when I waved my hand in front of the sensor to set off the flush that I realised everything had a purpose. At the back of the seat a blue arm extends out. Then the toilet seat rotates. Yes, every time the toilet is flushed the seat is cleaned. Wow!

Then you look at the quality of the fixtures. Just look at the triple (yes I said triple) toilet roll holder. How cool!

I have to say I am in awe.

Gobsmacked.


Marks out of 10:

10. If it wasn’t beginning to look strange I’d have stayed for longer.


Comments to the management:

Superb! You’d pay a euro just to see the toilet do its stuff.

Old Style is on Way Out at Thameside Fish and Chip Heaven

Riverhouse
Thameside,
Windsor,
Berkshire.
SL4 1QN
United Kingdom

http://www.windsorpubco.co.uk/riverhouse.html


Where is it?

Starting from the main bar head to the right (upriver) and through the door to the right. This takes you virtually outside. Go to the right and up the stairs. You’ll see the ladies in front of you. For the men’s, turn left and then the door is on the left.


What’s it like?

Let me start by saying I love these toilets.

Lots.... Get the picture?

(In fact I’m trying to make space for lots of pictures as this is as much a historical piece as anything else).

Now down to business. This is a biker pub turned good. No doubt to some peoples’ disgust this place is now a Gastro pub par excellence. And what’s more it serves the second best fish and chips I’ve had in years. It is absolutely marvellous. The only thing that would have made it better on this day would have been some sun to let us sit outside and take in the view of the Thames and the Eton footbridge.

So what about the toilets? Well they certainly provide a wow. Old built in wood cabinetry with old style china certainly provide a sense of style that you rarely get these days. The tiles add to the light but clean feel. The window looking over the Thames is frosted enough to provide privacy, but you can still get some of the view when you look out.

Having said all this they are showing the signs of age. The sink is chipped and I guess this has got the health inspectors going as the ladies’ were being refurbished. Nice modern very high quality units were going in as I passed by. It’s rare for me to say this, but I’d prefer to stick with the old. It had the feel of history and permanence that makes me want to campaign for refurbishment of what’s there rather than a stripping out and replacement.

So, I’d rush to get and see these before they go if they haven’t already.

Go on, you should be there already!


Marks out of 10:

10. Go and feel a piece of history.


Comments to the management:

Don’t destroy what you’ve got. Make it better!

Carmel's Offers Class, Elegance

Carmel's
398 21st Street
Vero Beach, FL USA 32960

www.carmelsofverobeach.com

Where is it?

A little tricky to find but not impossible. From the main entrance, head into the left-most dining room and then turn right, towards the room's back wall. Once there, go left again and then take an immediate right, heading down a lengthy hallway leading to the back of the restaurant. The bathrooms are there.

And don't worry: In case you get lost along the way, the fine, friendly waitstaff here will politely provide directions.

What's it like?

Carmel's is one of Vero's more upscale restaurants, a place to hit more for special occasions than everyday dining. While I find the food good, I was not awed by it (a little too much reliance on sauces to cover ingredients that should be tasty enough on their own); having said that, the salads and wine selection were very impressive.

The decor is stately: Boldly colored walls decorated with various pieces of art (both original and prints), white table cloths, dark wood tables and chairs, clean carpets and more.

The loos extend the motif, offering a secluded, spotless environment in which to do your business. The decor here is tidy, modern, clean and simplistic, with elegant brown-red tiles covering the floor and part of the walls, and either off-white or matted green paint used in the remaining spaces. The walls are also dotted with old photographs fitted in oversized frames -- a touch that adds an air of sophistication and personality to the surroundings and at times made me think I was in an art gallery instead of an upscale restaurant.

The sinks are made of gleaming porcelain and the mirrors hang beside them in a stately manner, almost like art themselves thanks to their ornate frames. Paper towels are offered here, but they are held in classy holders to fit the decor.

The lone stall in the men's room has been set up as a separate room, not just as a stall, with a floor-to-ceiling door built in to offer complete closure from the rest of the bathroom. It's washing facilities, albeit smaller than the main one, still radiate with the same artfulness and warmth as found in the rest of the place.

The only drawback: The place uses store-bought hand soap instead of having a built-in dispenser here. But then again, this little faux pas adds a human element to the experience -- while it aims for perfection, the store-bought soap makes one feel that the designers knows the loo will always be a little short of that mark, and that visitors won't mind because the rest of the place reaches such heights.

Marks out of 10:

10. Artful and elegance through and through.

Comments to the Management:

Well done. One of the best strip mall bathrooms I've ever seen and experienced.

Doubletree Castle's Elegance Will Surprise You

Doubletree Castle Hotel
8629 International Dr.
Orlando, FL USA 32819

www.doubletreecastle.com

Where is it?

From the back entrance, go towards the elevators, turn right and head towards the front desk, then head left, towards the front entrance. The bathrooms are found on each side of the door, men's on the right, women's on the left. (Or, if coming in from the front entrance -- facing International Drive -- they are to either side of you once you come inside.)

What's it like?

This hotel, located in the middle of Orlando's tourism district, is shaped like a castle, and from the outside you'd think it will be as tacky and ridiculously over-the-top as the ridiculous Excalibur Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. But step inside and you'll find a place that doesn't let it's decor overtake its charm or practicality. Sure, it's filled with castle-inspired decor, but the presentation of those items is done tastefully, even understatedly, giving the hotel a touch of unexpected elegance.

The bathrooms extend that medieval decor but also mix in many modern flourishes -- which heightened the experience tremendously. Marble tile covers the floor and walls. The urinals are separated by thick barriers, offering plenty of privacy to anyone using them. The stall feels more like an isolated room than part of the actual bathroom, thanks to full-sized doors. The main sinks are automatic and covered with thick marble. (The stall sink had a pedastal sink with a classy "magic mirror" hanging above it.) Also, the place offers real towels to dry your hands with -- and you drop off your dirty towels (or picked up new ones) in a dark wood-carved hamper set to the side of the main sinks.

Marks out of 10:

10. Truly regal public toilets. Unexpectedly so!

Comments to the Management:

Keep up the good work.

Orlando's Citrus Club: Posh almost to a fault

Citrus Club
255 South Orange Avenue
1800 Citrus Center
Orlando, FL USA 32801-3481

www.citrus-club.com/

Where is it?

To the left and right of the elevator lobby. Just exit the elevator and look left and right for the loos. Of course, you'll need to be a member to reach the floor (it's a private club) -- and be dressed somewhat formally to be allowed entrance after that -- so don't expect any emergency pity here.

What's it like?

This is a posh, old-fashioned social club filled with elaborate decor at every turn. The bar area is filled with velvet chairs, dark woods and high-end bottles galore. The dining room looks much like a cruise ship's interior -- and with some spectacular views of Orlando. And the food is fantastic, if not a bit on the excessively rich side. This is a classic special occasion spot which just happens to be frequented almost daily by its membership. (Does that mean every day is a special occasion to them? Perhaps.)

The bathrooms, as expected, are equally ornate, with heavy green marble counters, heavy-wood stall doors, gleaming white floor tiles, thick hand towels (terry cloth, not paper) by the sink for drying your hands, a bunch of toiletries (mouthwash, hand sanitizer, cologne, etc.) available on a counter before you go and more. The only drawback is that with all that stuff in there, it makes the bathroom feel a little bit crammed. Heck, it's such a production, you'd expect the place to be as expansive as Caesar's Palace in Vegas. Still, it's impressive and spotless at every turn.

Marks out of 10:

10. Even if it feels a bit small, it's still a wonder of bathroom-based engineering. Kudos.

Comments to the Management:

If only I didn't have to wear a tie and jacket to enter......

Possibly the Best Toilets in THE Hotel

THE Hotel, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, USA

Where are they?

Can't remember, but in the posh bit beyond the lobby.

What were they like?

We didn't have a pass, but looking at the outside we have to ask if they are the best toilets in the world.

Marks out of 10:

? ... But, hell, let's give them a ten for shiny tiles and ultimate cool alone.

Coments to the management:

Please let us in.