While the average public bathroom might not seem like the height of architecture or design, these fancy watering closets are setting a new standard for restrooms everywhere.
The Cintas Corporation recently announced the top 10 finalists for the 2018 America’s Best Restroom Contest.
For the 17th year in a row, the contest will showcase the best public restrooms in the U.S. and award one lucky loo with $2,500 in Cintas products and services for restroom cleaning or facility management, along with a lifetime of bathroom bragging rights.
From now through September 18th, the public is invited to vote for their favorite finalist at the best restroom website.
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“From coast to coast, this year’s finalists highlight how restroom cleanliness, artistic design and sustainable features can leave a positive, lasting impression on customers,” said Sean Mulcahey, the Marketing Manager at Cintas.
“With vibrant colors, picturesque views and creative architecture, there’s a perfect restroom for everyone with this year’s finalists,” he added. “The America’s Best Restroom contest invites the country to come together and vote for the worthiest facility.”
The top 10 restrooms in this year’s America’s Best Restroom contest include:
Barrio – Chicago
After guests exit the women’s restrooms at Chicago’s trendy Mexican restaurant, Barrio, it’s common to hear the phrase: “Did you check out the bathroom? There’s a disco ball in there!”
In addition to its shiny disco ball, the facility features colorful high heel patterned wallpaper and a hot pink ceiling. The upbeat ambiance screams anything but ordinary, making it the perfect place to freshen up, reapply lipstick and hit the streets of the Windy City.
Bryant Park – New York City
After a $270,000 renovation, the new and improved Bryant Park restroom offers its one million visitors per year an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. Full-time attendants, fresh flowers, and classical music welcome the public with a luxurious comfort station experience.
The facility uses Toto EcoPower technology to harness the energy of running water to power itself, and features water-efficient fixtures and LED lighting to reduce electrical costs and its environmental impact. With crown molding, cove lighting, glass mosaic details and tiles from around the globe, this Manhattan marvel is a site to behold.
Dream Hollywood Hotel – Hollywood, CA
The Dream Hollywood Hotel’s rooftop has a restroom that takes guests to new heights.
With floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Observatory, these facilities allow visitors to gaze out at the city and take a postcard-worthy photo. Sleek subway tiles, long oval mirrors and golden globe lights surround a large granite island with deep sinks and modern faucets.
Green Bay Botanical Garden – Green Bay, Wis.
Nicknamed the “Hobbit House,” Green Bay Botanical Garden is home to a fun, playful and clean restroom facility straight out of a fantasy world. Located in its children’s garden area, the structure is built directly into the hill side to maintain a cool temperature and offer visitors a hill that showcases a perfect view of the gardens.
Using natural materials whenever possible and installing local boulders as part of the design, the Les & Dar Stumpf Hobbit House Restroom is a sustainable building that reflects raw, creative innovation.
Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton – La Jolla, CA
Perched high on the 11th floor overlooking the stunning vistas of Southern California, the restroom at the Hotel La Jolla provides guests with a breathtaking view of La Jolla and the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.
Facing the coast, the large windows capture the natural, constantly changing ocean light, complementing the earth tones of the restroom interior. In this restroom, it’s common for guests to spend extra time washing their hands just to gaze out at the beautiful views.