A watery grave for hotel tubs 8 Nov 2007

Portfolio.com's Joe Brancatelli tells us to say bye-bye to baths, as hotels are kicking them out of the can:

"Experts all cite the same basic reasons for the decline of the hotel bathtub. For one thing, business travelers are just too busy for leisurely soaks. Liability issues make the tub-shower combo a magnet for lawsuits because a surprising number of travelers have trouble navigating the walls of an unfamiliar tub. Shower-only layouts are slightly more space-efficient than other bathroom configurations and that appeals to developers struggling with high real estate costs. Then there's the 'ick' factor: Hotel designers say travelers, especially women, are concerned about the cleanliness of hotel tubs. Even if they prefer bathing, they won't do it in a hotel."

Getting rid of hotel baths will suit most business people just fine - but what about holidaymakers travelling with young children in tow? It's not that easy giving a one-year-old a shower.