Hotels Remove Full-Length Mirrors from Rooms Amid Revenue Optimization Efforts

Hotels are increasingly removing full-length mirrors from their rooms, leaving guests to adjust to a more minimalist aesthetic.

The decision is sparking debate among hoteliers, with some arguing that standard full-length mirrors detract from the character of each room and others believing they remain an essential amenity for guests.

Lyon Porter, co-founder of Urban Cowboy Hotels, is among those who see full-length mirrors as a purely functional addition that doesn't connect with the surrounding décor. He has opted to hunt down unique, antique, or framed mirrors that blend in with the room's theme.

His wife and business partner, Jersey Banks, however, is firmly in favor of retaining full-length mirrors, seeing them as an essential convenience for guests who need to check their appearance before heading out.

Hotels are increasingly prioritizing revenue optimization over guest amenities, leading to the disappearance of full-length mirrors from rooms. This shift is driven by a combination of factors, including rising real estate costs and the growing influence of private equity funds in the hotel industry.

The trend towards smaller room sizes is evident, with new build projects averaging 180-250 square feet, down from the historical standard of around 350 square feet. As a result, hotels are forced to make sacrifices in order to maximize revenue per square foot.

Some hoteliers, however, remain committed to providing guests with basic amenities, including full-length mirrors. Jacob Dondzila, general manager of the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, expressed disappointment at the trend, suggesting that guests still value these amenities when getting dressed.

Moxy Hotels has taken a bold approach to minimizing space in its rooms, eliminating full-sized closets and reconfiguring bathrooms. However, one area where they have not cut corners is in providing full-length mirrors for guests.

These mirrors serve a dual purpose, allowing guests to check their appearance while also becoming a canvas for personalized messages from the hotel staff. The result is often a series of amusing mirror selfies that end up on social media.

In contrast, some hotels are taking a more subtle approach to addressing space constraints.

Some hotels are finding creative ways to address space constraints in their rooms. One approach is to provide mirrors that offer a full-length view, allowing guests to easily check their outfits without having to resort to contortions like counter yoga.

In contrast, The Dominick hotel in SoHo has taken a different tack by incorporating full-length mirrors into some of its rooms. However, the hotel's lobby boasts an even more impressive mirror - a large, wall-size one that has become a popular spot for photoshoots and social media posts.

When booking a hotel room, it's easy to get caught up in details like thread count and bath amenities. But a full-length mirror should be at the top of your list - after all, nothing can ruin the fantasy of a luxurious stay quite as quickly as struggling to see what you're wearing.