I think we all have stories when we travel about things we like and things that are just perplexing. We’re staying at a Holiday Inn Express and while it’s a a fine hotel in terms of staff friendliness, location, general comfort and the like, there’s one thing I just don’t understand: low-flow showers. Okay, in California, or any other state where water is a resource that’s in a very limited supply, low-flow showers in hotels are understandable. However, we’re in Portland, Oregon where, as I type this, it’s raining – which means if it’s raining in July, an abundant water supply is something that’s not a problem for Portlanders.
Sure, hotels in water rich states want to save money on their water bills, but here’s what I don’t get: the toilet in our room is like a waterfall when flushed. I mean it’s a hell of a lot of water! And the shower is like some bizarre-o universe where people prefer a spritz of water than a full on fire hose. Don’t believe me? Okay, I shot this video with my iPhone just to prove my point:
You know, it’s a sad, sad, sad, sad state of affairs when I think I can get a more substantial shower out of the toilet in our room than the actual shower. And I feel doubly bad for Julie and Maya because they have hair, and with the amount of water coming out of that spigot, I have no idea how they are able to wash all that shampoo and conditioner out of their hair.
I guess this is one time when it’s good to be bald!
7 thoughts on “The Ying and Yang of Showers and Toilets in Hotels”
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At the Portland Airport, they had one of those toilets with a handle that you pull UP for #1, DOWN for #2. I pulled UP, thinking it would be low flow like our toilets at home. It was like the hotel toilet. I wonder what it would be like for #2? I may have to test it when we leave…
Please do! I'll loan you my iPhone so you can get some video!!!
We have low flow water fountains at work. 😉
Must be part of the government cutbacks.
We actually had waterless urinals for a few years. They had more problems than a chipmunk trying to cross an eight lane freeway. They finally got rid of them because the pipes were rusting. I think it will take some time before we get used to new things and the new things get used to us.
I don't think I'll ever get used to low-flow showers, but I've used my fair share of waterless urinals–which is no biggie.
Using them is not the problem, it's the valve systems that suppose to prevent sewer gases from backing up into the restroom. In a conventional system water is used a barrier for the sewer gases. In a waterless system a ballistic rubber valve or oil is used as a valve system. The manufacturers will figure it out one day. I also can't get used to low-flow showers