Design and Construction, Maintenance and Operations, Plumbing, Sustainability/Business Continuity

Are These America’s Best Public Restrooms?

What makes a great restroom? After launching a nationwide search for America’s best public restroom of 2025, an annual contest by Cintas has narrowed the competition down to nine finalists and is asking the public to vote for this year’s top winner.

Now in its 24th year, the competition celebrates innovative and hygienic public restrooms across the country. The top nine finalists were selected based on five key criteria, including cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality, and unique design elements. The restroom that receives the most votes will win a Cintas UltraClean restroom cleaning service and $2,500 in facility services or restroom cleaning, in addition to national recognition as a premier public restroom.

“For over two decades, this contest has honored businesses that understand the value of clean and memorable restroom experiences,” said Emily Ramos, director of marketing at Cintas. “This year’s finalists showcase the perfect balance of creativity, cleanliness, and customer care. We’re excited for the public to help determine the winner.”

The top nine finalists in the 2025 America’s Best Restroom contest include (in alphabetical order):

1. Bear Head Lake State Park (Ely, Minn.)

Nestled within one of Minnesota’s most beloved parks, the restroom and shower building at Bear Head Lake State Park provides more than just function—it offers thoughtful design in a stunning setting. With a fully accessible layout that meets all ADA guidelines, this facility ensures comfort for all visitors. The exterior dishwashing sinks are a camper-friendly touch, providing a convenient space to clean up without trekking back to a waterless site. Surrounded by the serene beauty that earned Bear Head Lake the title of America’s Favorite State Park in 2010, this restroom is proof that practicality and natural beauty can go hand in hand.

2. City of Fruita (Fruita, Colo.)

This self-cleaning restroom is a standout example of modern public infrastructure that combines technology, sustainability, and practicality. Designed with an automated cleaning system, it sanitizes the toilet and floor after each use, ensuring a consistently hygienic environment with minimal need for manual upkeep. Built from durable, vandal-resistant materials like fiber-reinforced concrete and galvanized steel, and coated with anti-graffiti protection, it’s well-suited for high-traffic areas. The restroom is also ADA-compliant and equipped with safety features, such as automated locking and emergency exits. With energy-efficient LED lighting and low water consumption, the unit supports environmental sustainability.

3. Footprints (Lawrence, Kan.)

What was once a cramped, outdated restroom was transformed into a whimsical, locally inspired barn-themed restroom that reflects the rich agricultural heritage of Kansas. Designed and built by local artists and craftsmen, the space features custom ceramic tile work, including farm animals, corncobs, and a WREN flour sack that nods to the town’s milling history. With a playful mix of art and history, this memorable restroom turns a necessity into an experience rooted in place, purpose, and pride.

4. Little America Hotel (Salt Lake City, Utah)

The restrooms at Little America are designed to leave a lasting impression, including the lobby restroom, often referred to as the iconic Pink Restroom. Wrapped in imported Italian marble and featuring floor-to-ceiling stall doors with crystal chandeliers, it combines elegance with unmatched privacy. Just beyond the stalls, a plush sitting room offers softly lit vanities, French Richelieu furnishings, and English wool carpet. The blush-pink palette ties the entire space together, creating a serene, refined atmosphere. Whether dining, shopping, or attending an event, guests are sure to remember this serene space as part of the signature Little America charm.

5. Moderne Bar (Orlando, Fla.)

Step into the spotlight at The Moderne Bar in Orlando, where the restrooms are just as iconic as the cocktails. Featuring striking black-and-white tiling, gleaming gold accents, and elegant marble countertops, the restrooms have become the go-to photo spot for guests looking to capture that perfect glam shot. The restrooms also received a nomination for “Best Bar Restroom” in Orlando Weekly’s annual “Best Of” awards.

6. The Rooftop at Pier 17 (New York, N.Y.)

The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City features expansive, luxurious restrooms with stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. Designed with both elegance and accessibility in mind, the space includes 75 stalls and well-maintained family-friendly facilities. Smooth concrete walls, soft lighting, and stylish ADA-compliant sinks create a clean, modern atmosphere. Natural light pours in from oversized windows, enhancing the airy, open feel of the restroom. The restrooms offer a thoughtful extension of the rooftop’s upscale experience.

7. Rosebrook Lodge (Bretton Woods, N.H.)

Located at the Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa, the award-winning Rosebrook Lodge features restrooms that reflect the elegance and craftsmanship found throughout the property. The entrance welcomes guests with warm wood tones that mirror the lodge’s natural alpine surroundings. Inside, modern finishes like sleek stone flooring, geometric wall tiles, and touchless fixtures combine with subtle design accents to create a clean, calming environment. Full-length stall doors, integrated lighting, and stylish mirrors add both privacy and polish. Like the lodge itself, the restrooms balance luxury and functionality with thoughtful design rooted in the surrounding landscape. The Rosebrook Lodge sits atop the Bretton Woods Ski Area’s Skyway Gondola and is a recipient of Hospitality Design’s Awards for Excellence, as well as the American Institute of Architects’ Merit Awards.

8. Tatsu (Dallas, Texas)

Every detail matters at Tatsu, including the restroom. From the crystal-clear mirrors to the polished fixtures, the spotless and elegant space echoes the meticulous care shown throughout the meal. A fresh, clean scent creates an inviting and comforting atmosphere for guests. The restroom features a sophisticated Toto toilet and walls adorned with vivid Koi fish, adding a whimsical yet calming touch. The thoughtfully designed restroom reflects Tatsu’s broader commitment to hygiene, especially in the kitchen, where culinary creativity comes to life.

9. Tecolote Shores (San Diego, Calif.)

The new restroom at Tecolote Shores in San Diego is designed for functionality and coastal charm. It features eight all-gender restrooms, including two spacious, ADA-accessible family restrooms. Inside, slip-resistant epoxy flooring handles wet, sandy feet. Amenities include an exterior shower, three drinking fountains, a bottle filler, and four sinks. A modern butterfly roof and Pacific blue accents complement the natural CMU block, blending seamlessly with the park’s architecture and capturing that classic San Diego beach vibe.

Voting is open through Aug. 15, and the public can vote here. The 2025 winner will be announced this fall. To learn about previous years’ winners, click here.

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