New Yorkers know it often stinks to have to use public bathrooms. But when you gotta go, you gotta go – and no spot in the city's got better facilities than Bryant Park.
The beaux arts-style bathrooms landed a No. 3 ranking in the 2010 "America's Best Restroom" contest, an annual list generated by online voters now in its ninth year.
This year's contest attracted nominations from a wide cross-section of businesses, including restaurants, hotels and several theatres. Ten finalists were selected based on exceptional hygiene, style and open access to the public. Tens of thousands of voters weighed in.
And a whole lot of them apparently spend time in Bryant Park bathrooms, which scored a spot among the nation's best on account of their design and amenities, including a full-time attendant, fresh cut flowers, scented oils and electronic seat covers.
If you find yourself closer to Times Square and you gotta go, the Muse Hotel on West 46th Street is the best option, the survey found. The boutique hotel, which offers bathrooms that feature individual washrooms, each with customized fixtures, marble and mosaic tile, came in fifth on this year's list.
A St. Louis, Miss., vintage ice cream parlor called The Fountain on Locust was voted the spot with the nation's best public bathroom, which features hand-painted murals, ornate fixtures and designer mirrors.
