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Yes that Acropolis.  And no this is not a 5th Century relic.  What it is, is an underground restroom for tourists behind the Parthenon.  My most recent visit was the perfect day to hike up here, cloudy cool and breezy – in July no less.  But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t need a pit stop.  Well I didn’t but once I saw the sign, I saw the sign.

Design – 5  The best part of this design is putting it underground.  In fact it’s likely the only acceptable option.  How would you feel about a WC kiosk with cigarette and snacks available next to the Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus?

Cleanliness – 4 Perhaps in part to its subterranean nature, call it dank.

Layout – 6 Made for the masses, at least the sinks.  Urinals are uncomfortably close and the door is always open.

Extra Credit – 10 Step outside and walk the grounds of the Acropolis.  Check out the ladies at the Porch of the Caryatids.  Look out over Athens, walk down and get on a ferry for the islands already.

Acropolis Athens Greece

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Maybe if I lived in the UK I’d know that Servisair stands for crap.  Maybe its because all shared airline and US airline lounges tend to be giant wastes of money.  Maybe then  I wouldn’t be so disappointed with this bathroom.

Design – 2 No continuity between lounge and bathroom.  You go through a service door entrance to get here, useless and weird “dividers” between urinals, ubiquitous European vessel sink vanity can’t save this from looking drab and dumpy.

Cleanliness – 3 “Imperial Leather” discount soap bottles at the sinks remind you that you can be clean and frugal at the same time.  They can’t hide the fact that this bathroom smells like bad Chinese food.

Layout – 2 I appreciate some separation between lounge and bathroom but the execution isn’t pretty.

Extra Credit – 5 A strangely mounted flush lever for the toilets on the tile wall.  Free booze and stomachache inducing snacks in the other room.

Heathrow Airport