Is This The Best Bathroom In Massachusetts?

NATICK, MA — The next time you stop for a bathroom break in the Natick Mall, be sure to take in the ambiance, as you could be standing in America's Best Restroom. Natick Mall is pitting its luxurious bathrooms against some of the fanciest in the nation, and so far it's doing pretty well. The mall's bathroom is one of 10 finalists in the America’s Best Restroom competition.

The competition is hosted by Cincinnati-based Cintas Corporation and has a mission of finding the best restrooms in the nation, narrowing the field of ten finalists down to just one winning whiz palace.

The Natick Mall was nominated for the award when the contest opened in April on the Best Restroom website. The ten finalists were announced on Monday and competition is fierce. Among the notable potty palaces hoping to grab the crown are New York’s New Museum of Contemporary Art; the Sea-Tac Airport North Satellite Terminal in Seattle and the Jupiter Next hotel in Portland, Oregon.

The criteria for finding the perfect restroom boiled down to "cleanliness, visual appeal, innovation, functionality, and unique design elements," according to the company.

"The reality is that restrooms matter to the public," the contest’s website says.

"Each of this year’s finalists offer cleanliness and unique design elements worthy of any Instagram selfie," said Sean Mulcahey in a statement, Marketing Manager of Cintas, "We’re proud to spotlight businesses that provide quirky, well-maintained restrooms that are as creative as they are clean. These finalists understand the importance of ensuring patrons leave the restroom with a positive, lasting impression."

So, what makes the Natick Mall's bathroom so unforgettable? According to the Best Restrooms website, it could have something to do with the waiting room with an overhanging chandelier, makeup stations, marble shelves in each stall for bags and two private changing/nursing rooms with a lounge chair and outlets. Who knew the lap of luxury lay in the bathroom?

The winner will be honored with a place in the America’s Best Restroom Hall of Fame and $2,500 in facility services from Cintas to help maintain their award-winning washrooms.

Last year’s winner, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida, received the most votes for its wild restrooms that feature tarpon, otter, osprey, and sea turtle sculptures, providing an underwater wildlife illusion.

You can vote for your favorite loo at www.bestrestroom.com/us, polls are open to the public through Sept. 13.