Press swarmed to see Joey Fatone, former singer in the boy band NSYNC, perform a first ceremonial flush on Monday afternoon.
“When working on Broadway in Rent it was impossible to find a clean and accessible public restroom in Times Square, and I’m happy to be a part of such an important effort to offer relief to those in need,” Fatone said in a cheeky tone.
For the weary traveler, or mother with children and babies in tow, this comfort stop is just what’s needed. The main level is decked out with 20 luxury bathroom stalls that are cleaned by attendants after every use. Not only that, there’s also plenty of comfy seating, a ‘tree house’ play area with slide and Charmin Ultra Strong swing, a family photo area with a Santa sleigh, baby changing stations, and stroller parking as well. Just be prepared for some serious brand brainwashing on the multitude of flat screen T.V.’s on every wall and corner.
They’ve also introduced a second floor this year, the ‘recharge’ center. Duracell is sponsoring this section, where guests can recharge digital cameras, cell phones, and other digital devices, while kids can play on the Nintendo Wii stations or the latest toys from Mattel.
For the first time the restrooms will be open on New Year’s Eve from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m., offering the crowds in Times Square ‘relief’ after they watch the ball drop.
The winter wonderland theme is surprisingly romantic, considering the purpose of the venue. Organizers claim in the past years they’ve had two couples get engaged and even a wedding on site.
Back by popular demand, the Charmin brand of toilet paper has obviously seen good returns for the pricey promotion campaign. When they first opened in 2006, the problem was that with so many tourists from around the world visiting the area, it would be hard to know if the promotion would boost sales.
For most New Yorkers, finding a restroom is often limited to finding a Starbucks, where lines for the toilet are usually almost as long as for the coffee. Public restrooms are few and far between, and only the bravest and most desperate use them.
Locals always have their favorite place to eat; favorite park, favorite bar… and some have a favorite, most trusted restroom they visit when out on the town. But these locations might not have a sign posted for the public, which just goes to show why the Charmin facilities have been so well received.
“There’s one in Virgin just here, it’s pretty gross, but it’s there. But the Marriott Hotel is the best actually, that’s my favorite,” said Darla Coady, who does promotion for a comedy show in the area.
“Actually, I need to go right now,” said Juan Camilo, a Columbian student, looking around helplessly. Unfortunately the Charmin Restrooms weren’t officially open for another 2 hours. “I guess I’ll go in some mall or something?”
The restrooms will be open to the public Sunday – Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. They will also be open on Thanksgiving Day (not to miss the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade crowd) and Christmas Eve until 6 p.m. but closed Christmas Day.
