I have never understood the point of the Bathroom Attendant. For those of you unsure of what a bathroom attendant is..... it is someone who hands you the towel, helps wash your hands, sells you cologne, and hands you a mint. You can see this in Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo with Rob Schneider (his dad).
Does anyone really need this? Do you even like having the bathroom attendant there? What really is the point?
I believe by including the bathroom attendant a facility is simply trying to appear classy. However, I believe this intent is not actually what happens; it's actually the opposite--not classy. It is indeed very odd that a true man would require any assistance in the restroom. I'm sure, although I'm not certain about specifics, having another man in the restroom as any and all other men use it may violate at least one law of the restroom.
Furthermore, it's just weird that somebody would take such a job anyway. By taking that job, one is agreeing, 'My sole duty is watch/assist other than in the restroom expeditions.'
Another reason that the attendant may there is ensure that nothing add happens (two men fighting in the restroom). That is, it's a tool that public facilities can use to monitor even the most private parts of their establishment. Again, I'm not sure this is necessary. Men have one thing on their mind when they walk into a restroom--get in, get out. We don't like to be in there longer than have to. Indeed, all of the unspoken rules seem to be in place to enhance the comfort of the restroom environment; give that this is the only order of business, the patrolling aspect of the attendant is also unnecessary.
-SocraPees
I have run into a few of these guys and they are usually really nice and helpful. My only issue is the watching you while you go, specifically when your the only one in the restroom at the time. Also, they always expect you to tip them even though all they did was hand you a towel you could have gotten yourself.
Honestly these people make me feel awkward, women have these a lot and the woman comes with all these perfumes, cigarettes, make-up blah blah etc. and sometimes they are in the smallest of restrooms and make ya feel bad if ya don't tip. They seem to get in the way more in the bathroom then help. Who wants a job around shit and urine all day how desensitized would you be to all of that?