Outrageous or Genius? Australian Tourist's Hotel Hack Sparks Fierce Online Debate!

When it comes to holiday etiquette, there are few topics as divisive as the issue of reserving poolside loungers. This debate has been reignited by an Australian mum, Millie Patterson, who encountered the all-too-familiar scenario during her family holiday in Fiji. The Patterson family found themselves at a loss when, by 8 am each morning, all the pool beds were claimed by other guests who had placed towels or belongings on them to reserve their spot, despite not being present.

This practice, while common in hotels and resorts worldwide, often leads to frustration among guests who either rise early or sleep in, only to find that there's no space left by the pool. The inability to pre-book sunbeds means that guests are left to navigate an unwritten rule of first-come, first-served, which is often abused.



Millie took to TikTok to seek advice from her followers, sharing that she and her husband were at odds over how to handle the situation. 'Guys, we need to settle the age-old pool bed debate,' she said in her video. Millie believed in joining the early risers to secure a spot, while her husband felt that the move was inconsiderate, yet he didn't want to miss out due to others' selfishness.


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An Aussie mum noticed all the sun beds around the pool were taken early by hotel guests. Credit: Shutterstock


The response from the online community was mixed, with many siding with Millie, suggesting that if you can't beat them, join them. 'You absolutely go down there and put your towels down there too sis,' one commenter encouraged. Others suggested a more proactive approach, advising that if a chair is not actively being used, it's fair to move the towels and claim the spot for yourself.



This poolside predicament is not just a matter of holiday inconvenience; it touches on broader themes of common courtesy and the social contract. The unwritten rules of public space usage are a delicate balance of respect, fairness, and practicality.

While some argue that reserving loungers with towels is a necessary tactic to ensure a place to relax, others see it as a selfish act that disregards the collective enjoyment of shared amenities.



The debate also raises questions about the role of hotel management in regulating poolside behavior. Should there be clearer policies and enforcement to prevent the early morning lounger land grab? Or is it simply a case of holidaymakers needing to be more considerate of their fellow guests?

As we ponder these questions, we invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences. Have you ever been caught in the crossfire of the poolside lounger wars? Do you have a strategy for securing your spot by the pool, or do you believe in a more laissez-faire approach? Let us know in the comments below!

You can watch Millie's video below:

Credit: @m.lliepatterson / TikTok

Key Takeaways
  • An Aussie mum reignited the debate over poolside etiquette at a hotel in Fiji when she found all pool beds reserved early in the morning.
  • Millie Patterson took to TikTok to discuss whether it's fair to reserve sunbeds by placing belongings on them, revealing a disagreement on the issue with her husband.
  • Social media users chimed in on the debate, with many suggesting it's acceptable to reserve chairs, or to move towels if the chair is unoccupied.
  • The discussion highlights the frustration and differing opinions of holidaymakers regarding poolside chair reservations and etiquette.

And remember, whether you're an early bird or a late riser, the key to a relaxing holiday is consideration for others. After all, we're all there to unwind and enjoy a break from the everyday hustle and bustle. So next time you're faced with the poolside dilemma, think about what would make for the most harmonious holiday experience for everyone involved.
 
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we my daughter and I used to do this on crise ships because everybody else was doing it. Uor last cruise however has changed things around, they put towels on all the lounges ready for the guests.so it is first come first served. Anyhow we never had a problem on this Princess cruise because there were more lounges than people on all decks
 
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Reactions: Pam71 and Nozmo
Yes people are very inconsiderate, I have watched a deck chair sit there with a towel on for over an hour with no one coming back. Princess Cruises are the same not enough deck chairs or lounges, because I have seen it on their cruises as well. I take the belongings off after a long while and put them under were I am sitting or give them to a person who works for the cruise line.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Pam71
I wonder how many put their towels there hours in advance to reserve their spots to use in a few hours.
 
  • Sad
Reactions: Nantes
Never had this problem as when my travel buddy and I stayed at resorts we toured during the day and at dinner time when everyone was eating the pools were totally empty of people so quite often we had the pools totally for us. Saved on any hassle, no noise especially squealing kids and less chance of sunburn as the sun wasn't so severe in the evenings.
 
I think this is dreadfull behaviour to throw a towel on & not use the lounge. The Hotel staff should remove them ALL. They do this camping, putting an old tent to reserve their spot. It should not be allowed.
 

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