The age-old battle for prime poolside real estate, often dubbed the 'sunbed wars,' is intensifying across Europe, prompting hotels and cruise lines to adopt innovative strategies to de-escalate tensions. These new measures range from pre-arrival booking systems to stricter policies on unattended loungers, aiming to end the pre-breakfast sprint that has become a common sight at many resorts.
A significant development in this ongoing conflict is the introduction of bookable sun loungers, a service that can often be arranged before guests even depart for their holiday. At the Melia Costa del Sol Hotel in Torremolinos, Spain, guests can reserve beach loungers for a daily fee, a system that offers an alternative to the traditional early morning scramble.
The stakes in these disputes have been highlighted by a German tourist's successful lawsuit against his tour operator following a sunbed dispute at a Greek island hotel. David Eggert was awarded over £800 in compensation after claiming that all 400 loungers at the five-star Grecotel Kos Imperial were reserved with towels during his family's 2024 holiday, leaving his children without a place to sit. Eggert stated that many loungers were not in use, with guests having left them unattended for extended periods. This ruling could set a precedent for future legal challenges.
Evolving Resort Policies
In response to such issues, resorts in Cyprus and Spain are increasingly assigning guests specific sun loungers for the duration of their stay. The St George Beach Hotel & Spa Resort in Paphos, Cyprus, allocates loungers upon check-in, with options to change based on availability. Similarly, the Iberostar Selection Sabila in Tenerife utilizes an app system where guests can book a lounger up to 48 hours in advance, with unassigned loungers becoming available to others if not occupied by 10:30 a.m.
Cruise lines are also addressing the problem. P&O Cruises has implemented a 'lonely lounge' policy, where unattended loungers for over 30 minutes have their belongings moved to a designated pickup point. Carnival Cruise Line employs a timed sticker system, with a 'ChairShare Team' monitoring usage and removing personal items from unoccupied loungers after 40 minutes.
Guest Reactions and Innovations
While some guests like Clayton Smith, 63, from Blackpool, see the 'sunbed bagging' as a strategic challenge, others are frustrated by the lack of consideration. Rachel Rodgers gained viral attention for filming herself removing towels from reserved loungers at the Mediterranean Palace hotel in Tenerife, a move that garnered millions of views online.
However, the practicalities of sunbed allocation remain complex. At hotels with a high occupancy, providing enough loungers for all guests is often impossible. Jose Benitez, Melia's assistant Guest Experience Manager, noted that while a policy exists to remove unattended items after 45 minutes, it is rarely enforced due to potential conflict. He added that hotel contracts do not guarantee a sunbed for every guest, relying instead on mutual consideration.
Some travelers prefer the pre-booking option for certainty. One guest at the Melia Costa del Sol booked an eight-euro sunbed on the beach club for the following day, receiving a reserved spot without the need for an early morning queue. This contrasts sharply with the premium pricing at exclusive locations, such as the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, where a cabana can cost over 750 euros, and front-row beach loungers are priced at 99 euros per person.
Travel agencies anticipate that pre-booking sunbeds could become a standard holiday add-on, with customers increasingly expecting assurances about their chosen amenities, similar to how they select their flight or cinema seats. This trend suggests a potential shift towards a more structured and possibly paid-for approach to securing holiday relaxation spots.