Phê Vé
May 7, 2026 • 3 min read
A remarkable ruling from a German court highlights the ongoing issue of 'towel wars' at resorts, raising important questions about accountability among all parties involved.
A Unique Ruling from a German Court
Recently, a court in Hanover made headlines by awarding a German tourist €986.70 (approximately 25 million VND) after his family struggled to find sun loungers at a resort in Kos, Greece. Despite spending over €7,000 on their vacation, they faced a constant shortage of available loungers throughout their stay.
The Story Behind the Greek Vacation
The incident took place in 2024 when the family of four made efforts to wake up early each morning to secure loungers, but they never succeeded. Ultimately, they were left with the uncomfortable experience of lying on the concrete floor. Although the hotel claimed that reserving loungers with towels was prohibited, staff took no action to address the situation.
The Concept of 'Towel Wars' and Its Consequences
The term 'towel wars' is all too familiar at many European resorts, where guests often rise early to place towels on loungers to claim their spots. Notably, the court highlighted that the responsibility does not solely lie with the hotel; the travel agency that organized the trip also bears some accountability and should ensure a reasonable number of loungers are available for guests.
Lounger Management Policies
The practice of reserving loungers early has led to unfair usage among guests. Hotels often fail to enforce strict regulations, allowing some individuals to monopolize the loungers. From a customer experience perspective, this can be quite frustrating for those who adhere to the rules.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
Proposed Solutions
Perhaps it is time for hotels to implement clearer regulations regarding the use of loungers. For instance, if a lounger is left unused for a specified period (30 minutes to 1 hour), it should be made available to other guests in need. This could be a reasonable solution to create a fairer environment for everyone.
Relevance to Vietnamese Travelers
For Vietnamese tourists, choosing destinations with clear policies on lounger usage is crucial. Given that many Vietnamese prefer to vacation at international resorts, it's wise to research these regulations before making reservations. Renowned resorts like Bali and Phuket also face similar issues with loungers, so seeking advice from previous travelers can be beneficial.
Recommendations for Travelers
To avoid uncomfortable situations like the German family faced, Vietnamese travelers should plan their itineraries flexibly and not overly rely on securing loungers at the pool. Preparing alternative plans, such as exploring activities outside the resort or joining local tours, can enhance the travel experience while alleviating the pressure of competing for poolside spots.
Article adapted and edited from source: One Mile at a Time
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