Aussie tourist reignites debate over controversial hotel move: 'That's crazy'
The mum was on holiday with her family when she noticed the pool beds being reserved each day, even if they weren't being used by guests at the time.
An Aussie mum on holiday in Fiji with her family has reignited an age-old debate about poolside etiquette after experiencing the common and frustrating scene at the hotel where she and her family were staying during their tropical trip abroad.
Millie Patterson, who visited the popular island with her husband and two kids last week, found herself pondering what to do after noticing that by 8am every morning "all the pool beds are gone" meaning she'd often miss out.
They were being reserved by other guests hoping to snag a spot early even if they weren't being used at the time.
It's a familiar scene witnessed at hotels across the country, and even the world, and one that often infuriates early birds and late risers alike. Often, sunbeds can't be pre-booked so guests attempt to snap one up by placing belongings like a towel on it to show it's taken.
Holidaymaker questions what to do with poolside dilemma
But the controversial move has long divided holidaymakers with many arguing it's "selfish" and "ridiculous" especially if they're not in use. Some however have long argued it's fair game.
Taking to TikTok last week during her stay, Millie put the question to her followers. She revealed that she and her husband disagree on their approach to the poolside dilemma. "Guys, we need to settle the age-old pool bed debate," she said.
"In my opinion, you got to get down there too. The precedence has been set," she argued, implying her husband disagreed.
"I wouldn't be the first one to do it. I think it's a d**k move, but I'm also not going to miss out on a pool bed because everyone else has selfishly taken them.
"What side are you on?" she asked.
Aussies chime in on controversial poolside debate
Comments rolled in from holidaymakers sharing their views and, perhaps surprisingly, most agreed it's totally acceptable to fight for a chair.
"You absolutely go down there and put your towels down there too sis," said one. "Take one like everyone else," another said. "I agree, don’t miss out".
If you do happen to miss out on snagging a chair though, some suggested moving the towels if the chair is not in use — even if someone's reserved it.
"Don't miss out, simply move the towels," one said. "If you’re not actively using the chair or in the pool area, it’s free for anyone else to use," expressed another.
"I haven’t experienced this but surely you can’t reserve a bed if you’re not there!!! And someone who is there can’t sit down? That’s crazy," another chimed in.
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