A German tourist has successfully claimed a payout of £850 after his family’s holiday was marred by the common practice of reserving sun loungers with towels. The unidentified man, who vacationed in Greece in 2024, described having to rise at 6am and spend 20 minutes each morning searching for available loungers for his family of four.
Legal Action Against Tour Operator
Following his return, the holidaymaker took legal action against the tour operator, arguing that the company allowed guests to reserve sun loungers with towels, rendering the loungers effectively unusable. He told the court that his children were forced to lie on the floor due to the lack of available loungers.
The man contended that the tour operator failed to enforce the resort’s ban on towel-based reservations, noting that staff did not confront guests who were reserving loungers in this manner.
Court Ruling in Hanover
At the district court in Hanover, judges ruled in the tourist’s favour, stating that the package holiday had been “defective” and that he was entitled to a larger refund. While acknowledging that the travel company did not operate the hotel and could not guarantee every guest a sun lounger at all times, the court emphasised that the operator was obliged to implement a system ensuring a “reasonable” number of loungers for guests.
The tour operator had initially offered a refund of €350 (£302), but the Hanover judges determined the family was owed €986.70 (£852.89). The man had paid €7,186 (£6,211) for the holiday on the Greek island of Kos.
The Phenomenon of ‘Sunbed Wars’
Waking up early to reserve a lounger is a widespread practice at many European holiday resorts, often referred to as “sunbed wars.” In 2024, a viral video captured holidaymakers at Ohtels Vila Romana in Salou racing to secure pool loungers before breakfast. Similarly, in Calpe, Spain, authorities warned tourists not to reserve beach loungers at sunrise or risk fines of up to €250 (£215) to curb the practice during peak season.
This case highlights ongoing tensions over sunbed etiquette and the responsibilities of tour operators in managing resort amenities.
