Morning Stampede for Sun Loungers at Spanish Resort
Despite the promise of relaxation, holidaymakers at a resort in Salou, Spain, are setting alarms to compete in a frantic dash for the best sunbeds. Chris, a tourist from Glasgow, Scotland, told SWNS that he witnessed over 40 people queuing for up to an hour before rushing to claim prime poolside spots at 9am—only to then head back for breakfast.
Chris described the scene as a "manic race and scramble" and noted that the early risers often left little room for other guests. "Some people just rolled out their bed, queued up, mad dashed to secure the bed then they were seen going back to their hotel rooms or off for breakfast," he said. "It doesn’t leave room for those who don’t queue for an hour."
Hotel Responses: Towel Removal and Reservation Systems
Many hotels have implemented strict rules to curb this practice. Most now enforce towel-removal policies, where staff remove unattended towels after a set time and place them in lost property, allowing others to use the sunbed. Some resorts have abolished towel reservation entirely, offering assigned loungers at check-in or app-based booking systems.
In May, P&O Cruises announced a new policy: loungers operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and items left unattended for more than 30 minutes will be removed and stored in a designated holding area.
What Should Guests Do?
Guests are advised to ask hotel staff to remove unattended towels rather than taking matters into their own hands. This avoids confrontation and ensures proper procedures are followed, such as logging items and securing them in lost property. If no pool attendants are nearby, guests should report blocked, empty chairs to the front desk.
In one viral incident, a frustrated tourist in Mallorca left itching powder on the sunbeds of repeat offenders, but such actions are not recommended.
