Resort pool chair saving is getting out of hand.

[mjfehl]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

If we are at a resort, we're not necessarily going to be spending much time sitting in a pool chair, we are going to be swimming with the kids, or going for a walk on the beach, or playing ping pong, or walking around the resort, but you (a) still need somewhere to put all your stuff and (b) you do need somewhere to sit throughout the day,

Having to pack up all your things, especially with young children, anytime you want to do anything is no good, nor is constantly having to watch your time to ensure you're back to the chairs before someone takes all your stuff away.

Maybe they need two sections, one section of prime chairs that are use them or lose them and have very strict rules that are enforced, and then the rest of the chairs be more relaxed for the drifters.

Generally agree - some sort of cubbie system would be beneficial where we can put shoes, beach bags, towels, toys, water bottles, etc. Then having 4 top tables or something similar for eating at meal times would serve most of our family.

 

[vacationtime1]

My proposed solution would be to have a policy that all unattended beach/pool chairs will be cleared at 9:00am and then again at 10:00am -- and that that policy actually be enforced.

Guests would be required to sign an acknowledgement of this policy upon check-in as a condition of getting towel cards (or at least the person checking in would have to sign this acknowledgement -- sufficient to provide "notice" to that group).

 

[ljmiii]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

45 minutes seems a bit excessive, but 60 minutes absolutely. We're never all in the water (pool or ocean) for an hour.

And I have no problem with moving us and our stuff if we go have lunch somewhere else...it's better that someone else gets the use of the chairs while we're gone.

 

[dioxide45]

Generally agree - some sort of cubbie system would be beneficial where we can put shoes, beach bags, towels, toys, water bottles, etc. Then having 4 top tables or something similar for eating at meal times would serve most of our family.

I think cubbies or small lockers is a great idea. I've seen this at some resorts like Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek. I don't know why more properties don't have it. We don't usually use lounge chairs and we aren't sit at the pool all day kind of people. We will go down for a few hours and much of the time is actually in the pool.

That however won't solve for the chair hogs. They are pool people and will hog chairs regardless if there are cubbies or lockers.

 

[jorcus]

45 minutes seems a bit excessive, but 60 minutes absolutely. We're never all in the water (pool or ocean) for an hour.

And I have no problem with moving us and our stuff if we go have lunch somewhere else...it's better that someone else gets the use of the chairs while we're gone.

The resort we were just at posted a 1 hour time limit. The pool we were at was rarely crowded but my wife did think she saw towels being removed 1 time. An hour was plenty of time to grab lunch and come back. I don't know how things worked at the pools by the beach which were full when we walked by. In a way I don't mind people reserving chairs if they are going to use them. It's the ones that sit empty all morning that are bothersome. I am not sure if its the biggest complaint I have around a resort pool. It's some place on the list with blue tooth speakers, ball playing that results in everyone around the edge getting a bath, drinking with open cups, eating while in the pool, and giant floaties. This time had to only deal with open cup drinking, ball playing and floaties, At least no speakers or eating.

 

[dioxide45]

It's some place on the list with blue tooth speakers, ball playing that results in everyone around the edge getting a bath, drinking with open cups, eating while in the pool, and giant floaties.

Don't open up those cans of worms.

 

[bazzap]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

If we are at a resort, we're not necessarily going to be spending much time sitting in a pool chair, we are going to be swimming with the kids, or going for a walk on the beach, or playing ping pong, or walking around the resort, but you (a) still need somewhere to put all your stuff and (b) you do need somewhere to sit throughout the day,

Having to pack up all your things, especially with young children, anytime you want to do anything is no good, nor is constantly having to watch your time to ensure you're back to the chairs before someone takes all your stuff away.

Maybe they need two sections, one section of prime chairs that are use them or lose them and have very strict rules that are enforced, and then the rest of the chairs be more relaxed for the drifters.

45 minutes is actually quite a long time, whether you are going for a swim, taking a walk on the beach of even having a drink or snack.
So especially at peak times, when there is high demand for available loungers, it seems quite reasonable to set this as a limit before loungers need to be released so that everyone has a fair chance of finding somewhere to sit.

 

[jp10558]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

If we are at a resort, we're not necessarily going to be spending much time sitting in a pool chair, we are going to be swimming with the kids, or going for a walk on the beach, or playing ping pong, or walking around the resort, but you (a) still need somewhere to put all your stuff and (b) you do need somewhere to sit throughout the day,

Having to pack up all your things, especially with young children, anytime you want to do anything is no good, nor is constantly having to watch your time to ensure you're back to the chairs before someone takes all your stuff away.

Maybe they need two sections, one section of prime chairs that are use them or lose them and have very strict rules that are enforced, and then the rest of the chairs be more relaxed for the drifters.

I guess I haven't done this, but you have a unit right? We keep all our stuff in the Unit except what we're actively wearing / using. I don't even need a chair for storing those, lockers near the pool or just on the ground near the pool / hot tub has been generally sufficient. Though again, we're not going at busy times so haven't even seen anyone using a chair before.

These usually are describing someone having a towel or maybe a book, not a whole ... IDK even what ... set of stuff.

IDK, for me I feel like this would be like getting a table at a restaurant because you might want a drink sometime in a day and never even actually sitting there. Or reserving an exercise machine. Like, if you're not using it RIGHT NOW, you don't get to save it. I could see the average bathroom break being OK, but otherwise, you're not using the thing, why are you keeping others who would be using it from using it?

 

[WaikikiFirst]

like getting a table at a restaurant because you might want a drink sometime in a day and never even actually sitting there. Or reserving an exercise machine

I am sure many under the age of 30 wonder what would be wrong doing those things. Do you want to know how many people from that generation I have seen staring at his/her cellphone for 5 minutes while just sitting on a machine or on the only (or 1 of only 2, both being used) benches in the gym? Want to guess? Who raised these people? It is as if they think the gym is run by those morons at Starbucks.

 

[davidvel]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

If we are at a resort, we're not necessarily going to be spending much time sitting in a pool chair, we are going to be swimming with the kids, or going for a walk on the beach, or playing ping pong, or walking around the resort, but you (a) still need somewhere to put all your stuff and (b) you do need somewhere to sit throughout the day,

Having to pack up all your things, especially with young children, anytime you want to do anything is no good, nor is constantly having to watch your time to ensure you're back to the chairs before someone takes all your stuff away.

Maybe they need two sections, one section of prime chairs that are use them or lose them and have very strict rules that are enforced, and then the rest of the chairs be more relaxed for the drifters.

45 minutes is totally reasonable. I'd even go so far as 30. We are talking about resorts that don't have enough chairs for all guests. With young kids you likely have lots of bags to store your stuff. Either way, holding a chair so you have somewhere to sit at some random time, despite not planning on "spending much time sitting in a pool chair," seems rude and inconsiderate.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

holding a chair so you have somewhere to sit at some random time, despite not planning on "spending much time sitting in a pool chair," seems rude and inconsiderate.

awwwwwwwwwwwwww, come on. Do you want somebody to have to spend 8 minutes (tops) R/T to walk back to the room?
But I hope you all get a chair at the pool, More room on the beach for us

 

[pedro47]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

If we are at a resort, we're not necessarily going to be spending much time sitting in a pool chair, we are going to be swimming with the kids, or going for a walk on the beach, or playing ping pong, or walking around the resort, but you (a) still need somewhere to put all your stuff and (b) you do need somewhere to sit throughout the day,

Having to pack up all your things, especially with young children, anytime you want to do anything is no good, nor is constantly having to watch your time to ensure you're back to the chairs before someone takes all your stuff away.

Maybe they need two sections, one section of prime chairs that are use them or lose them and have very strict rules that are enforced, and then the rest of the chairs be more relaxed for the drifters.

How many hours do you really spend at swimming pool at one time with family, kids and friends?

A beach is totally different because of the size of a beach.

 

[easyrider]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

If we are at a resort, we're not necessarily going to be spending much time sitting in a pool chair, we are going to be swimming with the kids, or going for a walk on the beach, or playing ping pong, or walking around the resort, but you (a) still need somewhere to put all your stuff and (b) you do need somewhere to sit throughout the day,

Having to pack up all your things, especially with young children, anytime you want to do anything is no good, nor is constantly having to watch your time to ensure you're back to the chairs before someone takes all your stuff away.

Maybe they need two sections, one section of prime chairs that are use them or lose them and have very strict rules that are enforced, and then the rest of the chairs be more relaxed for the drifters.

When we leave the pool area we take our things with us. What are you taking to the pool where you need to store items ? We have a beach bag that holds all of our items. Easy to load. We traveled with young children this winter and their items easily fit in the beach bag.

Many people will just move items off of chairs without caring a bit how long the items were left unattended. I had a group try to move our items while we in the pool, lol. I thought it more funny than inconsiderate especially when I say hi.

Bill

 

[easyrider]

45 minutes is actually quite a long time, whether you are going for a swim, taking a walk on the beach of even having a drink or snack.
So especially at peak times, when there is high demand for available loungers, it seems quite reasonable to set this as a limit before loungers need to be released so that everyone has a fair chance of finding somewhere to sit.

I agree with the 45 minutes. I'm thinking 10 minutes. If a person want to eat at the pool then using the pool service for food is what should be happening, imo.

Bill

 

[Dean]

There is the other side of the coin to consider, how many people really want something like a 45-minute rule enforced?

If we are at a resort, we're not necessarily going to be spending much time sitting in a pool chair, we are going to be swimming with the kids, or going for a walk on the beach, or playing ping pong, or walking around the resort, but you (a) still need somewhere to put all your stuff and (b) you do need somewhere to sit throughout the day,

Having to pack up all your things, especially with young children, anytime you want to do anything is no good, nor is constantly having to watch your time to ensure you're back to the chairs before someone takes all your stuff away.

Maybe they need two sections, one section of prime chairs that are use them or lose them and have very strict rules that are enforced, and then the rest of the chairs be more relaxed for the drifters.

One can always get a new lounger if they need 2 hrs away. I think 45 minutes is sufficient time to grab a shower or appropriate lunch and if not, they could still give it up and get a new one later. The reason I gave a range is that these ranges are c/w stated rules I've seen at various places though not limited to timeshares. I personally don't think it's a big deal if there's one person present and they "save" one or two others for a while but it's often no one with items on the chair or one person for 6, 8 or more when there is only one present. From a resort management standpoint 2 hrs is likely far more manageable and a fair compromise IMO. If resorts enforce this for a period of time word will get around and it will get better with a lot less effort going forward. But you have to notify people as part of their check in and actually enforce it consistently. Just posting signs is not enough for those that are doing this anyway. Actually for most it would be sufficient just to post a sign but they're not the ones doing this. I realize that many feel they have to do this to even get a spot and for them, enforcement would make it a non issue. The alternative is to charge for loungers or at least the best locations and that has it's own issues.

 

[Dean]

Don't open up those cans of worms.

Some cruise companies have banned bluetooth speaker. There's no reason others should have to be blasted by music they don't want to hear. And don't get me started on IDIOTS that want to do loud FaceTime or have phone on speaker in public areas.

 

[jbman]

You time your non-chair time around your pool time. If you are taking up a pool chair for more than an hour and not using it when there are multiple families that are waiting to use it, I'm not sure how I feel about that. If you want to go for a walk or play ping-pong, do it after your pool time. The only difference is when you are actually using the pool. This is still different than someone coming down at dawn to place towels on a chair and not come down until late morning to use it. If you want unfettered access, than rent a cabana if they are available. We have done that several times at resorts and we come an go as we please.

I just think that there are two issues that need to be addressed if a resort determines there is going to be a time limit for chairs to be unattended, one issue is to ensure that it is communicated clearly and consistently enforced or it won't be effective, and the second issue is presenting a reasonable alternative for those who that doesn't work for. That way at check-in they can tell people the time limit is very strict, but if you want to enjoy the resort without worrying about the time limit then you can do X.

Maybe that's small table and chairs away from the pool, maybe cubbies, maybe cabanas, but at a lot of places, pool chairs are really your only option.

45 minutes is actually quite a long time, whether you are going for a swim, taking a walk on the beach of even having a drink or snack.
So especially at peak times, when there is high demand for available loungers, it seems quite reasonable to set this as a limit before loungers need to be released so that everyone has a fair chance of finding somewhere to sit.

It is not that I don't think most of the time it would be just fine, it is just for me, when on vacation I don't want to have to monitor our time that closely and 45 minutes can go by really quickly depending on what your doing. I understand why people would prefer shorter time limits and strict enforcement, it just wouldn't be my preference.

I guess I haven't done this, but you have a unit right? We keep all our stuff in the Unit except what we're actively wearing / using. I don't even need a chair for storing those, lockers near the pool or just on the ground near the pool / hot tub has been generally sufficient. Though again, we're not going at busy times so haven't even seen anyone using a chair before.

These usually are describing someone having a towel or maybe a book, not a whole ... IDK even what ... set of stuff.

IDK, for me I feel like this would be like getting a table at a restaurant because you might want a drink sometime in a day and never even actually sitting there. Or reserving an exercise machine. Like, if you're not using it RIGHT NOW, you don't get to save it. I could see the average bathroom break being OK, but otherwise, you're not using the thing, why are you keeping others who would be using it from using it?

With kids there's everyone's towels, but also sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, sandals, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, pool floats, pool toys etc. Different people will have more or less things and different tolerances for packing everything up and moving throughout the day, but I don't think going back to the unit every time you need something is realistic, nor is just dumping everything on the ground. The difference with your examples is that we would be using the chairs, just not every minute of the day, I don't think anyone would want someone to come and remove their things and take their chair the second they jump in the pool, the question is long can you be away before it is an issue.

I think that it is perfectly normal for people to set up chairs for the day, but not sit in them the entire time, yes, that could be as simple as going to the bathroom, for most people it is probably swimming in the pool or eating or perhaps other activities at the resort. When you see an empty chair with someone else's stuff on it, it is almost impossible to know what that person is doing. You want to give people the benefit of the doubt and move on and find a different chair, but obviously it is hard when you see egregious examples, such as all the towels that are out by 7am but no people.

The solution is so complex though, both because it is hard to distinguish who the bad actors are and because different people have different opinions on who is and who is not a bad actor, what is a reasonable amount of time to be away from the chairs, how long do you need to come back to chairs to reset the clock, how many extra chairs can one person save, is the time unlimited so long as you are in the pool?

One can always get a new lounger if they need 2 hrs away. I think 45 minutes is sufficient time to grab a shower or appropriate lunch and if not, they could still give it up and get a new one later. The reason I gave a range is that these ranges are c/w stated rules I've seen at various places though not limited to timeshares. I personally don't think it's a big deal if there's one person present and they "save" one or two others for a while but it's often no one with items on the chair or one person for 6, 8 or more when there is only one present. From a resort management standpoint 2 hrs is likely far more manageable and a fair compromise IMO. If resorts enforce this for a period of time word will get around and it will get better with a lot less effort going forward. But you have to notify people as part of their check in and actually enforce it consistently. Just posting signs is not enough for those that are doing this anyway. Actually for most it would be sufficient just to post a sign but they're not the ones doing this. I realize that many feel they have to do this to even get a spot and for them, enforcement would make it a non issue. The alternative is to charge for loungers or at least the best locations and that has it's own issues.

I would agree that 2 hours is a fair compromise for me, it's more than enough time without having to worry and if we were gone longer than that, I would understand and get our things from the front desk or wherever they go without complaint. It may not satisfy everyone, but at least would allow them to go and clear things which are left early morning with no one showing up until hours later.

We did really like the system at Aruba Surf Club with the Palapa reservations, reserve on your phone the day before, then check in and claim it the next morning, I think we had to be there no later than 10 am, but then you didn't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. The cost to reserve them was reasonable, with it being more expensive closer to the beach and the ones at the back being free. I would love it if there was a system like that at other resorts with cabanas.

 

[dioxide45]

When we leave the pool area we take our things with us. What are you taking to the pool where you need to store items ?

We have with us; blue tooth speakers, ball for playing, open drink cups, food for eating, and giant floaties...

 

[easyrider]

We have with us; blue tooth speakers, ball for playing, open drink cups, food for eating, and giant floaties...

How do you haul this stuff ? Probably in a bag of some sort ?

Bill

 

[Hindsite]

We have with us; blue tooth speakers, ball for playing, open drink cups, food for eating, and giant floaties...

What about the cheap ball cap and old book for reserving the loungers, or is that in the cart that you pull along too?

 

[Superchief]

My three top pet peeves are:

1. People sitting on machines at gyms using their phones between sets for several minutes (Solution: Let others do a set while you are resting and no cell phone usage on equipment)
2. Chair hogs (Solution: 45 minute rule enforced at 60 minutes)
3. People cruising in left lane refusing to move over to let faster traffic pass (Solution: My vaporizing gun that still needs to be developed)

A better solution would be for everyone to learn etiquette and respect others!

 

[easyrider]

A better solution would be for everyone to learn etiquette and respect others!

That's a great idea but the vibe rolls over fast and it quickly becomes everyone is out for their own self interest, imo.

Bill

 

[davidvel]

I just think that there are two issues that need to be addressed if a resort determines there is going to be a time limit for chairs to be unattended, one issue is to ensure that it is communicated clearly and consistently enforced or it won't be effective, and the second issue is presenting a reasonable alternative for those who that doesn't work for. That way at check-in they can tell people the time limit is very strict, but if you want to enjoy the resort without worrying about the time limit then you can do X.

Maybe that's small table and chairs away from the pool, maybe cubbies, maybe cabanas, but at a lot of places, pool chairs are really your only option.



It is not that I don't think most of the time it would be just fine, it is just for me, when on vacation I don't want to have to monitor our time that closely and 45 minutes can go by really quickly depending on what your doing. I understand why people would prefer shorter time limits and strict enforcement, it just wouldn't be my preference.



With kids there's everyone's towels, but also sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, sandals, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, pool floats, pool toys etc. Different people will have more or less things and different tolerances for packing everything up and moving throughout the day, but I don't think going back to the unit every time you need something is realistic, nor is just dumping everything on the ground. The difference with your examples is that we would be using the chairs, just not every minute of the day, I don't think anyone would want someone to come and remove their things and take their chair the second they jump in the pool, the question is long can you be away before it is an issue.

I think that it is perfectly normal for people to set up chairs for the day, but not sit in them the entire time, yes, that could be as simple as going to the bathroom, for most people it is probably swimming in the pool or eating or perhaps other activities at the resort. When you see an empty chair with someone else's stuff on it, it is almost impossible to know what that person is doing. You want to give people the benefit of the doubt and move on and find a different chair, but obviously it is hard when you see egregious examples, such as all the towels that are out by 7am but no people.

The solution is so complex though, both because it is hard to distinguish who the bad actors are and because different people have different opinions on who is and who is not a bad actor, what is a reasonable amount of time to be away from the chairs, how long do you need to come back to chairs to reset the clock, how many extra chairs can one person save, is the time unlimited so long as you are in the pool?



I would agree that 2 hours is a fair compromise for me, it's more than enough time without having to worry and if we were gone longer than that, I would understand and get our things from the front desk or wherever they go without complaint. It may not satisfy everyone, but at least would allow them to go and clear things which are left early morning with no one showing up until hours later.

We did really like the system at Aruba Surf Club with the Palapa reservations, reserve on your phone the day before, then check in and claim it the next morning, I think we had to be there no later than 10 am, but then you didn't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. The cost to reserve them was reasonable, with it being more expensive closer to the beach and the ones at the back being free. I would love it if there was a system like that at other resorts with cabanas.

Yeah, no. A lot of words to repeat basically what you said earlier: "I think that it is perfectly normal for people to set up chairs for the day, but not sit in them the entire time." No, when there are not enough chairs for everyone, you can't just park on a bunch on the hope you and your brood will need some at some point in the day. It simply does not add up.

I'm guessing you are under 40, and like to cite your kids as reasons why you shouldn't have to conform to societal norms. Almost all of us had kids, little tiny ones at resorts (my 2 yo learned to swim in Palm desert.) We all navigated just fine, without excuses or special accommodations. But at resorts where there are not enough chairs, or premium chairs, the loading of 4-8 towels on chairs at the crack of dawn, not to be used for hours, if at all, is unreasonable and degenerate behavior.

 

[Dean]

I just think that there are two issues that need to be addressed if a resort determines there is going to be a time limit for chairs to be unattended, one issue is to ensure that it is communicated clearly and consistently enforced or it won't be effective, and the second issue is presenting a reasonable alternative for those who that doesn't work for. That way at check-in they can tell people the time limit is very strict, but if you want to enjoy the resort without worrying about the time limit then you can do X.

Maybe that's small table and chairs away from the pool, maybe cubbies, maybe cabanas, but at a lot of places, pool chairs are really your only option.



It is not that I don't think most of the time it would be just fine, it is just for me, when on vacation I don't want to have to monitor our time that closely and 45 minutes can go by really quickly depending on what your doing. I understand why people would prefer shorter time limits and strict enforcement, it just wouldn't be my preference.



With kids there's everyone's towels, but also sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, sandals, cover-ups, hats, sunglasses, pool floats, pool toys etc. Different people will have more or less things and different tolerances for packing everything up and moving throughout the day, but I don't think going back to the unit every time you need something is realistic, nor is just dumping everything on the ground. The difference with your examples is that we would be using the chairs, just not every minute of the day, I don't think anyone would want someone to come and remove their things and take their chair the second they jump in the pool, the question is long can you be away before it is an issue.

I think that it is perfectly normal for people to set up chairs for the day, but not sit in them the entire time, yes, that could be as simple as going to the bathroom, for most people it is probably swimming in the pool or eating or perhaps other activities at the resort. When you see an empty chair with someone else's stuff on it, it is almost impossible to know what that person is doing. You want to give people the benefit of the doubt and move on and find a different chair, but obviously it is hard when you see egregious examples, such as all the towels that are out by 7am but no people.

The solution is so complex though, both because it is hard to distinguish who the bad actors are and because different people have different opinions on who is and who is not a bad actor, what is a reasonable amount of time to be away from the chairs, how long do you need to come back to chairs to reset the clock, how many extra chairs can one person save, is the time unlimited so long as you are in the pool?



I would agree that 2 hours is a fair compromise for me, it's more than enough time without having to worry and if we were gone longer than that, I would understand and get our things from the front desk or wherever they go without complaint. It may not satisfy everyone, but at least would allow them to go and clear things which are left early morning with no one showing up until hours later.

We did really like the system at Aruba Surf Club with the Palapa reservations, reserve on your phone the day before, then check in and claim it the next morning, I think we had to be there no later than 10 am, but then you didn't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. The cost to reserve them was reasonable, with it being more expensive closer to the beach and the ones at the back being free. I would love it if there was a system like that at other resorts with cabanas.

IMO 2 hrs is the compromise for the resort's sake, not the guest's. If you're going to be gone 2 hrs, plan to find a new location and pack up your stuff, everyone else is on vacation too. From a guest standpoint I'd say an hour max. And it's really pretty simple. Staff makes rounds, makes notes, tags chairs and on their rounds when the time limit has passed, grab or bag up the stuff. Personally I think they should then be charged for the towels lost but that's going to be more controversial.

 

[dayooper]

IMO 2 hrs is the compromise for the resort's sake, not the guest's. If you're going to be gone 2 hrs, plan to find a new location and pack up your stuff, everyone else is on vacation too. From a guest standpoint I'd say an hour max. And it's really pretty simple. Staff makes rounds, makes notes, tags chairs and on their rounds when the time limit has passed, grab or bag up the stuff. Personally I think they should then be charged for the towels lost but that's going to be more controversial.

Some resorts are going to the towel "vending" machines. You scan your key and it opens up the towel rack. It than scans the towels as they leave the rack. When you are finished, you place the towel in a chute that scans the towel going in. Some of the South Carolina HGVC resorts (owned by Strand Capitol, not HGV) has instituted these, one of those being Ocean Enclave in Myrtle Beach. Many gyms in my area have instituted this technology as well.