In an era where personal responsibility and traditional values seem to be at odds with increasing government overreach, the hospitality industry faces its own set of challenges. A recent survey by Hotels.com reveals a growing discomfort among guests regarding certain behaviors in hotels, underscoring the need for common decency and respect in shared spaces.
The survey, published by Expedia in March, indicates that walking around barefoot is the most disapproved behavior, with a staggering 94% of respondents finding it inappropriate. Close behind, wearing hotel robes in the lobby was frowned upon by 92% of participants, while 86% expressed disdain for public displays of affection at the pool.
Some hotels attempt to guide behavior through subtle cues rather than draconian measures. This approach reflects a belief in personal responsibility, as customers often respond positively to discretion. Reem Arbid, co-founder of The Blue Door Kitchen & Inn, exemplifies this mindset, suggesting that a respectful atmosphere fosters decent conduct among guests.
However, certain issues, like loud phone conversations in shared spaces, continue to plague the guest experience. While staff may tactfully request that guests relocate for phone calls, such interactions are not always met with understanding.
Etiquette, rather than overt enforcement, fosters a culture of respect. Guests must remember that attire matters. As Ariel Barrionuevo, managing director of La Coralina Island House in Panama, notes, arriving in pajamas or barefoot at a high-end retreat can be seen as disrespectful. It’s about upholding standards of decorum that honor the experience for all.
To address such situations, many hotels offer etiquette guidelines in pre-arrival communications or during the check-in process. Yet, some argue that going barefoot ties into safety, a perspective voiced by Aidan O’Sullivan, general manager of Kilkea Castle in Ireland. The resort enforces a dress code in its restaurants and encourages guests to be appropriately attired in common areas, thus maintaining a standard that respects all patrons.
Even the property’s golf course has strict regulations, which include prohibiting non-collared shirts and tracksuits. In a world increasingly dominated by lax standards, such adherence serves as a bastion of tradition, exemplifying the importance of personal responsibility.
Losing the Thread of Decorum
Contrarily, other industry voices herald a shift toward modern definitions of luxury that embrace relaxed standards. Sam Jagger, managing director of The Maybourne Beverly Hills, openly welcomes pajamas at breakfast and pets in beds, emphasizing instead a culture of safety and respect for all guests. This perspective signals a departure from traditional norms, raising questions about decency.
Mary D’Argenis-Fernandez, founder of MDA Hospitality Solutions, highlights that today’s issues are less about dress codes and more about behavioral etiquette. Disruptive public outbursts and disrespect toward staff and fellow guests remain concerning. The fact that hotel teams must often de-escalate such disturbances points to a decline in personal accountability.
Staff tasked with maintaining order in luxury settings sometimes face the unjust label of the “fun police.” Cassandra Wheeler, a former guest service supervisor at Hilton, recalls how stressed guests often treated them as personal servants, undermining the fundamental ethos of mutual respect.
Additionally, the survey revealed that many guests disapprove of fellow travelers who monopolize pool chairs, with 60% expressing their discontent. In response, some hotels have established rules to mitigate this behavior, exemplifying a commitment to fairness and harmony in shared spaces.
For example, Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club allows guests to reserve only one additional chair, while St. George Beach Hotel & Spa Resort in Cyprus allocates sunbeds upon arrival, encouraging a more equitable use of communal areas.
