Is It Time to Rethink Pool Chair Etiquette?
A new policy at Moon Palace Cancun is sparking conversation, and controversy, across travel groups and resort communities. The resort has officially begun enforcing a rule that prohibits guests from “reserving” pool chairs by leaving personal belongings on them while not present.
On paper, the policy seems straightforward: if a lounger is unattended, even if it has a towel, a book, or a beach bag on it, staff will remove the items and make the chair available to other guests. For many travelers, this is long overdue. For others, it raises questions about what counts as “unattended” and whether there’s a fair way to enforce such a rule.
So what’s really happening? And how are actual guests reacting?
The Reason for the Policy
Resorts all over the world deal with a common problem: guests waking up early to place towels on chairs, then disappearing for hours, often to eat breakfast, return to their rooms, or go elsewhere on the property. When the resort is at or near full capacity, this creates a frustrating experience for other guests who arrive later and can’t find available seating, even when many loungers appear empty.
The policy at Moon Palace aims to address that frustration by ensuring that poolside chairs are available to those actively using them, not just those who claimed them at sunrise and walked away.
Guest Reactions: A Divided Crowd
Within the Facebook community of Moon Palace guests, the topic has ignited a passionate, and surprisingly nuanced, debate. Here’s a summary of the main perspectives:
In Favor of the Policy:
Many guests say the change is long overdue.
“We’re a family of four and often can’t find chairs together because they’re all ‘reserved’ with towels and no people in sight.”
“It’s about fairness. If you’re not using the chair, others should be able to.”
“The staff is just enforcing what should have been standard all along.”
Some have even described watching staff remove towels and belongings after just a few minutes of inactivity, adding that signs around the pool now clearly explain the rule.
Concerns and Criticism:
Others see problems with how the policy is enforced.
“If I go to get food or take a quick swim, do I risk losing my spot?”
“I understand the need to crack down, but there needs to be some leeway. Not everyone is gone for hours.”
“If my kids are in the pool and I’m nearby, does someone have to sit in the chair the whole time to keep it?”
There are also concerns about confusion and conflict. Some fear that this policy could encourage guests to move other people’s belongings themselves, potentially leading to confrontations. Others worry that staff, who already have demanding jobs, are now being asked to act as referees in an already delicate situation.
A Question of Common Courtesy
The heart of this issue may not be about policies or enforcement, but about expectations. Some travelers feel strongly that waking up early and planning ahead is simply part of resort life. Others argue that holding onto chairs you’re not actively using is selfish, especially at large, busy resorts during peak season.
One commenter pointed out the nuance well:
“There’s a big difference between dry towels placed at 7am and a family clearly using chairs while taking a dip in the pool. But I don’t envy the staff trying to tell the difference.”
What You Can Do as a Guest
If you’re heading to Moon Palace or another high-occupancy resort, here are a few ideas to avoid chair drama:
- Don’t leave items on chairs for extended periods without returning.
- If you need to step away briefly, let nearby staff know.
- Be flexible, especially during peak hours.
- Consider taking only the chairs you truly need.
Final Thought: Is This the Beginning of a New Resort Norm?
Policies like this one at Moon Palace are likely to become more common. Resorts are increasingly aware of guest frustrations, especially when space is limited. Whether this becomes the new standard will depend on how effectively, and fairly, it’s enforced.
What’s clear is that this isn’t just about towels or chairs. It’s about what kind of vacation culture we want to create, one based on strategy and speed, or one based on shared access and mutual respect.
Let us know where you stand. Is this a smart change or a step too far?
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