One of the most complained about aspects of staying at an all-inclusive resort is that of dealing with “chair hogging”.  You’ve probably run into this if you’ve stayed at any resort…You know, those guests who get up at 5 a.m. to “reserve” poolside/beach loungers or daybeds with a shoe, book, towel, practically anything they can get their hands on, go back to bed to sleep, and then show up around 12 noon or later (and quite possibly never show up at all) to claim their lounger.  I’ve even seen incidents where one guest claimed primo loungers both poolside AND at the beach, but that was around 7 a.m. not 5 a.m.–I’m not typically a morning person so I even doubt if there is such a time as 5 a.m.  In the meantime, other guests trying to get a lounger in a normal manner can’t find any, or wind up with less than desirable lounger locations such as no shade, far from the pool, obstructed views, or cramped spaces.  Or even worse, guests may wind up with only one dilapidated lounger and have to share it which is not a very relaxing way to spend the day at the pool or beach.

What to do???  Resorts have no universal policy in how to handle this problem.  While signs may be posted stating “claiming loungers is not allowed and belongings will be removed”, I have never seen this policy enforced by resort staff.  Sometimes resorts will continue with or go back to using towel cards–one card one towel which is meant to discourage using towels to save multiple loungers, but guests generally don’t like keeping track of an extra card plus they typically need several towels to be comfortable at a lounger.  Besides, a lack of towels never stopped a guest intent on getting the best lounger locations.

Since resorts are not intent on solving this problem, here are your options:

• The general guest “rule” is to observe the claimed but unoccupied lounger you desire for one hour, and if no one has returned to that lounger you are entitled to remove the prior occupants belongings, set them aside, and now claim the lounger as yours.  If you decide on this action, be prepared for a fight when that guest eventually returns to their lounger.  Lounger arguments can get nasty (depending on how much alcohol has been consumed), and some turn physical.  The nicer the lounger, such as a Bali bed, the nastier the fight will be.
• Some guests pay early morning staff to claim certain loungers for them (with towels) and watch to see that no one else uses those loungers; that way they don’t have to lose sleep and they already know their spots will be available to them whenever they arrive.  This usually requires a very generous tip, but to some guests it is worth it.
• Book a room that has existing loungers on the balcony or terrace.  Swim-ups or certain upgraded suites are more likely to have such an amenity.  Problem solved with no guest-involved hassles.
• Check and see if someone in your travel party is an early morning person and have them save loungers for you.  You can always buy them a souvenir to take home as a thank you.
• You can ensure daybed/Bali bed space if you are willing to pay a little extra to reserve one all day just for you.  Some resorts even include a free daybed/Bali bed if you book certain room categories–Live Aqua in Cancun used to offer a free daybed for the length of your vacation if you booked a suite.

Any other ideas?  It’s always a fluid resort issue with no final solution in sight.  How has your experience with chair hogging been handled?