Resort Worker Pet Peeves
Imagine being a resort worker, working tirelessly to make guests feel like royalty, but there's always that one guest who somehow manages to turn the simplest tasks into a chaotic experience. While all tourists are prone to behaviors like this, many hospitality workers from around the world often attribute them to American tourists. Most American tourists are lovely, but it's always the bad apples that ruin things for everyone else! So, let’s look at 20 things we should avoid doing next time we go on vacation.
1. Ignoring Local Customs
Disregarding local traditions can disrupt harmony. Many resorts follow regional hospitality customs, and guests who refuse to adapt stand out. A greeting or proper attire can make all the difference. Wouldn’t blending in be more enjoyable than sticking out for the wrong reasons?
2. Tipping Below Expectations
Tipping may seem like a small gesture, but it has a big impact on a resort worker's day. Picture this: you’ve just spent 45 minutes running around getting a guest their coffee, and they hand you a dollar. Not the best feeling, right? A little extra can turn someone’s day around.
3. Excessive Noise At Night
The resort is a peaceful sanctuary for many, but when guests crank up the volume late into the night, it disrupts that serene environment. Imagine you’re trying to rest after a long day of work, and all you hear is a loud party next door. Plus, workers are stuck in the middle of it, trying to keep the peace.
4. Leaving Messes Behind
Leaving a room in chaos doesn’t just make the staff’s job harder—it also delays check-ins for future guests. Piles of trash and unmade beds are common frustrations. Respecting the space you’re staying in shows consideration for the workers who ensure it’s ready for others.
5. Disrespecting The Staff
A "please" and "thank you" can go a long way. Resort workers often deal with rude or entitled guests, which makes their job much harder. Staff are there to help, not to be treated poorly. Treat them like you’d want to be treated.
6. Demanding Free Upgrades
Guests asking for complimentary upgrades, whether it's a better room or free meals, can put staff in uncomfortable positions. Hotel upgrades aren’t always available, and when they are, they're often earned, not given away.
7. Arriving Without Reservations
Showing up without a reservation might sound spontaneous, but it’s disruptive to the resort's planning. Resort staff work hard to ensure everything runs smoothly, and unscheduled arrivals complicate room availability. Always call ahead to secure your spot.
8. Being Rude About Delays
Delays are inevitable, whether it’s a late room service delivery or a wait at the front desk. No one in the resort controls the timing. Rude reactions only add stress. Instead, express patience; most issues are being handled as swiftly as possible.
9. Making Unreasonable Complaints
Guests sometimes voice complaints that don’t make sense, such as criticizing the weather or small, unavoidable inconveniences. Resort staff often face this with grace. If you're dissatisfied, be specific and constructive; that helps solve the problem and fosters a better experience for everyone.
10. Feeding Wildlife
Tossing snacks to that beach bird might seem harmless, but to resort workers, it’s a recipe for disaster. Once animals associate humans with food, they become relentless. Next thing you know, that “adorable” iguana is stealing someone’s lunch—thanks to you!
11. Requesting Special Meals Last Minute
Sudden dietary requests can throw a wrench into the kitchen’s workflow. Kitchens plan their menus in advance, and last-minute special meal requests disrupt this. Planning ahead for special diets or allergies gives the chefs enough time to accommodate them without added stress.
12. Messing Up The Pool Area
The pool should be a relaxing place, but unfortunately, guests often leave trash, towels, and personal belongings around. This creates more work for staff who have to clean up. Keep the area tidy so everyone can enjoy a pristine environment—it's a shared space, after all!
13. Not Following Resort Guidelines
Resorts implement guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. When guests ignore rules, such as no smoking in certain areas or late check-outs, it complicates staff duties. A little respect for the rules goes a long way in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
14. Sneaking In Extra Guests
Overcrowded rooms strain resources. Extra guests increase workload and violate safety regulations. Resort staff aren’t security guards hunting rule-breakers, but enforcing policies becomes necessary when visitors attempt to cheat the system.
15. Over-Photographing Everything
Some tourists turn everything into a photo op, snapping pictures of every meal, pool view, restricted areas, or even staff members (without consent). This may be fine in moderation, but it can disrupt the flow of the resort. Keep your camera for the memories and let everyone enjoy their surroundings without interruption.
16. Taking Resort Property
Swiping extra towels, sneaking out pool floats, or “accidentally” packing that cozy robe—resort workers see it all. What starts as a harmless souvenir ends up as an inventory headache. And no, housekeeping won’t believe you “thought it was complimentary.”
17. Trying To Negotiate Prices
Negotiating prices at a resort, especially during peak season, often doesn’t work. Pricing is typically set based on demand, and staff have no control over it. Instead of haggling, understand the value of the service and amenities provided. You're paying for a complete experience, not just a room.
18. Leaving Early Without Checking Out
Leaving without completing the check-out process can cause confusion for the resort staff. It leaves room availability unclear and messes with their scheduling. Always check out properly, even if you’re in a hurry. It’s courteous and helps staff manage the property effectively.
19. Excessive Drinking And Disruptions
Drinking too much and disturbing other guests creates a chaotic situation for staff, who must intervene to restore peace. It’s easy to get caught up in vacation fun, but remember that your actions impact others. Resort workers are there to ensure a good time for everyone.
20. Taking Advantage Of Buffets
All-you-can-eat doesn’t mean wasteful excess. Overfilled plates and untouched leftovers create food waste nightmares. Workers see countless meals trashed daily. Taking only what’s needed respects both staff efforts and sustainability efforts.
