Sunbed war 'hell' as tourists 'break into pool to reserve seats' at night
A British tourist hoping for a relaxing trip abroad was left in horror when she was confronted with some very competitive fellow holiday-makers.
A mum has gone viral after showing just how vicious sunbed wars can get in one holiday hotspot.
Claire Chivers, 43, visited Benalmádena in Spain with husband, John, 49, and their daughter Freddie-Maie, eight. The family were hoping to enjoy a relaxing weekend in the sunshine, but quickly realised they were vacationing with some very competitive tourists, all vying for their spot on the recliners.
The quality control manager took to TikTok to share the chaos, but never expected to rack up 414,000 views and more than 3,000 likes. She captioned the video: "Ready, steady, go."
"We found it quite amusing, [as] you don’t spend thousands on a holiday to lie down all day," the mum from Midsomer Norton told Luxury Travel Daily.
"There were plenty of other sunbeds, chairs and sofas available, but these people rushing had to get poolside beds."
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In the clip, filmed on 13 July 2024, Claire showed off how swathes of people rush toward the pool, throwing their towels on any seat they could find.
And she wasn't the only one who was appalled – other users flocked to the comments to share their reactions. "My idea of holiday hell," said one said. Someone else agreed: "That’s why I don’t go to places like this."
"Who is goner pickup all of the towels and throw them in the pool," said another. [sic] And another agreed: "I am glad I hate sunbathing."
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Claire said the pool and sunbeds were closed between 8pm and 10am with metal guards in place for "safety reasons." But she claims guests would open the guards themselves, hoping reserve their seats.
The mum added: “The staff would come and take the towels off. People [were made to] queue until the guards were taken down.
“This particular morning, a guest shouted at a staff member asking what his problem was. Most people sat there all day, but we preferred to sightsee, visit different places and take in the culture.
“Not sit around and only see the hotel. We came back from our days out and easily got a sunbed, just not at poolside. My advice, get a life and see Spain [instead].”
