7 Etiquette Tips When Staying at All-inclusive Luxury Resorts

Moon Palace, Mexico [Image source]

​The idea of staying at an all-inclusive hotel in the US may seem like a foreign concept to those outside North America. But if you happen to be traveling in Florida, Mexico, or the Caribbean and decide to opt for a property with the best hotel pools in the US, here are some etiquette tips to help make your stay enjoyable.

1) Never Wear Sneakers on the Beach 

This is a definite no-no for anyone staying at luxury resorts property in Florida, Mexico, or The Caribbean unless you want to risk being stared out as entirely out of place. Loafers and boat shoes are definitely appreciated attire for upscale vacationers from all around the world looking forward to spending a peaceful day sunbathing by the poolside. 

2) Never Ask For a Meal Upgrade in the Hotel's Formal Restaurant 

If you are staying at luxury resorts in Florida or another destination where tipping is customary, keep in mind that the butler will be waiting to take your order once you have been seated by the host/hostess. 

3) Never Accept Freebies from Hotel Staff 

Instead of accepting unsolicited items from hotel staff during your stay, politely turn down gifts from the pool attendant who seems intent on giving you extra snacks. You'll save money by not buying drinks from the swim-up bar while simultaneously preserving friendships with hotel employees. 

4) Always Reserve Dinner Reservations at the Time of Check-In

There is nothing worse than getting ready for an extravagant dinner in one of the world's best restaurants only to learn that there is no available seating for the rest of the evening. If you wish to dine at a special restaurant during your visit, always book your table ahead of time via a phone call instead of depending on your concierge to secure reservations. 

5) Never Arrive Early To Formal Dinners Unless It's an After Hours Party

Arriving early can be awkward, especially if you're seated at tables that have not been set up yet by staff, and all other guests have not arrived to join them. On the contrary, arriving late should never be avoided either because the chances are high that you will be seated with other guests who have also been waiting. 

6) Never Attempt to Save a Seat with Your Belongings 

​Even if there are no signs or staff members prohibiting guests from saving a spot for their friends at a crowded poolside bar, most do not approve of people placing towels and magazines on chairs throughout the resort before going off to play golf or have lunch elsewhere. 

7) Never Use the Poolside Showers to Wash off Your Beach Sandals or Shoes 

The best hotel pools in the US have plush fittings and water jets. Even though most luxury resorts provide free plastic bags for guests to carry items to the Beach, you shouldn't use them for washing off shoes and flip-flops before entering pools. Dirt and mud will most likely end up making their way into the jets of water or, worse, onto tiles surrounding pools.
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These simple reminders may prove to be essential for travelers unfamiliar with 5-star resort standards where expectations tend to be high.