17 Things You Do at All-Inclusive Resorts That Staff Secretly Hate

1. Taking resort property as souvenirs

It’s tempting to snag a little something from your hotel room to remember your stay. But remember, those fluffy towels, fancy glasses, and even the batteries in the remote aren’t freebies!

Resorts notice when items go missing, and it can really dampen the spirits of the hardworking staff. Always better to leave what’s not yours and maybe pick out a special souvenir from the gift shop.

2. Leaving towels all over pool chairs

When you snag a pool chair with your towel at an all-inclusive resort, you might not realize the ripples it sends through staff and guests alike. There’s a pool chair etiquette that suggests holding chairs with towels for excessive periods is a no-no.

While claiming a spot for a quick dip sounds reasonable, leaving your towel to hold your place for hours can irk fellow vacationers and resort staff.

3. Overloading your plate at the buffet

When you spy row upon row of gleaming dishes at the resort buffet, it’s tempting to pile your plate sky high. But here’s the scoop: going overboard on your first trip can lead to food waste, and the hardworking staff aren’t fans of this. Instead, sample small portions.

4. Ignoring dress code guidelines

When headed to an all-inclusive resort, keeping tabs on the dress code can make a big difference. Staff often feel awkward having to turn guests away for not adhering to the dress guidelines. Remember, comfy can still be classy! Make sure you pack a nice outfit or two—most places love it when you dress up for dinner.

5. Talking loudly in quiet areas

When you’re soaking in the sun at a serene all-inclusive resort, keeping your voice down in quiet zones shows respect for others. Imagine relaxing with a book by a peaceful pool, only to have someone’s loud chatter disrupt your moment of bliss. Staff at these resorts often note that loud conversations in these tranquil areas can be bothersome not only to other guests but to them as well.

6. Complaining about room upgrades

Upgrading your room at an all-inclusive resort can make your stay feel extra special. But sometimes, folks can get a bit carried away. When upgrades don’t go as planned or aren’t available upon request, it can be a bummer.

Complaining loudly or frequently about it, though, puts a damper on everyone’s day, including the hardworking staff trying to make your vacation great. Upgrades are a bonus, not a guarantee.

7. Making last-minute special requests

When you’re soaking up the sun at an all-inclusive resort, time flies, and before you know it, you might remember you wanted something extra. Maybe it’s an extra pillow for a dreamy sleep or a special room setup. It’s a good idea to ask for these little comforts in advance.

The dedicated staff at resorts will always do their best to pamper you, but springing a request right before bedtime can be tricky. The helpful crew behind the desk may be wearing smiles, but last-minute asks can throw a wrench in their well-oiled routine.

8. Cutting in line at the bar

When you’re eager for that refreshing drink, it might be tempting to sneak your way to the front, but hold your horses! Staff really appreciate it when you wait your turn. Cutting the line can stir up some unnecessary trouble and throw off the good vibes.

9. Not tipping the staff

When you’re enjoying the endless food and sunshine at an all-inclusive resort, it’s easy to forget those hardworking staff members who are making your stay so special. Skipping out on tips might seem like no big deal, but for the team looking after you, it’s a huge part of their income. Even though your bill is paid upfront, a little extra appreciation for the housekeeping goes a long way.

10. Overstaying welcome at closing time

Let’s face it, nobody likes to be the last one leaving the party. At all-inclusive resorts, the staff are gearing up to call it a night, and when guests linger past closing time, it can be a real bummer for them. So when the clock strikes the end of the day, let’s give the hardworking team a break and wrap up those last-minute chats.

11. Smoking in non-smoking areas

Lighting up in a spot where you shouldn’t is a big no-no! While finding a place to puff might seem tricky, it’s important to respect the resort rules. If you’ve ever sneaked a smoke in a no-smoking room or disregarded those “No Smoking” signs, it can rub the staff the wrong way.

They’re working hard to keep all guests comfy, and that smoke can drift and become a nuisance. Plus, ignoring the designated smoking areas can even lead to extra cleaning fees for you.

12. Leaving behind a messy room

Ever walked out of a room looking like a clothes tornado just swept through? Your resort’s staff sure hope that’s not the case with your room! When you leave behind a mess, it creates extra work for the housekeeping team.

They love making your stay fabulous, but picking up socks and toys isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. Plus, a tidy room means a quicker clean-up, getting your space spruced up faster for more relaxation and fun.

13. Monopolizing the hot tub

Everyone loves the warm, bubbling comfort of a hot tub, especially when on vacation at an all-inclusive resort. However, when you camp out for hours, it’s a sore spot for staff and fellow guests alike. Keep your soaks shorter to allow others to enjoy as well.

14. Getting overly intoxicated

There’s a fine line between sipping on margaritas by the pool and overdoing it. Resort staff aren’t fans when guests lose track of their limits. Becoming overly intoxicated can lead to all sorts of issues, from causing a scene to needing extra care from the staff. Remember, they’re there to ensure everyone has a good time, so keeping your drink count in check lets you and everyone else enjoy the sunshine without the drama.

15. Sneaking extra guests into the resort

Trying to sneak in extra guests is a major no-no at all-inclusive resorts. While it might seem like a clever way to cut costs, it’s actually unfair to the staff and other guests. Resorts plan their resources based on the number of guests, so unregistered visitors can lead to shortages and stretched services.

16. Arguing over minor charges

When you’re enjoying the sun and fun at an all-inclusive resort, don’t let a small unexpected charge rain on your parade. Staff members are not fond of guests who fuss over little fees. Everyone wants a stress-free stay, so if a charge seems off, calmly ask for clarification.

17. Failing to follow the resort’s schedule

When you’re having the time of your life at an all-inclusive resort, remember that events and meals are timed carefully. Skipping out on the dinner bell or showing up late to the nightly show can cause a bit of a headache for staff. They plan these schedules so everyone has a smooth vacation. Stick to the timeline, and you’ll make sure the only waves you make are in the pool!