I’m a sunbed hogger – I put my towel down at 1AM to bag the best spot by the pool even though I know it’s unfair

A SUNBED hogger has admitted she puts her towel down at 1am to bag the best spot by the pool – knowing it’s unfair.

Aimee Millar, 20, said she resorted to leaving her room in the middle of the night when she discovered other guests were doing the same.

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Jam Press Vid/@aimee.millar23

Jam Press Vid/@aimee.millar23

Jam Press Vid/@aimee.millar23

The holidaymaker, who lives near Belfast, Northern Ireland , explained she would have to pay £6 for each sunbed if she didn’t claim them early enough.

She told Luxury Travel Daily: “As much as it was crazy we didn’t mind doing it at 1am as we were staying up later anyways.”

Aimee and her partner Darragh, also 20, decided to join the sunbed wars while on holiday in Albufeira, Portugal .

They stayed at the popular resort from July 28 to August 10

On the first few mornings, they claimed their sunbeds before breakfast at around 6am but kept missing out on the best spots.

In a video shared to TikTok, Aimee documented the couple’s early morning trip to the pool in a bid to get the best sunbeds.

Armed with their towels, Aimee said: “I know it’s crazy but it’s the normal thing to do here.”

Reflecting on her sneaky strategy, she acknowledged it’s unfair.

Aimee said: “I believe that putting the sunbeds down is fair in the morning, but at more like 9am or 10am.

Jam Press/@aimee.millar23

Jam Press/@aimee.millar23

“Everyone likes to be close to the pool and not have to pay or lie on the grass.

“I think leaving towels down when leaving the pool or late at night is crazy and a bit too far.

“I think it wouldn’t be very fair to an older couple or families with young kids who may be in bed earlier – they can’t go and do this as easy.”

Viewers took to the comments on TikTok to express their shock.

One user commented: “I actually couldn’t do it, it’s ridiculous.”

Another added: “Hotels need to start doing allocated sunbeds because this is out of hand.”

“I would come down leisurely and just throw the towels off in the morning, idc,” wrote a third user.

A fourth said: “I would come down leisurely and just throw the towels off in the morning, idc.”

“Just back from Turkey , hotel didn’t allow anyone to reserve sun loungers. This is madness,” added another.

It comes after Spanish cops were seen confiscated sunbeds and umbrellas left by beach-hogger tourists , charging them an eye-watering fine to get their items back.

Police appear to have joined the war against the greedy sun seekers who claim their spot by the sea while they have breakfast or even go back to bed.

Footage showed officers at Playa de Torrox in Malaga picking up dozens of unoccupied loungers and umbrellas before tossing them in the back of their trucks.

Tourists who got their beach items seized will now have to collect them at their local police station after paying a whopping £210.

How are hotels policing the ‘sunbed wars’?

THIS summer, many hotels in Europe have been adopting various strategies to address this issue and ensure a fairer system for all guests.

Here are some of the methods being used to police the “sunbed wars”:

Time Limits on Reservations : Some hotels have implemented strict time limits on how long a sunbed can be reserved without being used. If a sunbed is left unattended for more than a set period (often between 30 minutes to an hour), hotel staff may remove the towels and belongings, freeing up the sunbed for other guests.

Staff Monitoring : Many hotels have increased staff presence around pool areas to monitor the use of sunbeds more closely. These staff members are responsible for enforcing the time limits and ensuring that guests are adhering to the rules.

Towel Removal Services : Some hotels have introduced a system where hotel staff will automatically remove towels or personal items from sunbeds that have been left unattended for too long. This approach aims to deter guests from reserving sunbeds without immediate intention to use them.

Reservation Systems : In some cases, hotels have adopted more formal reservation systems where guests can book a sunbed for a specific time slot, either through an app or at a hotel kiosk. This approach helps to manage the demand more efficiently and ensures that all guests have a fair chance to use the facilities.

Signage and Guest Communication : Hotels are also placing signs around pool areas and providing information upon check-in to inform guests about the sunbed policies. Clear communication helps in setting expectations and reducing conflicts among guests.

Fines and Penalties : In more extreme cases, some hotels have introduced fines or penalties for guests who repeatedly break the sunbed reservation rules. This could include a charge to their room or a warning that further violations will result in restricted access to the pool area.