A relaxing holiday at a luxury hotel should not involve setting an alarm for dawn. Yet, that is precisely the scene that unfolded at one of Brisbane's most fashionable hotels, sparking a widespread online debate about holiday etiquette and the battle for the perfect poolside spot.
The Dawn Rush for the Perfect Spot
The controversy began when a video posted to TikTok showed a line of people waiting to enter The Calile Hotel pool area on trendy James Street as it opened at 6am. The guests were poised to rush in and claim a coveted sunbed or cabana by placing their belongings.
In a light-hearted caption on the social media post, a woman revealed her husband was among those in the queue, stating: “No one stress, we got a chair, safe for another day.” However, the footage prompted anything but calm discussion, with many viewers expressing shock and labelling the behaviour as “gross” and the antithesis of a relaxing getaway.
Hotel Policy Versus Guest Behaviour
The viral post led to an immediate outcry, with many potential guests saying it deterred them from booking. “Glad I saw this. Was considering booking a weekend here in a few months ... but definitely won’t now,” one person commented. Another added: “No offence but waking at 6am to nab a chair isn’t my idea of a relaxing weekend for the amount of money the Calile costs per night.”
In response to the furore, many defended The Calile Hotel, pointing out its clear policies designed to prevent such hoarding. A hotel spokesperson confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that if day beds are left unoccupied for longer than 15 minutes, the pool service team will reallocate them.
The hotel's official policy further clarifies the rules:
- Cabanas are available to all hotel guests but cannot be pre-booked or reserved.
- Guests must register their interest with a pool attendant for allocation or a waitlist spot.
- During busy periods, a strict three-hour time limit applies to all cabana use.
A Peak Season Dilemma
The incident highlights the intense pressure on hotel facilities during popular travel periods. The Calile Hotel has previously noted that the Christmas and school holiday season represents a peak time. The hotel maintains that its “dedicated pool service team does its utmost to ensure all guests enjoy their time at the pool deck.”
Despite the stated policies, the video revealed a gap between the rules and the on-the-ground reality experienced by guests, who felt compelled to queue at sunrise to secure a spot. The debate continues online, questioning whether this is a failure of policy enforcement or a reflection of competitive holiday culture.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a modern cautionary tale for travellers seeking luxury and relaxation, reminding them that even at an upmarket hotel, the most sought-after commodity might require an alarm clock.
