Hated hotel habits: Bare feet, bathrobes and bad manners are some of the worst things guests can do

Hotels want guests to feel at home, but some guests make themselves a little too at home.

A survey has revealed the top guest behaviours that make fellow travellers cringe, and public enemy number one starts with feet.

The survey, published by Expedia in March, found 94 per cent of respondents consider walking around barefoot inappropriate.

Wearing hotel robes in the lobby came in a close second at 92 per cent, followed by public displays of affection in the pool, which 86 per cent of travellers say should stay behind closed doors.

Rather than enforcing strict rules, CNBC say many hotels rely on gentle cues to encourage more mindful behaviour.

“I believe customers will follow the lead if you and your staff are being respectful and discreet,” said Reem Arbid, co-founder of The Blue Door Kitchen & Inn.

She added that guests speaking loudly on phones is another common issue — one that staff often attempt to handle delicately.

“The reaction is not always positive,” she noted, though a polite request to relocate can sometimes help.

Subtle signals like staff using quieter voices or inserting etiquette tips into welcome emails can go a long way, particularly when addressing inappropriate attire in shared spaces.

“At a high-end retreat, showing up in pyjamas or barefoot around shared spaces can come across as disrespectful,” said Ariel Barrionuevo, managing director of La Coralina Island House in Panama.

Some hotels even include etiquette reminders in pre-arrival communication or during check-in.

For others, however, the issue of bare feet is more about safety than decorum.

“Shirts and shoes are required in all on-property restaurants, and the hotel encourages guests to be clothed while in public parts of the castle,” said Aidan O’Sullivan, general manager of Kilkea Castle in Ireland.

“Though some may not be dressed accordingly after a swim or spa visit, it is not the norm.”

Kilkea’s golf course, however, takes dress codes more seriously, banning non-collared shirts and tracksuits.

But while some hospitality leaders uphold traditional standards, others say it’s time for the industry to relax.

“Whether it’s PJs at breakfast, pups in beds, or kids enjoying the pool — we welcome it all,” said Sam Jagger, managing director of The Maybourne Beverly Hills.

His team instead focuses on “respect for the safety and privacy of fellow guests and our team.”

Hospitality trainer Mary D’Argenis-Fernandez said outdated dress codes aren’t the real problem — it’s how guests treat others.

“It’s these situations, that are sometimes uncalled for, that are more concerning to those who work in the industry,” she said, referring to public outbursts. Staff are trained to de-escalate and move such situations to a private space whenever possible.

Those working in high-end hotels often bear the brunt of guest frustrations.

“We would just laugh, smile, and tell them to have a great day,” said Cassandra Wheeler, a former guest service supervisor at Hilton.

“Stressed conference attendees and local weekenders sometimes treated us like personal servants.”

And then there’s the age-old poolside chair scandal.

Sixty per cent of respondents disapproved of travellers who reserve chairs for hours on end without using them.

Some resorts, like Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club, limit guests to reserving just one extra chair. Others, such as the St. George Beach Hotel & Spa Resort in Cyprus, have opted for assigned sunbeds to avoid the free-for-all entirely.