German Tourist Wins USD 1,200 After Waking Up at 6 AM Daily for Pool Chairs at Greek Resort
A German father has gone viral after winning nearly USD 1,200 in compensation from a tour operator because his family could not get sun loungers during their luxury vacation at a Greek resort. The unusual case, reported by the New York Post and other international media outlets, has sparked debate online over the growing “sunbed wars” at popular holiday destinations.
A German father has gone viral after winning nearly USD 1,200 in compensation from a tour operator because his family could not get sun loungers during their luxury vacation at a Greek resort. The unusual case, reported by the New York Post and other international media outlets, has sparked debate online over the growing “sunbed wars” at popular holiday destinations.
The unnamed tourist had booked an 11-day family holiday to the Greek island of Kos in August 2024. According to reports, he paid more than 7,186 euros, approximately USD 8,400, for the vacation package for himself, his wife, and their two children aged 9 and 12.
However, the family’s dream getaway quickly turned frustrating. Despite temperatures reaching nearly 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the resort’s poolside loungers were reportedly occupied every morning before sunrise. The father claimed guests would reserve chairs by placing towels on them for hours, even though hotel rules prohibited such behaviour. Chirayu Rana vs Lorna Hajdini: JPMorgan Offered USD 1 Million Settlement Before S*xual Assault Lawsuit by Banker.
Determined to secure seats for his family, the man reportedly woke up at 6:00 am daily to join what he described as a “morning deckchair sprint.” Still, he failed almost every time. Over the entire holiday, the family managed to get loungers only once, and even then there were just two chairs available for four people. The children were forced to sit on towels placed on the ground near the pool.
The tourist first raised the issue with his tour guide, who reportedly said it was the hotel’s responsibility to manage the situation. When he approached hotel staff, no effective action was taken. California Woman Sues OpenAI, Claims ChatGPT Enabled Stalker Ex-Boyfriend To Harass Her.
The dispute eventually reached Hanover District Court in Germany. During the hearing, video footage reportedly showed rows of unattended loungers covered with towels early in the morning. The court ruled that the holiday package was “defective” because guests were denied reasonable access to poolside seating, which was considered a key advertised feature of the resort.
Although the tour operator had already refunded 350 euros earlier, the court awarded the family an additional 986.70 euros, roughly USD 1,200. Judges also noted that children “have the same right to a sun bed as adult guests.”
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2026 09:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
