Published: 29 April 2008.

Contributed by Nick Buick of Refreshweb

Having just returned from 3 weeks in Greece I made an interesting observation of the several hotels and villas I stayed in. Although the managers I encountered were only too happy to provide any assistance one could imagine –I was amazed at just how laid back they all were with regard to their  guest rules and regulations.

Perhaps it’s because Greeks remember what life was like under a harsh political dictatorship, perhaps because Greece is the birthplace of free-thought, or maybe its just that tourists spend so much cash no one gives a monkey’s what their guests want to do… Whatever the reason, it was so relaxing to be trusted to behave responsibly without the constant bombardment of iron-fisted hotel rules and regulations.

For example: The typical check-in process involved presenting my booking receipt, and being handed a complimentary cold drink and a set of keys. There was no ridiculous credit-card pre-authorisations or mind-bending lists of instructions and schedules being recited. Checkout was even easier “If you can be out be noon that would be great, but don’t rush…”.

One of my fondest memories was on the island of Santorini: a volcanic island believed to be the remains of the lost city; Atlantis. I was laying by the pool in the gentle Mediterranean sun with a scotch in one hand (keeping my glass well clear of the pool) a cigarette in the other (using an ashtray and sitting away from other guests, of course), and some music playing (softly) on my phone… when it suddenly struck me: There was not one ‘rule’ anywhere to be seen. No regimented pool hours, no signs forbidding running, diving, shouting, ball sport, eating, drinking, spitting, fighting, roller-blading, dogs, or urinating in the pool, no high-chaired life-guard blowing a whistle… And most importantly: no sign of guests doing anything untoward or disruptive. It was as if I’d come across a utopian society, the real city of Atlantis.

The pool was just one many of examples of laid-back, personalized and friendly hospitality I encountered from the Hotels of Greece. As someone whose taking a holiday to relax for a few weeks, this nonchalant style of hospitality really made the trip that much more refreshing.

I have no doubt if a guest was disruptive or dangerous, a resort in the Greek Islands would deal with them in the same manner as Australian resort… But the fact that guests were behaving responsibly and with consideration, without the need for so many strict, sign-posted rules and regulations was of some interest to me.

To be fair, Greece has the benefit of more liberal laws regarding alcohol consumption, public liability and smoking. Obviously this makes the laid-back style of management much easier in Greece. But I think it still begs the question, how do you view Australian resorts in comparison to overseas with regards to ‘guest rules and regulations’? Are our resort managers over-zealous with their rules? Or does their duty-of-care require them to be? Or does the typical Aussie need structured rules to understand what is acceptable? Would be interested to hear any thoughts managers (and guests) might have on this subject.

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