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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to stay in a three star hotel but use the pool in the 5 star hotel next door!

144 replies

sadsquirrel · 22/04/2012 18:07

is this a bit cheeky?

we would of course be buying drinks there and probably lunch some days

OP posts:
lesley33 · 22/04/2012 20:21

If there really is no security at all, then its a pretty poorly run establishment and may be poorly run in other ways e.g. quality of water in pool.

tralalala · 22/04/2012 20:23

the why don't you just go five star comment made me realise why I would do this!

nothingoldcanstay · 22/04/2012 20:25

Crazyspaniel -Le Meridien hotel in Piccadilly will let anyone use the pool if they pay for membership. If the five star hotel op was considering had a similar stipulation it would clearly be wrong to not pay and use the pool.

As has been said already most hotels don't give a fig because using the pool usually means you will use the bar etc.

GreenEggsAndNichts · 22/04/2012 20:32

People are saying it's not stealing. However, it is a limited resource, and if it is over-used (say, all the guests at the 3 place notice that hey, they can use the fancy pool, too) it will eventually become less desirable for anyone to want to use it, 3 or 5* guests alike. Tragedy of the commons.

One person doing it will hardly be noticed. A herd of people doing it will be. Yes, YABU, but if you can get away with it etc etc more power to you.

Floggingmolly · 22/04/2012 20:37

You'd almost certainly be rumbled. Imagine the embarrassment of being frogmarched out and told not to come back. Your mugshot could be pinned to the wall behind the reception desk Grin

If you want 5 star facilities, they're simply not available at 3 star prices.

crazyspaniel · 22/04/2012 20:38

I don't agree that most hotels don't give a fig about non-residents using the pool. In the USA, five star hotels I've stayed at have always asked for my room number and/or asked me to sign something when I went to use the pool. Hotels in Asia also tend to keep a careful eye on who is using the pool.

nothingoldcanstay · 22/04/2012 20:52

Floggingmolly - that statement just isn't true. Hotel pricing means you absolutely can get a five star hotel for less than a three star one. An example would be the "W" in Barcelona. One of the most expensive quality hotel but yet still they have secret rooms on last minute for 1/5 of price.

If the hotel is turning a blind eye to non residents using the pool that sort of implies they don't mind surely?

slowestwildebeast · 22/04/2012 21:02

Wants to stay in a secret room. Is it behind a wardrobe? With a lion on the other side? 3star hotel guests trooping into 5star pools. The thought makes me choke on my oysters and champagne.

nothingoldcanstay · 22/04/2012 21:04

Sorry! Meant secret hotel !

slowestwildebeast · 22/04/2012 21:06

Even better! With iris recognition at the door to stop people like op swanning in.

Floggingmolly · 22/04/2012 21:09

Nothing Secret Hotel? How an you book a secret hotel? Sounds like fun!

FizzyLaces · 22/04/2012 21:10

I would do it :)

difficultpickle · 22/04/2012 21:16

If it is in the UK then you are committing a criminal offence - Fraud Act 2006 - obtaining services dishonestly.

sadsquirrel · 22/04/2012 22:23

criminal act! don't be ridiculous

OP posts:
difficultpickle · 22/04/2012 22:25

OP have a look here. Good to know you aren't bothered about breaking the law. Hmm

slowestwildebeast · 22/04/2012 22:59

Op doesn't concern herself with such things. There's a free pool to lounge in and she's going to jolly well swim in it.

I really hope they let you in. Then just as you're splashing about a cry of "poolside robbery" will be heard from the sidelines. People will stare. You'll be marched through reception in your 1piece and arm bands while 5star guests look on in disgust.

tartyflette · 22/04/2012 23:06

If you're buying drinks at the bar and/or eating there, the 5* hotel may well allow you to use their other facilities anyway. If they don't allow it, you could be chucked out asked to leave. Up to you as to whether you want to risk the humiliation.

Threeprinces · 22/04/2012 23:11

Bisjo is correct. It is essentially theft and the law agrees.

ComposHat · 23/04/2012 03:33

This thread falls very firmly into the category of First World Problems.

AGunInMyPetticoat · 23/04/2012 04:10

I used to work in luxury hospitality, as everything from receptionist to duty management, as a student. Believe me when I say there is every chance you'll be spotted. Staff at posh hotels have some kind of a sixth sense for imposters - it's not as though they don't get to practise on a daily basis.

Be prepared to be confronted by a snobbish duty manager or security guard who, depending on current level of outrageous complaints, may or may not experience a sadistic sense of pleasure at humiliating you in front of everybody - especially that gorgeous lifeguard.

Floggingmolly, on some booking sites (notably lastminute.com IIRC) booking a 'secret hotel' basically means that you reserve a room at an establishment without knowing which hotel it is. Room rates are usually heavily discounted. It's a way for hotels to flog off the rooms they wouldn't otherwise be able to sell without lowering their official rates too far. The downside is you'll usually get the worst rooms in the house for it.

You can play the system quite beautifully, though: with some internet research you can often find out which hotel it is by comparing the description with hotels in the area. You then buy a room at a ridiculously low rate and, once you have confirmation, ring up and purchase an upgrade to the next best room category (for which you pay yourself).

Usually this will get you a nice room at the hotel of your choice at a price which may well be below the standard rate for the most miserable broom cabinet in the house.

nooka · 23/04/2012 04:35

All the hotels I've stayed at with a pool have card locked doors, so if you don't have a room you can't get in (you can pay for a day or some have membership, both of which gives you a key).

If I am staying at a hotel with a pool then the pool is a part of what I am paying for. Sneaking in is freeloading. I'd not be very comfortable at a hotel which had such poor security that anyone can walk in off the street.

theodorakis · 23/04/2012 06:09

Sorry but you sound like the person I always get chucked out of Business class when they try to sneak in. Why should I pay extra for a comfy seat or 5 star facilities and then have tightwads like you try and get it for free.

Isityouorme · 23/04/2012 06:43

Pay for 3 stars then stay there .... Don't go to the 5 star for free for all the reasons above. Yabvu. Have some dignity.

CaoNiMa · 23/04/2012 07:05

Only a self-entitled cheapskate would do something like this. Awful, vulgar behaviour. If you can't afford 5, don't expect to avail yourself of the 5 facilities.

SoupDragon · 23/04/2012 07:19

"no i wouldn't eat at an all inc buffet or breakfast, can't stand food thats not cooked fresh."

I think this sums it up your morals. Apparently you wouldn't do it because the food isn't fresh, not because it is wrong.