Holidaymakers were left stunned as they watched a ‘stampede’ unfold for prime sunbed spots at a popular five-star hotel in Crete – sparked by influencers who wanted to take selfies ‘all day’ on them.
The luxury hotel, Akasha Beach Hotel & Spa, located in Hersonissos, has become a hit on social media in recent months thanks to its modern and ‘clean’ aesthetic, providing visually appealing backdrops for photos and videos.
The hotel’s multiple pools, private beach, and spa facilities also offer a range of opportunities for influencers to create engaging content and share unique experiences with their followers.
While offering luxury amenities, the hotel also provides competitive rates, with rooms going for as little as £300 per night during peak season, making it an attractive option for influencers who need to balance quality with budget.
However, a video recently taken at the Cretan hotspot shows a desperate scramble for the highly-coveted sunbeds – with most nabbed within seconds.
Isabella Bianco, 23, who opted to use the rooftop pool area during the daily commotion, said she even witnessed a fight break out after a couple removed towels from unattended beds.
‘It was pretty much like that every day. I’m guessing it was a hotel manager that was walking around the pool area and as soon as it hit 9am she did a hand signal and they all rushed towards the beds. It was like a stampede rush,’ Isabella said.
Isabella suggested the hotel’s current popularity is down to viral posts on social media, as she explained: ‘I think it’s because the hotel is big on TikTok and is really aesthetically pleasing with the water beds. I think that hotel is really big with influencers.’
Some guests have complained of the presence of influencers and a ‘dissatisfying’ sunbed policy, with one person writing on TripAdvisor: ‘There are 4 pools with very few beds so people are queueing from 7am to get a bed, they put their things on the beds and then leave.’
Another guest warned: ‘It was only May and there were already influencers everywhere, pretending to use the beach and swim in the sea, pretending to be having a good time everywhere in the hotel.’
Despite the complaints, most reviews on TripAdvisor sing the hotel’s praises, with many leaving four and five stars.