Spa Etiquette in Hotels: Rules of Conduct for the Wellness Area
In this article
A hotel’s wellness area is a place of calm – and that is exactly why there are unwritten rules that make sharing the space pleasant. Anyone who knows the spa etiquette moves comfortably through the sauna, relaxation room and pool without being unsure about what is allowed and what is disruptive. In this guide you will learn which rules of conduct apply, what to wear and how to behave considerately and confidently in the hotel spa.
The most important rule: keep quiet
The wellness area thrives on silence. Anyone who makes loud phone calls, chats or plays music here ruins the relaxation for everyone else. So speak quietly, ideally only in a whisper, and set your phone to silent – ideally leave it in your room entirely. In many hotels phones are banned in the spa anyway.
Children, too, belong in the wellness area only in designated areas or at certain times. Many hotels separate family and adults-only zones. Pay attention to the posted signs and respect that other guests are deliberately seeking peace and quiet. Anyone who has booked a romantic getaway for two especially appreciates it when this silence is preserved.
Hygiene: consideration begins in the shower
Hygiene is not a side issue in the spa, but the foundation for good coexistence. Stick to these points:
- Shower before every sauna session and dry off well – dry skin sweats better and it is more hygienic.
- Always place a large towel underneath you so that no part of your body and no sweat touches the wood. This also applies to your feet.
- Shower before the pool so that creams, sweat and make-up do not get into the water.
- Do not jump into the plunge pool while sweating – first take a quick shower, then cool down.
- Go barefoot or wear bathing slippers, depending on the house rules.
These rules protect not only you but also everyone who comes after you. In the hotel spa many people share the same surfaces, which is why every small gesture of consideration counts.
Clothing: textile-free or swimwear?
One of the most common uncertainties concerns the right clothing. In German-speaking countries the classic sauna is usually textile-free – for hygienic reasons, because wet swimwear does not belong on the sauna bench. Anyone who feels uncomfortable being naked wraps themselves in a large sauna towel.
On the way between the sauna, relaxation room and shower you wear a bathrobe, while in the pool and basin area you wear swimwear. Some hotels also offer textile sauna times during which swimwear is mandatory. It is best to find out about the customs of the establishment when booking – our checklist for choosing a wellness hotel provides a good overview.
What you should bring
- Bathrobe and bathing slippers (often provided by the hotel)
- Two towels: one for the sauna, one for drying off
- Swimwear for the pool
- A small water bottle to make up for fluid loss
Sauna etiquette in detail
The sauna has its own rules of the game. Sit or lie down in such a way that you do not crowd others, and dry yourself well before entering. During an infusion (Aufguss) you should not leave the room or arrive too late, because opening the door lets the heat escape.
The infusion is usually carried out by the staff. Your own infusions or oils you bring along are taboo, as is waving with the towel unless it is expressly permitted. After the sauna session a cooling-down phase in the fresh air or under the shower is part of the routine, followed by a rest period. Allow enough time for each round instead of rushing.
In the relaxation room and at the pool
The relaxation room is the quietest zone of the spa. Here you do not talk, loungers are not blocked with towels when you are not currently using them, and food is usually unwelcome. Place your towel on the lounger and clear away your belongings as soon as you leave.
At the pool the rule is: do not jump into the basin when others are doing their laps, and no air mattresses or play equipment unless permitted. Consideration and a relaxed pace shape the entire area. Anyone planning a wellness day without an overnight stay will find the most important procedures in our article on the day spa without an overnight stay.
Treatments and tipping
If you have booked a massage or a treatment, arrive a few minutes early so that you can settle in calmly. Mention health topics such as pregnancy, circulatory problems or allergies in advance – when in doubt, have any complaints checked by a doctor beforehand. During the treatment you may say at any time if the pressure is too strong or the room temperature uncomfortable.
A tip is customary for treatments, but voluntary. Depending on your satisfaction, around ten percent is usual, which you can leave in cash or at the reception.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I really have to be naked in the sauna?
In most German-speaking hotel saunas, textile-free is customary for hygiene reasons, because wet swimwear does not belong on the bench. If you feel uncomfortable, wrap yourself in a large sauna towel. Some hotels offer separate textile sauna times; when in doubt, ask at the reception.
Am I allowed to take my phone into the wellness area?
Technically often yes, but out of consideration you should set it to silent and not use it. Many hotels ban phones in the spa entirely, because calls and photos disturb the calm and the privacy of other guests. It is most relaxing to leave the device in your room.
How many towels do I need in the hotel spa?
Plan for at least two: a large one for the sauna, on which your body rests completely, and one for drying off. Many hotels provide towels and bathrobes free of charge; it is best to clarify this in advance.
Is a tip after a massage mandatory?
No, a tip is always voluntary. If you were satisfied with the treatment, around ten percent is an appropriate and welcome token of appreciation, which you can give in cash or via the reception.
