Great location and lovely hotel, but disappointing poolside policy

We recently stayed at this hotel and overall had a very good experience. The location is excellent — close to everything we needed — and the hotel itself is clean, stylish, and well-maintained. The staff were also very friendly and helpful throughout our stay.

However, we did have one disappointing encounter. While relaxing by the pool, we were eating our own chips when a staff member told us that outside food is not allowed. I asked if they sold chips themselves, and the answer was no. Strangely, he then suggested putting my chips into one of their containers and charging it as if it were fries. I told him I’d rather not eat them at all in that case.

After speaking to someone else and checking with the manager, they eventually allowed me to eat my own chips. While I appreciated that the issue was resolved, the situation felt unnecessarily complicated and a bit absurd.

That said, this was the only real negative during our stay. If the hotel clarified or relaxed its poolside food policy — especially when no alternatives are offered — it would definitely improve the guest experience.