If you see someone loading up their pockets with buffet breakfast items, you can bet they’re not used to the luxury hotel experience.

If you notice someone taking a dozen selfies in the lobby, they’re likely new to the five-star scene.

That’s the surface level of luxury hotel etiquette mishaps.

But, as with everything, there’s more beneath the surface.

There’s a certain complexity and nuance that comes with understanding the different behaviors people exhibit when they’re out of their comfort zones.

I’ve been observing this for a while now and I’ve noted 8 cringey things that lower-middle-class people commonly do at luxury hotels.

Not because I want to mock or judge, far from it. I simply want to shed light on these human quirks and hopefully provide some perspective – and maybe a few chuckles along the way.

While we all have our individual quirks, it’s these shared human experiences that truly connect us. Even if those experiences involve smuggling tiny shampoo bottles in our suitcases.

1) Overindulging at the buffet

We’ve all been there. The sight of a free, lavish buffet can make anyone’s eyes light up.

But for someone from the lower-middle-class staying at a luxury hotel, this is like hitting the jackpot. They’ll pile their plates high, savoring every bite as if it’s their last meal.

It’s not just about the food, though. It’s about getting their money’s worth – a mindset that’s deeply ingrained in them due to their financial circumstances.

The irony is, of course, that luxury isn’t about quantity, but quality.

However, this is a lesson most people learn only after they’ve had their fill and are sitting uncomfortably bloated in their posh hotel room.

It’s cringey to watch, sure, but also a bit endearing in its innocence. After all, who among us hasn’t been thrilled at the idea of a free feast?

2) The souvenir frenzy

I remember my first stay at a swanky hotel. I was so enamored by the opulence surrounding me that I wanted to take home a piece of it – quite literally.

From the branded stationery in the room to the tiny bottles of fancy shampoo, everything felt too good to leave behind.

So, I started stashing souvenirs in my bag. I even asked the housekeeping staff for extra toiletries each day, just so I could take more home.

Looking back, it was quite cringey. But at that moment, I felt like a child in a candy shop, wanting to take a little bit of everything.

Lower-middle-class folks tend to do this often at luxury hotels.

It’s like they’re trying to stretch the experience, make it last longer than their stay. They don’t realize that these actions can come off as tacky or cheap.

But in reality, it’s just an innocent attempt to savor a luxurious experience they’re not accustomed to.

3) Overuse of hotel facilities

For many lower-middle-class people, luxury hotels are a wonderland of amenities they’ve never had access to before.

From the well-equipped gym to the sparkling pool and the plush spa, every facility seems like an invitation to indulge.

And indulge, they do – often to the point of overuse.

It’s not uncommon to see them spending hours at the gym or booking back-to-back spa appointments, trying to squeeze every last drop of luxury from their stay.

This behavior stems from a desire to make the most out of an opportunity that might not come again soon.

For someone who’s used to budget accommodations, a luxury hotel is an experience, not just a place to sleep.

While it might seem cringey to onlookers, it’s worth remembering that luxury means different things to different people.

For some, it might be about enjoying a serene ambiance and personalized service.

But for others, it’s about using every facility available because, in their regular lives, such opportunities are rare.

4) Excessive photography

In the age of social media, who doesn’t love a good photo? But when you’re from the lower-middle-class and you suddenly find yourself in the grandeur of a luxury hotel, that love for photography can go into overdrive.

Suddenly, every corner of the hotel becomes a backdrop for a photo shoot. The ornate lobby, the chic bar, the lush gardens, even the bathroom – everything is worth capturing.

These folks will take countless selfies and groupies, often oblivious to the amused or annoyed glances from other guests.

They’re not trying to show off; they’re simply excited and want to share their joy with their friends and family.

As cringey as it might seem to some, it’s a sweet reminder of how simple pleasures can bring us so much joy. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to flaunt a little when surrounded by such opulence?

5) Overdressing for breakfast

Now this one, I’ve seen quite a few times. You walk into the breakfast area and there’s always that one family or couple who are dressed to the nines.

I’m talking glittery dresses, fancy suits, complete with polished shoes and perfect hairdos – all before 9 am.

I always chuckle a little when I see this because it’s clear they’re not accustomed to luxury hotels. They see it as a grand event, something that requires their best outfits and manners.

For them, every moment in the hotel is a special occasion worth dressing up for. It’s their way of fitting into an environment they perceive as classy and elite.

Yes, it can be cringey to watch. But I also find it oddly charming.

It’s a testament to their enthusiasm and respect for the experience they’re having – even if it does mean wearing a sequin gown to grab a croissant.

6) Tipping too much

Many people from the lower-middle-class, when stepping into the world of luxury hotels, feel a little out of place. To compensate, they sometimes resort to an unexpected behavior – over tipping.

You’d think it would be the other way around, with the rich guests leaving hefty tips.

But more often than not, it’s the less affluent who feel the need to give more, perhaps as a show of gratitude or as an attempt to fit in with their wealthier counterparts.

This behavior can lead to some awkward moments and puzzled looks from hotel staff. While tipping is appreciated, overtipping can come off as trying too hard or even as patronizing.

While it may seem cringey, it’s rooted in a deep sense of appreciation for the service they’re receiving.

After all, a luxury hotel experience is about more than just grandeur – it’s about the people who make that grandeur possible.

7) Getting starry-eyed over celebrities

Luxury hotels are often frequented by celebrities, and for someone from the lower-middle-class, bumping into a famous person can be quite a big deal.

They might gawk, gasp, or even try to approach the celebrity for autographs or selfies. It’s exciting for them, a chance to tell a great story when they get back home.

While it might be amusing or even annoying for the celebrity in question and other hotel guests, it’s important to remember that these reactions stem from genuine excitement and awe.

Yes, it’s a bit cringey. But isn’t starstruck behavior something most of us can relate to, at least a little bit?

After all, celebrities are a big part of our culture and running into one in person can be quite thrilling.

8) Trying to act rich

The most cringey thing that lower-middle-class people tend to do at luxury hotels is trying to act rich.

They might flaunt their wealth, name-drop famous people they don’t really know, or make a show of ordering the most expensive items on the menu.

They’re not trying to fool anyone; it’s more about convincing themselves that they belong in this world of opulence.

While it can make other guests uncomfortable, it’s a behavior rooted in insecurity and the pressure to fit into a world that’s far removed from their own.

Understanding this can help us look beyond the cringe factor and empathize with their struggle, reminding us that everyone has their own way of navigating unfamiliar situations.

Embracing the cringey and the human

If you’ve made it this far, you might be seeing these so-called ‘cringey’ behaviors in a new light.

Because these behaviors aren’t just about a lack of etiquette, or an attempt to fit into an unfamiliar world.

They’re about the joy of experiencing something new, the thrill of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and the desire to make the most out of every opportunity.

Sure, it’s easy to laugh at someone who overdresses for breakfast or gets starry-eyed over celebrities.

But isn’t there something refreshingly human about their enthusiasm, their awe, and their innocent gaffes?

So next time you see someone from the lower-middle-class doing something cringey at a luxury hotel, remember: they’re not just hotel guests making a faux pas.

They’re human beings navigating an unfamiliar experience in their own unique way.

And really, isn’t that what travel is all about? Stepping into unfamiliar environments, making mistakes, laughing at ourselves, and growing through those experiences.

After all, we’re all a little cringey sometimes – and that’s perfectly okay.