Booking beach clubs properly: loungers, minimum spend, timing

Beach clubs from Nikki Beach to Purobeach work on the same system: loungers and beds are reserved, a minimum spend applies to them, the rest is open. Know the system and you have a good day; ignore it and you get an expensive surprise.

Lounger, bed, table

A lounger in the second row costs 30 to 80 euros minimum spend, a Balinese bed for two to four people 150 to 400 euros, more in high season. The minimum spend is not an entry fee but an amount you turn into food and drink. If you eat and drink anyway, you pay nothing extra.

Without a lounger

The bar is accessible almost everywhere without minimum spend. If you only want the sunset and two drinks, come from 6 pm, stand at the bar or take a high table and have the same view as the beds.

Timing

Beach clubs open at 11 am, are quiet until 3 pm, fill up in the afternoon and peak between 5 pm and sunset. Reserve a lounger for the whole day and you are tired by 5 pm. Better: lunch and afternoon, or sunset and evening.

Events

Champagne parties, white parties, opening and closing: on event days other prices apply, often entry plus minimum spend, and reservations are gone weeks in advance. If you want the normal beach club, avoid event days; if you want the party, book early.

Dress code and etiquette

White and light, swimwear only by the pool, a dress or shirt in the evening. Towels are provided, sunscreen is not. Tip ten percent, cards everywhere, cash for the car park.

The alternative

Beach bars without minimum spend: Strandperle in Hamburg, Monkey's Island in Düsseldorf, Frau Gerolds Garten in Zurich, Nassau on Mallorca in the afternoon. Less champagne, more sand.