Playing by rules

A recent etiquette incident at a five-star hotel highlights how rules work in luxury spaces

- Sapna Sarfare

No matter who you are, people judge your manners, especially in places where good behaviour is expected.

Recently, YourStory founder Shraddha Sharma shared a video about being criticised for how she sat and for wearing Kolhapuri chappals at a restaurant in Taj Mahal, Delhi. Her post sparked debate online and raised questions about the rules at five-star hotels.

The situation

Varun Arora, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, EkoStay, feels the incident highlights a clash between two worlds - ‘tradition-bound fine dining etiquette and the more relaxed, expressive way we now live and travel. “It was simply a misunderstanding of intent. Shradha’s reaction came from a place of emotion, and I can understand that. At the end of the day, hospitality should be about making guests feel comfortable, not conscious.”

Dr Taylor Elizabeth, Emotional Intelligence and Etiquette Coach, Founder and CEO of The Elegance Advisor, too considers the situation to be more of a cultural misstep. “Fine-dining spaces are built on standards and ambience, but those standards should never come at the cost of someone's dignity or cultural identity. Sitting cross-legged or wearing traditional footwear is simply a part of how many express comfort and culture. The real essence of etiquette is respect for people, context, and diversity. Such incidents are a reminder for the hospitality industry to contemplate on how they can stay graceful without losing touch with the authenticity and diversity of modern India.”