Unscientific research on Anti-Americanism in Europe

[Anonymous]

When we use a US ID checking in at hotels, most people are less friendly or accommodating. When my partner uses an EU ID, they are far nicer. It’s almost jarring how quickly the attitude changes. This is especially true in Northern Europe. We’ve tested it out because we’re traveling in Europe all summer and we have a good sample at this point.

Do you think it’s because Americans are perceived as more demanding or entitled? Have you see or experienced behavior that would explain the disparity?

[Anonymous]

Americans are absolutely more demanding and entitled. We are used to being accommodated in American hotels and restaurants, and when we travel to Europe where conditions are sometimes less than ideal (unless five star), some people can get surly. Europeans are used to having things imperfect. Americans, especially younger ones, now expect everything to be just as they want it.

[Anonymous]

Hmm. I’d say it’s older Americans who have a reputation for being entitled. And very loud.

[Anonymous]

You need an ID to check into a hotel?

[Anonymous]

It’s because of all the US meddling, especially now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need an ID to check into a hotel?

Travel much?

[Anonymous]

I think this is Confirmation Bias. We have presented American passports at six hotels during the last two weeks (in Northern Europe) and all of the staff were extremely friendly, as have been museum and restaurant staff. The only people who seem to uniquely hate tourists of any nation are the cyclists in Amsterdam.

[Anonymous]

Yes. Very unscientific. Because here's mine from spending four weeks in Europe, spanning the UK, Netherlands and southern Italy, both work and pleasure. Everywhere I stayed, people were perfectly courteous and professional.

Some posters have a vested interest in wanting to make Americans look bad overseas. But if they actually travelled, they'd know the typical American tourist is far from being the "worst" or most demanding foreign national. Far, far from it. And there is also no shortage of demanding, entitled, difficult visitors from within Europe itself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hmm. I’d say it’s older Americans who have a reputation for being entitled. And very loud.

Not in my observation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. Very unscientific. Because here's mine from spending four weeks in Europe, spanning the UK, Netherlands and southern Italy, both work and pleasure. Everywhere I stayed, people were perfectly courteous and professional.

Some posters have a vested interest in wanting to make Americans look bad overseas. But if they actually travelled, they'd know the typical American tourist is far from being the "worst" or most demanding foreign national. Far, far from it. And there is also no shortage of demanding, entitled, difficult visitors from within Europe itself.

Maybe you think you were treated well….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is Confirmation Bias. We have presented American passports at six hotels during the last two weeks (in Northern Europe) and all of the staff were extremely friendly, as have been museum and restaurant staff. The only people who seem to uniquely hate tourists of any nation are the cyclists in Amsterdam.

Agreed- have never been treated poorly. Also,stay out of the bike lanes and cyclists won't have an issue with you. Although it is hard to get used to looking both ways even before you cross a car lane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s because of all the US meddling, especially now.

Nope
People have been pretending to be Canadian since the 70s

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this is Confirmation Bias. We have presented American passports at six hotels during the last two weeks (in Northern Europe) and all of the staff were extremely friendly, as have been museum and restaurant staff. The only people who seem to uniquely hate tourists of any nation are the cyclists in Amsterdam.

Agreed- have never been treated poorly. Also,stay out of the bike lanes and cyclists won't have an issue with you. Although it is hard to get used to looking both ways even before you cross a car lane.

Maybe they are being “fake nice” to get your American tips!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Americans are absolutely more demanding and entitled. We are used to being accommodated in American hotels and restaurants, and when we travel to Europe where conditions are sometimes less than ideal (unless five star), some people can get surly. Europeans are used to having things imperfect. Americans, especially younger ones, now expect everything to be just as they want it.

This is a way of saying the rest of the world sucks. It does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Americans are absolutely more demanding and entitled. We are used to being accommodated in American hotels and restaurants, and when we travel to Europe where conditions are sometimes less than ideal (unless five star), some people can get surly. Europeans are used to having things imperfect. Americans, especially younger ones, now expect everything to be just as they want it.

This is a way of saying the rest of the world sucks. It does.

Wow, case in point right here!