Do you wear shoes for breakfast at hotel?

I am currently staying at a hotel. I got dressed and walked to the breakfast area without shoes. The lady told me I had to leave immediately because I didn't have shoes on and nudged me out of the breakfast area. I was a little confused because as far back as I can remember I have alway walked down with bare feet and sometimes even with my pjs on.  I asked when this took effect, just because I had never known you HAD to wear shoes.  She said that this is a restaurant, would you not wear shoes in a restaurant?