The age-old debates that divide holidaymakers have been laid bare - from whether it's acceptable to sneak food from the breakfast buffet to the great unpacking dilemma. A survey of 2,000 people who holiday abroad found that 44% have no qualms about pocketing pastries from the buffet to enjoy later, while 46% would never dream of taking a few nibbles for the road.
When it comes to bedtime, 64% take the time to untuck the sheets around the entire bed, while 25% leave the linen squeezed between the mattress and bedframe. The research, commissioned by Graduate by Hilton, also revealed that 67% believe unpacking is a must after checking in, but 27% are happy to live out of their suitcases.
The Great Travel Debate: Unpacking, Robes & Breakfast Buffet Etiquette
The hospitality company hosted The Great Travel Debate, featuring Cambridge alumnus Simon Bird and comedian Jessica Knappett, to discuss what makes a good hotel stay. Simon Bird, star of The Inbetweeners, said: "It was great fun to be back in Cambridge for a fiery and full-throated debate with my good friend Jess Knappett."
He continued: "I was delighted to learn that the majority of Brits follow my lead and unpack on arrival. 'Chaos is the law of nature, order is the dream of man' - that's my motto."
"I look forward to hearing where the country stands on other travel-related hot potatoes. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion of course. Unless they disagree with me, in which case they could not be more wrong."
The study also revealed that 48% of people believe hotel guests should keep quiet when around others, such as in a lift, while 27% think it's polite to engage in small talk. The question of whether or not to adjust the toast settings at the breakfast buffet has also divided opinion, with 38% saying they're happy to do so, but 27% insisting it's off-limits.
Jessica Knappett's Take on Hotel Etiquette
Comedian Jessica Knappett chimed in on the debate, saying: "I found it very interesting that Simon and I had such different views when it comes to hotel stays, I had no idea after all these years being friends."
"I just don't see the need in unpacking my bag, and I'll always be the one walking around in a robe, wherever I go. Whether it's breakfast or a nightcap at the bar, I'm bringing that slice of fluffy heaven with me everywhere."
The Debate on Robe Etiquette
The debate over robe etiquette brought about the most surprising result. While 63% believe it's unacceptable to leave a hotel room wearing a dressing gown, a surprising 18% believe it's perfectly fine. This suggests that there's a growing movement toward greater comfort and relaxation even when out and about in the hotel.
Graduate by Hilton's Take on the Great Travel Debates
Kevin Osterhaus, president of lifestyle brands at Hilton, weighed in on the discussion, stating: "I am Team Simon on this debate (sorry Jessica!). Partnering with Simon and Jessica to settle The Great Travel Debates has been a fantastic way to welcome Graduate into our family, especially given the legendary debate culture at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge."
"Regardless of your travel preferences, our hotel taps into those storied traditions that make these universities and their communities so special. For guests, it can be more than a place to rest your head, but a way to immerse yourself in nostalgia and collegiate spirit."
Graduate by Hilton is a 'globally established brand' with 34 hotels routed in university towns. The two UK properties are set in Oxford and Cambridge. The survey was conducted by One Poll with 2,000 UK adults. The survey took place August 8-14, 2024, on behalf of Graduate by Hilton.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also discovered that 22% have heated discussions over the correct way to travel. With 52% making compromises while on holiday, and 47% giving in to up to six concessions during a week-long trip. However, when it comes to their accommodation, 21% won't budge on bringing their own pillows to a hotel and 18% are more than happy to strut around the hotel in their fluffy robes.
