Most divisive holiday debates revealed – from whether to pinch from the breakfast buffet if you should unpack
The most divisive holiday debates have been revealed – including whether to pinch from the breakfast buffet and whether you unpack or not.
The research of 2,000 people who holiday abroad revealed 44 per cent are happy to snag some pastries from the buffet to enjoy later.
But 46 per cent wouldn’t dare pop a few nibbles in their bag before heading out for the day.
While 64 per cent will untuck their sheets around the entire bed before getting into bed, 25 per cent will leave the linen squeezed between the mattress and bedframe, keeping the sheets tightly tucked.
And 67 per cent think you should always unpack after checking into their accommodation, but 27 per cent are happy to live out of their suitcases.
The research was commissioned by Graduate by Hilton, a collection of hotels in university towns, which recently joined the Hilton portfolio.
The hospitality company also hosted The Great Travel Debate between Cambridge alumnus Simon Bird and fellow comedian Jessica Knappett over what makes a good hotel stay.
The Inbetweeners star, Simon Bird said: “It was great fun to be back in Cambridge for a fiery and full-throated debate with my good friend Jess Knappett.
“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.”
It also emerged 48 per cent reckon hotel guests should stay silent when around other guests, such as when taking the lift in a hotel, but 27 per cent argue it’s polite to make small talk with others.
And another piece of hotel breakfast etiquette is narrowly splitting those polled – with 38 per cent happy to fiddle with the toast settings on the conveyor belt.
But 27 per cent are adamant this shouldn’t be touched.
Comedian Jessica Knappett added: “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 research, commissioned via OnePoll, also found 22 per cent have ‘spirited’ debates over the right way to travel.
With 52 per cent making compromises while on holiday, and 47 per cent conceding up to six concessions during a one week-long getaway.
But when it comes to enjoying their accommodation, 21 per cent won’t compromise on bringing their own pillows to a hotel.
And 18 per cent will proudly walk around the facilities in their fluffy robes.
Kevin Osterhau, president, lifestyle brands at Hilton, said: “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.”
THE MOST DIVISIVE TRAVEL TOPICS
1. If you should take food from the breakfast buffet (44 per cent) or not take anything (46 per cent)
2. Making polite conversation with other hotel guests (27 per cent), or stand in silence (48 per cent)
3. If changing toast settings on the conveyor belt is acceptable (38 per cent) or not (27 per cent)
4. Whether you immediately unpack a bag (67 per cent) or live out of the suitcase (27 per cent)
5. Keeping the bed sheets tucked in tight (25 per cent) or having them loose (64 per cent)
6. If leaving the hotel room wearing a dressing gown is acceptable (18 per cent) or not (63 per cent)
7. Whether you prefer to set an alarm (50 per cent) or not (32 per cent)