2 days Ago By [email protected] (Lauren Edwards)
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 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." A recent survey 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. 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 study, commissioned through 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. Kevin Osterhau, 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." THE MOST DIVISIVE TRAVEL TOPICS If you should take food from the breakfast buffet (44%) or not take anything (46%) Making polite conversation with other hotel guests (27%), or stand in silence (48%) If changing toast settings on the conveyor belt is acceptable (38%) or not (27%) Whether you immediately unpack a bag (67%) or live out of the suitcase (27%) Keeping the bed sheets tucked in tight (25%) or having them loose (64%) If leaving the hotel room wearing a dressing gown is acceptable (18%) or not (63%) Whether to set an alarm (50%) or not (32%).
