- New research by Hilton shows 53% of holiday travelers have made excuses to cut stays with relatives short
- According to the Hilton research, 63% of holiday hosts say it is exhausting and 46% admit they would enjoy the season more if guests stayed somewhere else
MCLEAN, Va. – Americans may go home for the holidays, but too much togetherness takes a toll. New data from Hilton (NYSE: HLT) shows more than half of those who stay with relatives during the holidays make excuses to shorten their visit.
Hilton, in partnership with Morning Consult, surveyed 2,200 adults and found that 15% of Americans plan to stay overnight with family over the holiday season. The research uncovered the relatable frustrations during the most wonderful time of the year:
- 36% of holiday guests say they sleep somewhere other than a bed, from couches to air mattresses to the floor when staying with relatives.
- 32% report sleeping worse than usual when staying with relatives.
- 38% say they need time alone within just 24 hours of arriving.
- 25% say they eat what is served for breakfast, even if they don’t like it.
- Imposed bedtimes (44%), matching outfits (43%), and mandatory group activities (39%) top the list of frustrating holiday traditions when visiting family.
- 53% of people say they’ve made excuses to shorten their stay with relatives during the holidays.
Those surveyedcite dedicated beds, private bathrooms and personal space as the comforts they crave most when traveling for the holidays. But it’s not just the traveler who feels the stress – having loved ones staying over leaves 63% of holiday hosts exhausted and almost half (46%) say they would enjoy the season more if guests stayed somewhere else.
Survey Methodology
The survey was fielded by Morning Consult on Nov. 4–5, 2025, among a national sample of 2,201 U.S. adults. The primary survey content was shown only to respondents who typically stay overnight at relatives’ houses during the holidays (n=333) or host relatives overnight in their homes (n=373). Data were weighted to approximate a target sample of U.S. adults based on gender, age, race, educational attainment, and region. The margin of error is +/- 2% for U.S. adults, +/- 5% for guests, and +/- 5% for hosts.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 7,600 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 190 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Rachel Kenon
Brand Public Relations, Hilton Garden Inn
+1 703 883 5333
Hilton
