A poll of 2,000 Brits has revealed that 83% rigidly stick to a set morning routine, though their approaches vary widely. The research, commissioned by Holiday Inn Express by IHG Hotels & Resorts, uncovered key habits such as showering preferences, beverage choices, and phone usage.
Morning Showers and Snooze Habits
More than four in 10 (42%) prefer to shower in the morning, while 23% opt for a nighttime rinse; the rest have no preference or do both. Additionally, 34% get up immediately at their first alarm, while 26% hit ‘snooze’ once or twice before rising.
Beverage Preferences and Phone Usage
Coffee is the preferred morning ‘fuel’ of choice (36%) over tea (32%). Almost half (47%) check their phone within five minutes of waking up, with only 3% resisting checking their device altogether.
The Toothbrushing Debate
One unresolved debate is whether to clean teeth before or after breakfast. Almost half (45%) do so before, and the same number (45%) do so after, while 10% have no particular stance.
Night-Time Habits Impact Mornings
Almost two-thirds (65%) said their night-time habits directly affect how they feel the next morning, with 49% struggling to sleep unless they're on their preferred side of the bed. Peace and quiet, a cool room, and a duvet topped the list of bedtime essentials. Nearly half (45%) sleep with just one pillow, while 43% favour a more elaborate three-pillow set-up.
Comedian Rob Beckett Weighs In
Holiday Inn Express teamed up with comedian Rob Beckett, who launched The Great Wake-up Debate. Beckett said: "People will argue about absolutely anything, but morning routines are right up there with the best of them. You’ve got the annoyingly cheerful lot who are up, showered and chatting away before 7am — and then the rest of us, who need a bit of peace before we’re feeling properly human. What surprised me most is how seriously people take it — tea or coffee can divide a room faster than you can make either."
Hotel Preferences and Breakfast
Almost a third (32%) of those polled, via OnePoll.com, said breakfast is the best part of a hotel stay. While 20% will book a hotel room without a second thought if they know there is a comfy bed waiting. John Wright, VP Mainstream Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "The Great Wake Up Debate proves that everyone has their own morning habits and rituals. But what unites us is wanting to start the day feeling our best. That's why we focus on the essentials that matter most to our guests – comfortable beds with a choice of pillows, blackout curtains, bedside charging and our free hot breakfast. It's all about making mornings feel a little easier and helping guests wake up refreshed, recharged and ready for whatever the day brings."
