Holidaying Brits spend ‘majority’ of time in their hotel

British travellers spend the majority of their time on holiday in bed, nursing hangovers, watching TV, getting ready and surfing social networking sites, a new survey claims.

While more than three quarters of 1,000 respondents choose their hotel on the basis they will spend a minimal amount of time in the accommodation, the reality is much different, with Brits spending more than half of a week’s holiday inside the hotel or their hotel room.

While most Brits spend on average eight hours in bed, holidays see this increase to ten hours, the research by lastminute.com shows. 

More than two thirds (68%) of people surveyed admitted swapping their sun lounger for lying in longer and 45% spent more time sleeping off a hangover. 

Afternoon siestas, amorous couples having more sex and soothing sunburn in the shade all mean more time spent indoors.

Holidays are an opportunity to switch off, but an increasing amount of Brits are still switching on. 

More than three quarters (77%) admitted to spending up to an hour a day logging on to popular social networking sites in a bid to keep up with news at home. Time is also spent Instant Messaging friends and checking work emails. 

Almost half ( 46%) of respondents confessed to spending on average an hour a day flicking through the film channels in their room or catching classic TV re-runs in the hotel lounge. 

Sixty three per cent of women spend more time in front of the bathroom mirror when on holiday ensuring they look their best before heading out. 

Men spend less time getting ready, but can be found propping up the hotel bar instead.   

Almost half (48%) said they would spend approximately an hour at the hotel bar before heading out and half an hour enjoying a night cap before bed.   

Breakfast and lunch are commonly consumed within the hotel with 55% of respondents opting to eat inside but choosing to eat their evening meal locally.  Of those 55%, three quarters said they would spend a leisurely hour enjoying their meal times.

Lastminute.com managing director John Bevan said:  “It is a common myth that when going on holiday you spend very little time in your room or inside the hotel.  Our findings however reveal that this most definitely not the case. 

“It is important when booking your holiday to not view your hotel as just a place where you rest your head.  Our advice is to choose wisely as you spend much more time on holiday indoors than you may think.”

By : Phil Davies