Half of Americans Make Excuses to Cut Holiday Family Visits Short, According to New Hilton Survey

Hilton invites travelers to make the holiday season feel more like a holiday — with up to 25% off

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.

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Photo: Hilton

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 surveyed cite 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.

Hilton Makes the Holidays Feel Like a Holiday

To help travelers reclaim their rest and sanity, Hilton is giving consumers one more reason to book the stay that feels like a holiday: The Hilton Sale, available for bookings now through Dec. 15 for stays between Nov. 12 and April 6, 2026. Guests can enjoy up to 25% off stays at participating Hilton properties across its portfolio of world-class brands. To learn more about The Hilton Sale or to book a stay, visit www.hilton.com/sale.

Skip the Holiday Hustle and Get Away to a Hilton Resort

For those looking to trade matching pajamas for palm trees, Hilton resorts offer the perfect way to turn “home for the holidays” into “holiday from home.” Travelers looking to relax, recharge and rediscover the joy of travel have their choice of premier properties like:

Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

Nestled along a secluded stretch of the Dominican Republic’s coastline, this new all-inclusive resort blends Caribbean charm with modern indulgence, from oceanfront infinity pools to a full-service spa inspired by the island’s natural healing traditions.

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique

Redefining luxury in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, this iconic new resort offers panoramic Pacific views, world-class dining, a signature spa and private villas among lush tropical cliffsides.

Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort

This natural sanctuary is situated directly on the white sand and clear waters of a pristine and secluded bay that feels like a private beach. Guests can unwind with ocean-view suites, 13 dining options, multiple pools and access to a holistic spa.

Conrad Punta de Mita

Modern Mexican design meets barefoot luxury on the Riviera Nayarit. From artisanal mezcal tastings and the rejuvenating Conrad Spa to surf lessons and sunrise yoga, this resort celebrates the spirit and culture of coastal Mexico.

Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort

Family-friendly fun effortlessly connects guests to nature and culture at this vibrant Cancun retreat, offering a diverse culinary scene, oceanfront pools and curated activities and entertainment that make every stay feel like a celebration.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Spanning 22 acres along Waikiki’s widest stretch of beach, this resort is a tropical playground featuring five sparkling pools, nightly entertainment, and the timeless aloha spirit that has welcomed generations of travelers.

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 25 world-class brands comprising 9,000 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 141 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. 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 more than 235 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, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

Terms & Conditions

Offer subject to availability at participating hotels in the Hilton portfolio for stays booked between November 5, 2025 through December 15, 2025. Stays are to be completed between November 12, 2025 through April 6, 2026. For Fly to Resorts, Stays are to be completed between November 12, 2025 through September 7, 2026. Offer is subject to offer details herein and the selected hotels booking terms and conditions. Offer requires a minimum of seven (7) day advance reservation for participating hotels. Offer discount is up to 20% off the Best Available Rate (“BAR”) or Flexible Rate for Full Service, Luxury, and Lifestyle Brand hotels. Offer discount is up to 25% off the Best Available Rate (“BAR”) or Flexible Rate for Focus Service, Suites, and Extended Stay Hotels. BAR rate is a specific rate type that varies depending on the hotel brand, time of purchase, is unrestricted, non-qualified and excludes discount or negotiated rates. Bookings require a twenty-one (21) day cancellation from the time of booking. Bookings not cancelled within the twenty-one (21) day timeframe are subject to cancellation fee of 100% of the first night stay. Price quoted applies to exact date(s)/nights/stay booked. Early departure fees may apply and vary by hotel. Unless otherwise stated, quoted rates are per room per night, based on single/double occupancy and do not include taxes, gratuities, incidental charges and any mandatory or resort fees (if applicable). Additional restrictions and blackout dates may apply and vary by hotel. Please check with your hotel at the time of booking to determine if any additional conditions apply as restrictions vary by hotel. Rates will vary based on individual hotels and specific travel dates selected. Participating hotels are subject to change without notice. This offer is not applicable to existing reservations or group bookings, and may not be combined with other select promotions, discounts or offers. Offer components are non-transferrable or redeemable for cash and cannot be used during future stays. We reserve the right to cancel a reservation without notice if we become aware of or are notified of any fraudulent or illegal activity associated with the payment for this reservation. Extensions will require a new reservation for the additional date(s), subject to availability and prevailing rates, and this rate shall not apply.

To book by phone within the U.S. or Canada, please call +1-800 HONORS (445-8667) or view Global Reservation phone numbers and request the rate. Hilton Honors™ membership, including earning of Points and redemption of Points, are subject to Hilton Honors Terms and Conditions, available at http://hiltonhonors.com/terms.

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