Noisy neighbours - the hotel extra you can live without

In a survey released today by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine noisy neighbours are most to blame for good getaways going bad. 28% of the 500 people surveyed said that noisy neighbours were their biggest bug-bear, followed by tired and shabby décor (21%), hair in the sink (19%), noise from the street (6%) and not being able to open the bedroom window (5%).

In the poll designed to unveil what makes and breaks a hotel getaway, 29% of travellers claimed that their stay at a hotel had been ruined because their room stank of stale cigarette smoke. Filthy bathrooms (12%), dirty bed linen (12%), rooms not being ready (9%) were other reasons stated. Most worryingly, 8% claimed to have had an unwelcome visit during a stay from rodents or insects.

The survey was conducted to mark the annual release of The Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s prestigious ‘The World’s 100 Best Places To Stay.’ Holiday makers further revealed that a big comfy bed is what makes their stay in a hotel most enjoyable (38%), followed by spacious accommodation (16%) and modern décor (11%).

Luxurious big rooms (33%) were the most popular reason given for returning to a hotel time and again, followed by location and views (24%) and friendly staff (22%).

Katie Bowman, travel expert from The Sunday Times Travel Magazine comments; “We visit a hotel to rest, refresh and recuperate. You could be in the most beautiful hotel in the world, but with noisy neighbours and an uncomfortable bed, hotel heaven can fast become hotel hell.”

14 hotels in the UK made it into The Sunday Times Travel Magazine “The World’s Best Places To Stay” article:

Under the 10 Best Budget Busters category:
The Langham in London

Under the 10 Best Romantic Retreats category:
Endsleigh in Devon
North Lees Hall, Hathersage, Derbyshire
Skibo Castle, Scottish Highlands

Under the 10 Best Gourmet Greats category:
Plas Bodegroes, Llyn Peninsula, Wales
Hambleton Hall, Rutland
Gidleigh Park, Devon
Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye

Under the 10 Best Sandy Beaches category:
Burgh Island Hotel, Devon

Under the 10 Best One-off Wonders category:
VW Campervans, Bristol

Under 10 Best Pools for Posing category:
Babington House, Somerset

Under the 10 Best Family Fames category:
Feather Down Farm, Hampshire

Under the 10 Best Bargain Beds category:
Hartington Hall Youth Hostel, Derbyshire
The Bull Hotel, Bridport, Dorset

The Sunday Times Travel Magazine is a monthly glossy travel and lifestyle magazine looking at all aspects of holiday and foreign travel. The title is a stand alone publication available at newsstands and priced at £3.40.