Survey Reveals Waffles Are The Heart Of Vacation Breakfast — And The Nations Tastiest Debate

For many Americans, waffles arent just a breakfast choice, theyre a full-blown vacation ritual.

A new survey commissioned by Choice Hotels International finds that 74% of U.S. travelers say a relaxing breakfast is essential to a great vacation, with 66% calling it one of their favorite family travel memories.

The nationwide survey, conducted in celebration of National Waffle Day on Aug. 24, reveals that while only 18% of respondents typically sit down for breakfast during the workweek, that figure jumps to 63% when theyre on vacation. And when it comes to travel breakfasts, waffles reign supreme. The research shows that 57% of travelers associate waffles with cozy, relaxing mornings, and more than three in four (78%) say sharing food is their favorite way to connect with others.

Comfort Hotels, Choice Hotels’ flagship brand, has long made waffles a central part of the travel experience, serving more than 30 million waffles annually at its properties.

“Waffles aren’t just something we serve, they’re a symbol of Comfort, connection and the joy of travel,” said Noha Abdalla, Chief Marketing Officer, Choice Hotels International. “We know breakfast, especially waffles, is part of the emotional foundation of a hotel stay. Whether you’re Team Crispy or Team Fluffy, we’re proud to deliver the perfect start to the day for all our guests – one waffle at a time.”

But the love of waffles comes with its own set of breakfast debates. When it comes to texture, 41% of respondents say crispiness is a make-or-break factor, while others favor a softer, fluffier bite. As for toppings, tradition wins out: 74% remain loyal to the classic butter-and-syrup combination. And while mini-sized items may be trendy across other industries, waffles are the exception — 67% of respondents prefer full-size over mini versions.

To celebrate National Waffle Day, Comfort Hotels is offering a variety of waffle-centric promotions. From Aug. 21 through Aug. 25, guests can enter a nationwide sweepstakes by tagging a friend on the brands pinned Instagram post and signing up for Choice Privileges. Ten winners will receive a one-night stay at a participating Comfort or select Choice Hotel.