There’s a few unspoken rules when it comes to travelling: keep your socks on during a flight, tip your tour guide, try to learn a few local phrases, take your rubbish with you… But what is it about a hotel breakfast where basic etiquette goes straight out the window? Yes, we’re talking about wearing your pyjamas down to the hotel breakfast.

Look, we get it. You probably keep your pyjamas on when you’re eating breakfast at home but there’s something about seeing a grown adult’s comfies surrounded by strangers while you’re lining up for the omelette bar that is incredibly off putting.

Picture this. You’ve spent the better part of a year selecting a city, reading reviews, watching TikToks, booking the best hotels your budget allows and when you finally get to your destination, there’s nothing more you want to do than to relax and explore your new surroundings.

So when room 403 rolls straight out of bed complete with the hotel slippers and bed head to match, we can’t help but wish they put in a little bit of effort into their appearance for the sake of the other guests. 

How do you define pyjamas?

We totally understand everyone’s definition of what constitutes ‘pyjamas’ could be different, though surely most travellers can come to an agreement on what a typical set of PJs are. While athleisure could pass as acceptable attire, we’re not keen on seeing your 14-year-old flannelette bottoms or that old scrappy band t shirt with a few questionable holes while we’re being asked if we want sugar in our coffee. 

However, it is important to note it may be customary to wear pyjamas throughout a hotel including the on-site restaurant – think traditional Japanese Yukata robes. In which case it is definitely ok to wear these and often highly encouraged as it plays an important part in experiencing the country’s traditions. 

Well, can I wear my PJs or not?

We know we’re not the only ones debating the topic. Internet forums and social media will have some travellers claiming it’s unacceptable and tacky, while others couldn’t care less as long as the offender doesn’t smell. Here’s what people are saying about it:

For:

• It’s not hurting anyone so it shouldn’t matter
• People have paid money to stay at the hotel so they have a right to wear what they like
• As long as the pyjamas are clean, it’s fine

Against:

• It’s disrespectful to other travellers and hotel staff
• It’s lazy and plain rude
• It could make others feel uncomfortable

To PJ or not: the final verdict

To conclude, you never know what someone may be going through. Maybe they’re down to their last pair of clean clothes. Maybe this is their first time at a hotel breakfast and they aren’t familiar with the etiquette. Or maybe wearing nightgowns is considered the new height of fashion.

So, is it ever ok to wear your pyjamas to a hotel breakfast? Look, at the end of the day it’s all about what you feel comfortable doing. But just know there may or may not be a few silent eyes judging you from afar. Proceed with caution!

Related article: This is why you should always skip the hotel breakfast