Home » Hotels And Resorts In United States » Choice Hotels Celebrates National Waffle Day in the United States with Sweepstakes, NYC Pop-Up, and a Nationwide Survey Exploring Waffle Preferences and Vacation Memories: What You Need to Know
Published on
August 22, 2025
In a celebration of breakfast and travel nostalgia, Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has partnered with its flagship brand Comfort Hotels to highlight National Waffle Day this August 24th. The company is drawing attention to one of America’s most beloved breakfast dishes—the waffle. A recent nationwide survey commissioned by Choice Hotels revealed that waffles hold a special place in travelers’ hearts, not only as a breakfast staple but as a symbol of relaxation, connection, and the joy of vacations. In this tourism news feature, we explore the highlights of this year’s Waffle Day celebrations and how Choice Hotels continues to elevate the guest experience through its commitment to providing guests with warm, comforting breakfasts that help set the stage for unforgettable travel moments.
From the waffle debate of crispy versus fluffy to Choice Hotels’ role in making vacations even more memorable, this article will delve into the deep connection between waffles and travel nostalgia, the Cultural significance of breakfast in vacations, and why Choice Hotels is the go-to brand for leisure travelers.
Key Highlights from the Survey and National Waffle Day Celebration
Survey Results on Breakfast Importance: 74% of travelers agree that a relaxing breakfast is crucial for a memorable vacation.Crispy vs. Fluffy Debate: Americans are divided on whether a perfect waffle should be crispy or fluffy, with 41% leaning towards crispy.Mini vs. Full-Size Waffles: Despite the mini-sized trend in the food industry, 67% of survey participants still prefer full-sized waffles.Choice Hotels and Waffles: Choice Hotels serves over 30 million waffles annually through its Comfort Hotels properties, contributing to its reputation as a trusted travel companion.
National Waffle Day: A Celebration of More Than Just Breakfast
National Waffle Day, celebrated on August 24th, is the perfect occasion for travelers to indulge in one of the most iconic breakfast dishes. As part of its festivities, Choice Hotels has organized a range of events to engage guests and waffle lovers. The nationwide Waffle Day Sweepstakes, running from August 21-25, offers participants the chance to win a one-night stay at participating Comfort Hotels by joining the fun on Instagram. For those in New York City, the Choice Hotels’ NYC Waffle Lounge Pop-Up on August 21 promises free waffles, iced lattes, exclusive swag, and even nail art and massage chairs, creating an immersive waffle experience for all.
The Waffle Debate: What Makes the Perfect Waffle?
While the aroma of freshly baked waffles wafting through the air is universally loved by travelers, the perfect waffle remains a matter of personal taste. In the Choice Hotels’ survey, 41% of respondents indicated that crispy waffles are the ideal choice, while the remainder prefer the fluffier, softer texture. This division in preference illustrates the diverse tastes of American travelers. Interestingly, waffles as a family tradition play a major role in vacation memories, with 66% of travelers recalling breakfast moments as their favorite family travel memories.
The survey also revealed a surprising trend regarding waffle sizes. While mini-sized products are on the rise in many food categories, full-sized waffles remain the preferred choice for 67% of respondents. This shows that despite the current trend for compact and convenient food items, Americans still favor a more substantial breakfast experience when it comes to waffles.
Why Waffles Are More Than Just Food: A Symbol of Travel and Connection
Waffles have become symbolic of much more than just a tasty treat—they represent the spirit of vacation mornings and the joy of connecting with others. According to the survey, 78% of participants believe that sharing food is one of the best ways to bond with loved ones. Additionally, 57% associate waffles with cozy, relaxing mornings, a sentiment that is strongly tied to the comforting, warm atmosphere that Choice Hotels and its brands like Comfort Hotels offer.
Comfort Hotels, part of the Choice Hotels family, has been a part of these moments for decades, serving over 30 million waffles annually at its properties across the United States and beyond. As part of Choice Hotels’ commitment to making each guest’s stay memorable, waffles have become a hallmark of the Choice Hotels experience, alongside other amenities like free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and modern rooms.
Choice Hotels and the Waffle Legacy
With over 2,100 properties worldwide, Choice Hotels has built a solid reputation as a reliable, feel-good brand that provides consistent, high-quality experiences for both business and leisure travelers. For over 40 years, Choice Hotels has been part of travelers’ memories, ensuring that breakfast—especially the beloved waffle—is a central part of their stay.
The Choice Hotels brand’s free, hot breakfast offerings have played a key role in making guests feel at home, whether they’re on a family road trip, a business journey, or a spontaneous weekend getaway. Choice Hotels’ commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere extends beyond just waffles—it’s about ensuring that guests feel relaxed and rejuvenated, starting with the most important meal of the day.
A Closer Look at Choice Hotels’ Offerings and Customer Engagement
Beyond serving up delicious waffles, Choice Hotels also provides a variety of amenities to make every stay more enjoyable:
Free Breakfast: A hearty meal featuring waffles and other options such as eggs, fruit, and yogurt.Comfortable Rooms: Refreshed and modernized spaces designed for both relaxation and productivity.Convenient Locations: Over 2,100 Comfort Hotels and other Choice Hotels properties in destinations worldwide, ensuring that travelers have access to reliable, budget-friendly stays no matter where their journey takes them.
The Choice Privileges rewards program also allows guests to earn points with each stay, which can be redeemed for future accommodations, making the experience even more rewarding.
Celebrating National Waffle Day at Choice Hotels: Sweepstakes and Pop-Up Events
In honor of National Waffle Day, Choice Hotels is offering exciting opportunities for fans to participate in the celebrations. From August 21-25, guests who stay at participating Comfort Hotels will have the chance to enter the national sweepstakes, where 10 lucky winners will receive a one-night stay at any participating Comfort Hotel or a Choice Hotel property. To enter, participants must visit Choice Hotels’ official Instagram page, tag a friend on the pinned Waffle Day post, and join the Choice Privileges program.
The NYC Waffle Lounge Pop-Up, taking place on August 21, is another exciting event where guests can indulge in free waffles, enjoy refreshing iced lattes, and participate in fun activities like nail art and massage chairs. This exclusive event will also feature photo ops and the chance to win a free night’s stay at Choice Hotels.
Conclusion: Waffles as Part of the Vacation Experience
As Choice Hotels continues to highlight the importance of waffles in vacation culture, it becomes clear that these beloved breakfast treats have more significance than just satisfying hunger. They are part of the emotionally-rich moments that make vacations memorable. From the perfect bite of a crispy or fluffy waffle to sharing that meal with friends and family, waffles have become synonymous with the enjoyment of travel.
With its nationwide Waffle Day celebrations and commitment to exceptional guest experiences, Choice Hotels proves that the simple act of enjoying breakfast can leave lasting memories for all who stay.
