Popular UK hotel chain adds one surprising thing to their showers | UK | News

Travelodge is trialling waterproof notepads in their bathrooms – as half of Brits claim the best ideas strike while they’re in the shower. The hotel chain aims to ensure guests’ good ideas don’t go down the drain with their suds after a whopping 48% of people admitted inspiration strikes while they’re in the buff.

With creativity striking the majority up to four times per day, Brits say their lightbulb moments are also likely to come during more unexpected moments.

This includes when they’re falling asleep (34%), during or after exercising (10%) and even while tending to the garden (15%).

But while creative inspiration (55%), personal decisions (54%) and problem-solving (53%) are among the thoughts most likely to come to mind while showering, 65% say they forget their idea before they’re able to jot it down.

This is particularly relevant for Britain’s business travellers. In 2025, an estimated 5.1million business trips took place, with 60% revealing the ability to capture ideas as they occur would benefit their careers.

To help guests strike while the shower’s hot, Travelodge has created an innovative solution to maximise creativity – trialling waterproof notepads in the showers of selected hotel bathrooms across the UK.

Designed to capture those lightbulb moments, the waterproof notepads come as more than two-thirds (69%) believe that inspiration strikes in the unlikeliest of places, leaving many scrambling to hold on to their ideas.

Revealing the extreme lengths Brits have gone to keep their ideas top of mind, one in five (18%) admit to having repeated a mantra until out of the shower.

Of the 2,000 Brits quizzed, a further 16% have created a memorable image, while 7% have written on a foggy mirror or glass.

The research, which explores people’s creativity, reveals that breakthroughs are most often made in the morning (24%) or late at night (22%).

On average, Brits travel for business four days a month, with two-fifths (41%) agreeing they’re more creative when away from home.

The top three reasons for hitting the road for work include client meetings (22%), conferences or events (19%) and training (17%). While on the road, business travellers are often struck with creativity, with three in five (64%) saying changing environments helps spark their imagination.

This suggests that time away from the usual desk set-up can inspire fresh thinking.

Behavioural psychologist Dr Jo Hemmings said: “We tend to think that creativity happens when we’re concentrating, but often the opposite is true.

“The best ideas frequently emerge when we step away from screens and allow our minds to wander.

“Whether it’s in the shower, on a train, walking or gardening, those moments of mental downtime give the brain permission to make unexpected connections, which is where creativity thrives.”

A Travelodge spokesperson said: “Inspiration can strike at any moment and with Britain’s business community spending so much time on the road, our hotels are often the backdrop for those vital ‘lightbulb’ moments.

“We know how frustrating it is to lose a great idea before you can find a pen and paper, which is why we’re trialling new waterproof notepads.

“It’s a simple and practical way to make sure our guests’ best ideas don’t go down the drain – so if you want to experience this for yourself, you better get a Travelodge.”

The shower notepads will be trialled at hotels in key business locations on Wednesday July 8, including London City, Edinburgh Park, Bristol Abbey Wood, Newcastle Quayside and Chester Central Bridge Street.

The notepads can be taken home too so guests can capture their creativity wherever they go.

3. When falling asleep (34%)

8. When washing dishes (14%)

10. During or after exercise (10%)

For more information about Travelodge Business, visit https://www.travelodge.co.uk/business