diff --git a/templates/preseed.cfg.j2 b/templates/preseed.cfg.j2
index 680fa76..bf2f480 100644
--- a/templates/preseed.cfg.j2
+++ b/templates/preseed.cfg.j2
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ d-i netcfg/get_domain string unassigned-domain
 # If you want to force a hostname, regardless of what either the DHCP
 # server returns or what the reverse DNS entry for the IP is, uncomment
 # and adjust the following line.
-d-i netcfg/hostname string {{ debianunattended_hostname }}
+d-i netcfg/hostname string "{{ debianunattended_hostname | default('debianunattended') }}"
 
 # Disable that annoying WEP key dialog.
 d-i netcfg/wireless_wep string