Have you ever considered the hidden costs of a hotel stay? While many factors contribute to the total price, one often overlooked expense is breakfast. Buffets can easily set you back €20 per person, but there’s good news for budget-conscious travelers!
Budget-Friendly Breakfast: A Delicious Surprise
Many hotel chains, surprisingly, include complimentary breakfast in their rates, even for budget-friendly brands. Don’t expect a luxurious à la carte menu, but you’ll likely find a satisfying buffet with fresh coffee, cold and hot dishes, and a variety of breads and cereals. Of course, managing your expectations is key when it comes to free services.
Regional Variations in Breakfast Offerings
While the concept of free breakfast might seem universal, regional differences can significantly alter the experience. In the US, plastic-packaged food and sugar-laden juices are common, while in the UK, you’ll find a more traditional English Breakfast with savory ingredients like ham, eggs, sausages, and baked beans.
Deciphering Breakfast Descriptions: A Guide to Your Morning Meal
To help you navigate the breakfast offerings, here’s a quick glossary:
- Continental Breakfast: A simple breakfast with automated tea and coffee dispensers, bread or bagels, and limited cheese, meat, or jam selections. It’s often grab-and-go, with limited warm dishes and waiter service. This is prevalent in the USA.
- Breakfast Buffet: This self-service option is the most common in Europe and Asia. You’ll find a variety of hot and cold dishes to choose from. Service personnel is usually present to handle dishes and provide drinks.
- À la carte: This luxury hotel standard involves a menu of items served by a waiter, often in addition to a buffet. This option usually comes with an additional cost.
Exploring Hotel Chains with Complimentary Breakfast
Large hotel companies often operate numerous brands catering to a diverse clientele. Let’s explore which chains are known for their free breakfast offerings:
IHG (InterContinental Hotel Group): A Breakfast Haven
Holiday Inn Express, a prominent brand under the IHG umbrella, is a shining example of a chain that consistently includes breakfast. Over 2,800 hotels worldwide offer buffets with a generous selection of items. Two other IHG brands known for complimentary breakfast are Avid Hotels (with free coffee all day) and Staybridge Suites, ideal for longer stays.
Hilton: A Breakfast Destination
Hampton by Hilton stands out with over 1,900 hotels in 15 countries, offering hot and cold breakfast options. Other Hilton brands that often include free breakfast are Tru by Hilton, Home2 Suites, Homewood, and Embassy Suites.
Choice Hotels: A Diverse Breakfast Landscape
Choice Hotels features a variety of brands, including Sleep Inn, Clarion Pointe Hotels, Econo Lodge, Comfort Suites, and MainStay Suites, many of which offer complimentary breakfast.
Nordic Choice Hotels: Scandinavia’s Breakfast Delights
Nordic Choice Hotels, primarily located in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, offers free breakfast in most of its hotels. Clarion Hotels, with the exception of the Copenhagen Airport hotel, include a warm breakfast option, while Clarion Collection Hotels go above and beyond with free afternoon tea and dinner.
Marriott: Breakfast Options at Selected Brands
While Marriott runs over 30 hotel brands, only a few typically include free breakfast. Fairfield by Marriott, with approximately 1,000 hotels, stands out as a good option. Other Marriott brands that offer complimentary breakfast are Residence Inn, Springhill Suites, and Townplace Suites.
Wyndham: A Wide Range of Budget Breakfast Choices
Wyndham, a powerhouse in budget hotels, features many brands that include free breakfast. These are primarily Continental Breakfast options, primarily offered in North America. Some of the most widespread brands include Howard Johnson, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and Wingate. Other Wyndham brands with free breakfast are Baymont Inn, Hawthorn, Travelodge, and Microtel.
Hyatt: Breakfast on Different Continents
Hyatt Place Hotels offer free breakfast in North America but not on other continents. You’ll find more consistent breakfast inclusions when booking through their website. Hyatt House, geared towards longer stays, offers free breakfast across all continents, even featuring an omelette bar.
Accor Live Limitless (ALL): A Mixed Bag
Accor Live Limitless (ALL), a global hotel giant, doesn’t have a brand that universally provides complimentary breakfast. While most Ibis Styles hotels include breakfast in their rates, some have discontinued this service.
Note: This information is intended as a general guide. It’s always wise to check specific hotel details and offerings before booking.
Remember: While free breakfast can be a delightful perk, always check the hotel’s website for the most up-to-date information on their breakfast offerings and policies. Bon appétit!
