When booking a hotel stay, you may see the phrase ‘breakfast included’ when looking at room rates. But what exactly does this mean, and what can you expect with a breakfast-inclusive rate? Let’s take a closer look.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Having breakfast included in the room rate typically means you can enjoy the hotel’s complimentary breakfast buffet or menu options without any additional charge.
Types of Breakfasts Included
Continental Breakfast
A continental breakfast typically includes a selection of baked goods such as croissants, muffins, and pastries. It may also include bread, cold cuts, cheeses, yogurt, fruit, cereal, and juice.
This type of breakfast is light and doesn’t usually include hot food items. It is a popular choice for travelers who prefer a quick and easy breakfast before starting their day.
Full Breakfast Buffet
A full breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options to satisfy every guest’s preferences. It often includes a selection of hot and cold food items such as eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes or waffles, pastries, fruits, cereals, and yogurt.
This type of breakfast allows guests to choose from a range of options and enjoy a hearty meal to start their day.
Hot Breakfast Entrees
Hot breakfast entrees are a step up from the continental breakfast and typically include cooked-to-order items such as omelets, scrambled eggs, pancakes, or French toast.
Along with the hot items, guests may still have access to a variety of other options such as bread, pastries, fruits, and cereals. This type of breakfast is ideal for those who prefer a more substantial morning meal.
Room Service Breakfast
Room service breakfast allows guests to enjoy their breakfast in the comfort and privacy of their own room. It usually offers a similar menu to the full breakfast buffet or hot breakfast entrees, providing a range of options to choose from.
This convenient option is perfect for guests who prefer to have breakfast at their own pace without having to leave their room. For more information about breakfast options at hotels, you can visit Tripsavvy and Booking.com.
What’s Typically Covered
When a hotel advertises that breakfast is included in the room rate, it means that guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast during their stay. However, it’s important to understand what is typically covered under this offering to avoid any misunderstandings or surprises.
Here are the main items that are usually included:
Standard Items
The breakfast included in the room rate usually consists of standard items such as cereal, bread, pastries, and fruit.
These are often served in a buffet style, allowing guests to choose their desired items and portion sizes. Some hotels may also offer hot items like eggs, bacon, and sausages as part of their breakfast spread.
Beverages
In addition to food, the breakfast offering typically includes a variety of beverages.
This may include coffee, tea, juices, and milk. Guests can enjoy these beverages alongside their meal or as a refreshing drink on their own.
Room Service Charges and Gratuities
When breakfast is included in the room rate, guests usually do not have to pay any additional charges for the meal itself. However, it’s important to note that room service charges and gratuities may still apply.
If guests choose to have their breakfast delivered to their room instead of dining in the designated breakfast area, they may be charged a room service fee. Additionally, it is customary to leave a gratuity for the staff who serve and clean up during breakfast hours.
It’s always a good idea to check with the specific hotel you are staying at to understand the exact details of their breakfast offering. Some hotels may have variations in the items provided or additional options available for an extra fee.
For more information on hotel breakfast offerings, you can visit websites such as booking.com or tripadvisor.com for reviews and recommendations from other travelers.
Other Perks and Add-Ons
Upgrades for Premium Options
While a complimentary breakfast is a significant perk, some hotels offer additional options to enhance your stay. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you may have the opportunity to upgrade to a premium breakfast.
This could include a wider selection of gourmet items, such as freshly squeezed juices, made-to-order omelets, or even champagne. These upgrades often come with an additional cost, but they can be worth it for those seeking a truly indulgent breakfast experience.
To-Go Breakfasts
For travelers on the go, hotels understand the importance of providing a convenient breakfast option. Many hotels now offer to-go breakfasts, allowing guests to grab a quick meal and take it with them. These breakfasts typically include items like pastries, fruit, yogurt, and coffee or tea.
Whether you have an early morning flight or a busy schedule ahead, a to-go breakfast can save you time and ensure you start your day fueled and ready to go.
Early/Late Breakfasts
Hotels recognize that not all guests adhere to traditional breakfast hours. Some travelers may have early morning meetings or prefer to sleep in and have breakfast later in the day. To accommodate different schedules, hotels may offer early or late breakfast options.
This means you can enjoy a delicious breakfast even if you’re an early riser or like to sleep in. It’s always a good idea to check with the hotel beforehand to see if they offer these flexible breakfast options.
In addition to these perks and add-ons, some hotels may also offer other amenities such as complimentary newspapers, access to fitness centers or swimming pools, or even free parking.
It’s always a good idea to check with the hotel directly or visit their website to see what additional perks are included with your room rate.
Remember, each hotel may have different offerings, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best fit for your needs and preferences.
Comparing Breakfast-Inclusive vs Basic Room Rates
When booking a hotel room, you may come across the option of selecting a breakfast-inclusive rate or a basic room rate without breakfast.
Understanding the differences between these options can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and budget.
Calculating Overall Value
One of the key factors to consider when comparing breakfast-inclusive and basic room rates is the overall value you will receive. While a breakfast-inclusive rate may be slightly higher, it often provides a greater value for your money.
By having breakfast included in your room rate, you can save on the cost of dining out in the morning. This can be particularly beneficial if you are traveling with a family or a larger group.
According to a survey conducted by Travel Weekly, 85% of travelers find breakfast-inclusive rates to be more convenient and cost-effective. The survey also revealed that guests who opt for breakfast-inclusive rates tend to rate their overall hotel experience higher compared to those who choose the basic room rate.
Considering Group Size and Consumption
When deciding between breakfast-inclusive and basic room rates, it’s essential to consider the size of your group and their breakfast consumption. If you are traveling alone or with a partner and prefer a light breakfast or enjoy exploring local cafes, a basic room rate may be more suitable.
However, if you are traveling with a family or a larger group that typically consumes a hearty breakfast, opting for a breakfast-inclusive rate can be a wise choice.
Additionally, some hotels offer discounted or free breakfast for children under a certain age. This can further enhance the value of a breakfast-inclusive rate, especially for families traveling with young children.
Assessing Frequency of Breakfast Use
Consider how often you are likely to utilize the breakfast service offered by the hotel. If you typically prefer to grab a quick bite on the go or have dietary restrictions that limit your breakfast options, a basic room rate may be more suitable for you.
On the other hand, if you enjoy starting your day with a leisurely breakfast or have specific dietary requirements that can be accommodated by the hotel, a breakfast-inclusive rate can enhance your overall experience.
It’s important to note that some hotels offer a buffet-style breakfast with a wide variety of options, while others may provide a continental breakfast with limited choices. Before making your decision, it can be helpful to research the hotel’s breakfast offerings and read reviews from previous guests to ensure it meets your expectations.
Ultimately, the choice between a breakfast-inclusive rate and a basic room rate depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel circumstances. By considering factors such as overall value, group size and consumption, and frequency of breakfast use, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Policies to Know
Daily Time Limits
When a hotel offers “breakfast included” in the room rate, it is important to be aware of the daily time limits for breakfast service. While some hotels provide a generous window of time for guests to enjoy their morning meal, others may have stricter time restrictions.
It is always a good idea to inquire about the breakfast hours upon check-in or consult the hotel’s website for this information.
Booking Requirements
In order to take advantage of the complimentary breakfast, guests may need to meet certain booking requirements. Some hotels may require a minimum length of stay, a specific room type, or a certain rate plan in order to include breakfast in the room rate.
It is advisable to carefully read the hotel’s booking terms and conditions or speak with a reservation agent to ensure that you meet the necessary criteria.
Cancellation and No Show Policies
When booking a room with “breakfast included,” it is important to familiarize yourself with the hotel’s cancellation and no show policies. These policies may vary from hotel to hotel and can impact your ability to enjoy the complimentary breakfast.
For instance, some hotels may charge a penalty fee or require full payment if a reservation is canceled or if the guest fails to show up. Understanding these policies will help you plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected charges.
Conclusion
When it comes to hotel room rates, seeing ‘breakfast included’ means you can look forward to starting your day with a complimentary morning meal.
While options vary by hotel, it generally allows you to indulge in the breakfast buffet, hot entrees, and other morning favorites without additional charges.
Paying attention to the details can help you determine if a breakfast-inclusive rate provides good value for your stay.
