If you’re like me, you love hotel breakfast.
The buffet always has a great selection of food, and it’s a great way to start the day in my opinion!
I always head for the croissants and fresh orange juice first, but there’s usually a lot of other great options to choose from as well.
But what if you’re not staying at the hotel? Can you still eat breakfast there?
In this blog post, I will answer that question once and for all!
Can You Eat Hotel Breakfast Without Staying?
Many hotels offer a breakfast buffet that is open to the public. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can stop by and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Whereas hotel guests often receive a complementary breakfast, non-guests can usually purchase a breakfast buffet for around $15 at most hotels.
The breakfast buffet typically includes items like eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and pastries.
There is usually something for everyone at the breakfast buffet!
There are a few things to keep in mind, though.
First it is important to note that not all hotels offer a public breakfast buffet.
And even if they do, not all hotels have the same breakfast hours.
Make sure to check ahead of time to see whether the hotel offers a breakfast that’s open to the public and if so, at what times the buffet is open.
Depending on whether you’re visiting during the week or on the weekend, the hours may vary.
I always like to give the hotel a call on the day of my visit (or the day before) to make sure I can plan my morning accordingly.
Another thing to keep in mind is that not all hotels offer the same food items at their breakfast buffets.
Some hotels might have a wider variety of options, while others might be more limited.
Again, make sure to check ahead of time so you know what to expect.
Lastly, note that not all hotels offer a public breakfast buffet at a reasonable price.
There are some hotels that charge upwards of $30 for a breakfast buffet.
Hotels such as the Hilton and Marriott usually have the highest prices.
If you’re on a budget, it might be best to skip the 5-star hotels and go to a hotel that offers a more affordable breakfast buffet.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, I suggest checking out hotels such as Ibis or Hampton Inn.
What Is It Called When You Get Free Breakfast At A Hotel?
If you are a hotel guest, you will usually receive a complimentary breakfast. This means that the breakfast buffet is included in your room price and you do not have to pay extra. The complimentary breakfast at most hotels includes items like eggs, bread, pancakes, yogurt, fruit and pastries.
If you’d like to read more about the complimentary breakfast offered at hotels, make sure to check out my blog post: “What Is A Complimentary Breakfast?”
How Do Hotels Know If You Paid For Breakfast?
Most hotels will scan your room key card when you enter the breakfast buffet or ask for your room number. This is how they know if you are a hotel guest and eligible for a complimentary breakfast. If you are not a hotel guest, you will need to purchase a breakfast buffet voucher.
Please don’t be that person who tries to sneak into the breakfast buffet without paying! That’s just not cool (and bad karma).
Besides, the breakfast buffet is usually a great value, so it’s definitely worth paying for if you’re not a hotel guest!
Can You Bring A Guest With You To Eat Breakfast?
You can bring a guest with you to eat breakfast at the hotel buffet. However, the guest will need to purchase a breakfast buffet if they are not a hotel guest. The best way to go about this is to go to the reception desk and buy a breakfast voucher which will be collected at the breakfast buffet.
I personally have brought my family and friends to breakfast with me at hotel buffets and it’s always been a great experience.
They enjoy trying the different food items and I love being able to spend some quality time with them!
Definitely give it a try when you have the chance.
What Time Do Most Hotels Serve Breakfast?
Most hotels serve breakfast from between six and ten in the morning. However, this varies from hotel to hotel. Make sure to check ahead of time so you know what time the buffet is open. If you want to avoid rush hour, I would recommend arriving at the hotel around seven or eight in the morning.
On the weekend, most hotels extend their breakfast buffet hours.
This means that you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast and not have to worry about rushing to get to your next destination.
Why Is Hotel Breakfast So Good?
Hotel breakfast is so good because it offers a variety of food items that cater to everyone’s tastes. You can often find eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles, cereal, fruit, and pastries all in one place! Indulging on a hotel breakfast is a tasty experience and a great way to fuel up for the day ahead.
I personally love hotel breakfast as it gives me a feeling of luxury.
I always associate hotel breakfast with being on holiday, even if I’m staying at a hotel for one night (or even just stop by to have breakfast)!
Can I Get A Discounted Rate If I Eat Breakfast At The Hotel?
Some hotels offer a discounted rate if you purchase breakfast as a non-guest. Make sure to ask the hotel about this when you are making your reservation. If you don’t ask, you might miss out on a great deal! As hotels don’t like to have to throw away food, they might be more willing to offer you a discount.
As a former hotel employee, I can tell you that it’s always better to ask than to not ask!
Of course, there are no guarantees here but I know I’ve personally asked for a discounted rate if I was eating breakfast as a non-guest.
Hotels are always trying to come up with new ways to entice guests to stay (now and in the future), and a discounted rate for breakfast is one way of doing that!
Other Questions You May Have
Are Hotel Breakfast Buffets Open To The Public?
Not all hotels offer their breakfast buffet to the general public. Some major hotel chains or high-end hotels may restrict their breakfast service to registered guests only. It’s a good idea to call the hotel in advance to inquire about their breakfast policy if you’re considering eating there without staying in a hotel room.
Can You Take Food From The Hotel Breakfast Buffet?
Most hotels expect guests to enjoy their breakfast on-site, and taking food from the buffet is generally discouraged. However, some hotels may have policies that allow guests to take small items for later consumption.
It’s essential to check with the hotel staff for their specific guidelines on this matter to see if it’s part of the package.
Are There Hotels That Offer Takeaway Options For Breakfast?
Some hotels may provide takeaway breakfast options, where you can request a packed meal or items to go. These options are designed to accommodate guests who have early departures or need a quick meal on the move. If you require a takeaway breakfast, it’s advisable to inquire with the hotel in advance.
What Can You Expect To Find At A Hotel Breakfast Buffet?
Hotel breakfast buffets typically offer a range of breakfast foods, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, and pastries. There is so much food to choose from! However, the variety of items may vary from one hotel to another.
For example some hotels may also have an omelet station in the breakfast area or the possibility to make your own fresh waffles with waffle batter and a waffle maker (I absolutely love when a hotel offers this!).
If you have specific preferences, it’s a good practice to check with a hotel staff member in advance about their breakfast offerings.
Are There Any Special Rules For Non-Guests?
While various hotels welcome non-guests, it’s essential to abide by their specific rules. A luxury hotel may or small hotels may have certain hours for public breakfast access, so it’s advisable to check in advance by calling the front desk.
Final Thoughts
So, I think by now we call all agree that a hotel breakfast is a great way to start the day.
Even if you’re not a hotel guest, you can often purchase a breakfast voucher and enjoy all the delicious food that the buffet has to offer.
Simply walk up to the reception desk and ask for the price of a breakfast voucher.
There are a variety of food items to choose from, and you can find something for everyone’s taste.
Keep in mind that not all hotels offer a public breakfast buffet, so make sure to check ahead of time.
And finally, remember that not all hotels offer the same food items at their buffets!
So if you have a specific dish in mind, it’s best to call the hotel and ask what they will be serving.
Enjoy your breakfast and make sure to go for a second (or maybe even third) round!