The Value Of Hotel Breakfast: What’s It Really Worth?

I’d like to dedicate a post to talking about hotel breakfast. Breakfast is a thing that some hotel guests don’t think about at all, while for others, it’s top of mind when deciding on a hotel. Heck, one of the reasons that many people choose to pursue elite status with major hotel groups is for a breakfast benefit.

In this post I want to talk about hotel breakfast big picture. What’s a “free” hotel breakfast even worth? Is free hotel breakfast almost a curse sometimes? Does it depend on where in the world you are?

The challenge with hotel breakfast

It’s of course nice to have breakfast included with your hotel stay. This can be because it’s included for everyone, because of the rate you booked (including through something like Virtuoso, or because you have elite status.

What’s the breakfast really worth, though, and do we maybe overvalue this at times? A few thoughts come to mind:

• The quality of hotel breakfast varies massively around the globe, as well as between hotel brands, as I’ll discuss in more detail below
• When I was younger, I’d get super excited about amazing breakfast buffets, but nowadays I don’t want to unnecessarily overindulge in an amazing breakfast every morning
• The value of a “free” hotel breakfast also varies depending on whether you’re traveling for vacation on your own dime, or are on a business trip on someone else’s dime, where you could expense breakfast
• In many situations, a free hotel breakfast might prevent you from going out and enjoying breakfast at your destination, which can often be part of the fun of travel
• Whether you’re traveling as a family or not could also make a difference; if you have small kids, having access to food first thing in the morning is especially valuable

How I view hotel breakfast around the world

With the above basics out of the way, I’d like to talk a bit about how I approach hotel breakfast, and when I really value it, and also when I don’t. With that in mind, let me share some of my main takeaways, in no particular order.

Breakfast in the Middle East & Southeast Asia is an experience

My absolute favorite hotel breakfasts are in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. These are generally the best breakfast buffets you’ll find in the world, and the selection is endless.

As much as I try not to overindulge too much, these kinds of buffets really are a treat, with a massive selection of high quality items from around the globe. I genuinely look forward to these kinds of breakfasts, and it never ceases to amaze me how over-the-top they can be.

As far as I’m concerned, an amazing breakfast in the Middle East or Southeast Asia does impact my hotel choice significantly.

Other parts of Asia in some cases have great breakfasts as well. For example, in Japan you’ll often find amazing breakfasts, with the choice of either a Western or Japanese selection. I appreciate that variety, since it makes the selection a bit more interesting if you’re staying multiple nights.

Breakfast is more valuable at resorts than hotels

Generally speaking, I value hotel breakfast a lot more when staying at a resort rather than a city hotel. That’s because in a resort I typically appreciate a more leisurely morning, there aren’t necessarily so many nearby dining spots outside the hotel, and the breakfast selection is also typically better at resorts.

Furthermore, if you’re staying at a super expensive and secluded resort, having an included breakfast can represent great value. I know many people will have a big, late breakfast, and that will tide them over until dinner.

Breakfast in Europe is almost a curse

I almost view breakfast at European hotels as being a curse rather than a benefit. That’s because in many parts of Europe, breakfast isn’t actually much to get excited about, despite there being lots of charming cafes with tasty options and great coffee.

I find that luxury hotels often still have great breakfasts, while more upscale properties often have less exciting options. Furthermore, as you’d expect, breakfast is a bit better in a place Italy or France, than in Germany or the Netherlands. A lot of carbs is a common theme, though, given what “continental” breakfast really is.

Breakfast in the United States is forgettable

In general, the hospitality experience in the United States is probably the weakest of anywhere in the world, given the extent to which so many businesses are based on short term profit maximization. That’s very much reflected in the hotel experience… if nothing else, it’s certainly the worst value hotel experience you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Along those lines, the United States is probably also where I value hotel breakfast the least. For one, the quality just typically isn’t that great, and hotels are often also “cheap” with what they include for those who have elite status.

At most hotels, I figure that best case scenario I can get an okay omelet, which is a healthy and filling breakfast. But honestly, I’m usually just as happy going to a local coffee shop and grabbing a cup of coffee and some sort of an egg sandwich, which does the trick for me. Or if I’m in a place like New York, who doesn’t like a great bagel?

Bottom line

The value of hotel breakfast can vary greatly based on where in the world you are, who you’re traveling with, and what the purpose of your trip is. Personally, I very much value breakfast in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, as well as at resorts. Meanwhile breakfast in cities in Europe and the United States is often less exciting, and I’m usually just as happy grabbing something at a local spot.

Where do you stand on hotel breakfast around the globe, and how do you approach it?