I wanted 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 wanted 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?
In this post:
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 wanted 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 boring 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.
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?
Just before COVID I visited St Petersburg and had the best breakfast ever at the Hotel Angleterre. Five different smoked fish, among other things.
Turkish Hotels normally have Good Breakfast, But I was shocked and surprised by the vast Breakfast offering at The Hampton Inn By the Istanbul Airport. (New Hotel). wow, Hampton Inn ? Next time when I land at IST Late, I am spending the night there.
By the way, TOM TOM Hotel & Suites in Istanbul is just an amazing experience. The Staff & The Rooms are superb.
Breakfast buffet in Asia, feels more like a lunch buffet tbh. It’s amazing.
On my recent RTW trip I stayed in two hotels that included breakfast, and the comparison is mind blowing. First one was the hotel in CGK airport, which was extremely convenient, adjacent to Terminal 3, very moderately priced and it had the greatest breakfast buffet I have ever seen, comparable to the Grand Wailea brunch on Maui. I would estimate the total counter length at around 150', offering everything imaginable you could get anywhere in...
On my recent RTW trip I stayed in two hotels that included breakfast, and the comparison is mind blowing. First one was the hotel in CGK airport, which was extremely convenient, adjacent to Terminal 3, very moderately priced and it had the greatest breakfast buffet I have ever seen, comparable to the Grand Wailea brunch on Maui. I would estimate the total counter length at around 150', offering everything imaginable you could get anywhere in Jakarta, and included two cooking stations, one for eggs, the other one for meat, but they had me at chocolate filled croissants, strawberry papaya, and jam filled doughnuts, not to forget Americano made to order, served right at my table. A month later I stayed in a hotel in Phoenix, and I don't even remember the name. Price was double, minimalist breakfast was utterly disgusting, greasy fried eggs, white bread and grape jelly, 'coffee' out of one of those pump thermos flasks, you get the picture.
Recently stayed at a 3 star boutique-style hotel in Paris where breakfast was inclusive. Wasn't expecting much, and planned on making it pretty quick so I could join a much anticipated pre-booked tour.
A croissant or 2 plus another French pastry with coffee was all I needed.
The breakfast room server apologised that the bakery was late in delivering the morning's goodies, and made me a superb coffee while we waited just a...
Recently stayed at a 3 star boutique-style hotel in Paris where breakfast was inclusive. Wasn't expecting much, and planned on making it pretty quick so I could join a much anticipated pre-booked tour.
A croissant or 2 plus another French pastry with coffee was all I needed.
The breakfast room server apologised that the bakery was late in delivering the morning's goodies, and made me a superb coffee while we waited just a few minutes for the delivery. As you might expect the basket to choose from was still warm from the bakery, and well worth the short wait. Had to be the best croissants and pastries I've ever had to this day!
Wouldn't get that service in the average chain hotel.
I find it somewhat amusing to see so many people basing their comments regarding how much they like or dislike hotel breakfasts based on whether they include or exclude WHO Group 1 carcinogens ( definitely causes cancer, in the same category as cigarettes and asbestos).
To support your point...the St Regis Maldives. Arguably the best breakfast (buffet) we've ever seen/experienced. Between the quality/variety of the food, the lovely service, and the overall ambience, absolutely unforgettable.
My most memorable hotel breakfasts in descending order: 3) Thompson Madrid, 2) Alila Seminyak, Bali and wait for it....... 1) Hotel Bristol, Warsaw, Poland. Definitely worth a trip back to Warsaw for the Bristol breakfast!
*Ascending order
Breakfast in Europe is a curse? You lost me there. Except for the UK, breakfast - often included in the room rate, though in the past years less so following the American model of nickel and dime, is usually very good. And especially in Germany. I don't understand your comment at all.
Iberostar Hotel Hotel, Tenerife, Canary Islands. OMG - at least 50 dishes for breakfast. I completed a short survey at my table and complemented the kitchen manager and had a bottle of champagne delivered to my table. All the the staff were just as amazing as the food. This was recently - July 2024
I never have breakfast in a us hotel assuming they even offer it. The cost to my health is not worth it for food that taste like my shoe. The damn yogurt generally have more than a days serving of sugar. In a lot cases ice cream is healthier than mass manufacture yogurt. I've had very good breakfast in European hotels but I do tend to stay in nicer places and as noted I'm torn...
I never have breakfast in a us hotel assuming they even offer it. The cost to my health is not worth it for food that taste like my shoe. The damn yogurt generally have more than a days serving of sugar. In a lot cases ice cream is healthier than mass manufacture yogurt. I've had very good breakfast in European hotels but I do tend to stay in nicer places and as noted I'm torn because I prefer to eat in towns that I'm visiting. I generally eat in hotels for some energy but seek out local coffee.
Then maybe don’t eat the yogurt? Lol
I suspect Americans are disappointed by European breakfast because the food isn’t covered in syrup and cinnamon.
If just few days usual happy with breakfasts, but get burned out and want to look elsewhere after that. At least on cruise ships have various places to try so takes a bit longer for burnout.
I was shocked when I stayed at Hyatt House LIC when they presented just cereals with different milk for continental breakfast
Great post and agree with everything you said except breakfast in Europe. I always look forward especially at the Hyatt properties to an excellent European breakfast.
The value in free breakfast to me extends to the convenience of just schlepping downstairs and having coffee and something to eat. As a "not-a-morning-person" the experience of having to leave the hotel to find breakfast is a major bummer in most cases. Conversely, I almost never eat dinner (or lunch for that matter) in hotels, unless I am in a secluded resort. Even then, we will often try to get out and try the local fare.
One should never order an omelette as an egg preparation in the US or Canada, the land of hyper-processed (and hyper-unhealthy) foods.
A typical North American hotel omelette will be made with Egg (63%), Powdered Milk, Water, Egg White, Salt, Maltodextrin, Acetylated Distarch Adipate, Citric Acid, Rapeseed Oil, Xanthan, or a variation thereof (many add artificial colours).
In North America, sadly, all eggs should be ordered fried or boiled, never scrambled or as omelettes.
One should never order an omelette as an egg preparation in the US or Canada, the land of hyper-processed (and hyper-unhealthy) foods.
A typical North American hotel omelette will be made with Egg (63%), Powdered Milk, Water, Egg White, Salt, Maltodextrin, Acetylated Distarch Adipate, Citric Acid, Rapeseed Oil, Xanthan, or a variation thereof (many add artificial colours).
In North America, sadly, all eggs should be ordered fried or boiled, never scrambled or as omelettes.
I agree with you about breakfasts in the Middle East & Southeast Asia except that many lack pork products. Bacon and sausage made from beef or turkey are not worth eating.
I've often stayed at mid-range, non-chain hotels in Europe. Hotels in Germany, the UK, and Ireland had the best breakfasts. Those in Italy were the worst.
I agree. For me the curious thing about 2 of the greatest cuisines in the world - France and Italy is that they kind of skipped breakfast. Don't get me wrong a great pastry in France is amazing but you struggle to get anything much beyond that or bread. In Italy I remember staying in a fabulous hotel in Bellagio but the breakfast buffet consisted mostly of... cake. Loads of cake. These days I prefer...
I agree. For me the curious thing about 2 of the greatest cuisines in the world - France and Italy is that they kind of skipped breakfast. Don't get me wrong a great pastry in France is amazing but you struggle to get anything much beyond that or bread. In Italy I remember staying in a fabulous hotel in Bellagio but the breakfast buffet consisted mostly of... cake. Loads of cake. These days I prefer a table service vs the continuous dance of a buffet, plus the food tends to be fresher. The quality of the breakfast is far more about the quality of the property than it's geography.
I have to agree with your comments about Italy and France. At least in France you typically get wonderful pastries and breads; but not much beyond that.
Just got back from Europe and stayed at Oslo's Clarion The Hub, Stockholm's Story Hotel and Santorini's Canaves Epitome. Breakfast is included in all of our bookings. They are all world-class fantastic!
I can understand and appreciate the monetary value and convenience for families, perhaps, but for individual or couples travel, I've never quite understood the obsession with breakfast benefits. Particularly in non-resort locations.
Give me a juice and a muffin from a coffee shop, and I'm good to go until lunch. And lunch and dinner is where I'm far more likely to discover some local specialty, or hidden gem restaurant, and enjoy a far more...
I can understand and appreciate the monetary value and convenience for families, perhaps, but for individual or couples travel, I've never quite understood the obsession with breakfast benefits. Particularly in non-resort locations.
Give me a juice and a muffin from a coffee shop, and I'm good to go until lunch. And lunch and dinner is where I'm far more likely to discover some local specialty, or hidden gem restaurant, and enjoy a far more local culinary experience that any breakfast buffet is going to deliver.
IMO, the Park Hyatt NY is the gold standard (for Globalist), but no way I would pay for it.
Some people have medical issues and must have breakfast easily available, wether it is "good enough" to be valuable or not. I also find it so useful for my daily coffee habit to avoid wasting time standing in a long line elsewhere.
If someone has medical issues that means they have to have the hotel breakfast then of course they’re going to eat it. That’s not what this article is about though.
I find that the dividing line on whether a breakfast is generally going to be worth it is: smoked salmon.
Woodward in Geneva. Best breakfast in the world. Can't wait to go back next spring and the breakfast is a huge part of that.
Gary Leff raves about hotel breakfasts, and all the ways he has of scoring a free one. Plus all the ways he gets combative if he’s not given said free breakfast.
He acts like it’s the centerpiece of his travel, and by far the most valuable perk of his many travel benefits. And when he misses one, he acts like he’s just been robbed of a kidney.
Glad to see Ben is more ordinary about a hotel meal.
Gary Leff is also obese.
I haven't seen much lately from VFTW about breakfast? And have you seen Gary lately? In pictures 5+ years old he looks heavy, but doesn't look anything like that today.
Lucky only eats avacado toast for breakfast!
And what's wrong with avocado toast?? (With a generous shake of chilli flakes).
Have that at home regularly.
Idk where you travel in Europe Ben or if it’s because you always stay at chain hotels, but breakfast has been awesome in Europe in my experience. The worst are the free breakfasts in the US. I just skip that…
I wouldn't say European hotel breakfasts are terrible by any means but like Ben said, compared to SE Asia, they're not great.
Breakfasts are generally better in Italy than in Germany? That's not my experience at all. I have spent a LOT of time in both and usually stay at 4-5 star properties (work trips). The German breakfasts are far better in my opinion. I'm not sure that I've ever had a memorable breakfast in Italy. I do have to agree that the buffets in Asia are often excellent.
Stay at the HOtel de la ville in Rome. That'll change your opinion on hotel breakfasts in Italy.
I think that many mid-range and upscale hotels in Italy (and Greece too) reflect local tastes whereby most people will just have a quick bite with their morning coffee as opposed to an actual meal. Luxury hotels likely take a different approach both because they mostly cater to foreigners and because they are mostly selling an 'experience' as opposed to an accommodation service.
Completely agree. Over the past 10 years, I've stayed exclusively in 4-star hotels in Germany and Italy many times, primarily for business, and have never had a breakfast in Italy as good as even the worst I've had in Germany. All the ones in Germany tend to be roughly the same, but those have been completely satisfactory (Lindner/Hyatt, Mövenpick, Dorint, NH, Elaya: all basically the same). The ones in similar-level hotels in Sweden have been...
Completely agree. Over the past 10 years, I've stayed exclusively in 4-star hotels in Germany and Italy many times, primarily for business, and have never had a breakfast in Italy as good as even the worst I've had in Germany. All the ones in Germany tend to be roughly the same, but those have been completely satisfactory (Lindner/Hyatt, Mövenpick, Dorint, NH, Elaya: all basically the same). The ones in similar-level hotels in Sweden have been even a bit better and the ones in the UK a bit worse. But Italy was consistently the worst.
This analysis of hotel breakfast value is eye-opening! The convenience and cost savings are impressive. I’ll definitely consider the quality and inclusivity of breakfast options in future hotel bookings.
On vacation in the US, I almost always take the points v. Breakfast. For example, I will enjoy a great Greek diner in NYC or NJ. In SF, I love going to Buena Vista for a dungeness crab omelette with an Irish Coffee overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
While working in the US, I eat breakfast in the hotel executive lounge to save time
I travel to leisure yearly to Italy and Greece. Stay mostly...
On vacation in the US, I almost always take the points v. Breakfast. For example, I will enjoy a great Greek diner in NYC or NJ. In SF, I love going to Buena Vista for a dungeness crab omelette with an Irish Coffee overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
While working in the US, I eat breakfast in the hotel executive lounge to save time
I travel to leisure yearly to Italy and Greece. Stay mostly at Marriott properties (St Regis/Luxury Collection) and some Hilton properties (Hilton/Conrad). The buffets at these properties have been a real treat both at city properties (overlooking the Acropolis or the Vatican) and at resort properties
You definitely got me thinking about trying the Dungeness crab omelette. What is the price for that?
You got me curious. It's $27.25.
Dungeness crab is seasonal. Off season you're either getting frozen crab or something resembling crab. Dining in sf is expensive. Dining in sf touristy places is low quality and more expensive. Even as a local it's not always easy to find a good seafood restaurant because so many are not getting their food locally. If you're not adverse to exploring 25-40 miles south of sf along the ocean or north of sf you'll find some...
Dungeness crab is seasonal. Off season you're either getting frozen crab or something resembling crab. Dining in sf is expensive. Dining in sf touristy places is low quality and more expensive. Even as a local it's not always easy to find a good seafood restaurant because so many are not getting their food locally. If you're not adverse to exploring 25-40 miles south of sf along the ocean or north of sf you'll find some great places. Stick to Google map/yelp reviews. In general it's pretty accurate.
Wrong. It’s real Dungenss crab. I see them deliver it before they open. I’ve spoken to the delivery person and the GM of the restaurant. It’s fresh year round.
With at least 2 Irish coffees I pay over $60 USD. Happy to pay it. It’s a choice. Great breakfast, great coffee with great views.
My preference is actually (some hotels) breakfast in the US - AS LONG AS it’s a la carte from a full restaurant. I’d take a well prepared eggs Benedict plate in the US over an Asian hotel buffet any day. Also a la carte helps avoid over indulging and being sluggish all day.
The solution to this dilemma is called self-discipline.
Works out cheaper than your overpriced a la carte Benedicts….
@CapitalMike I was thinking of the same thing. Control what you eat and exercise. You can have self-control even at a buffet.
I can't tell you how many people i know who say all things in moderation and then you watch them at a buffet to know it's just something they say but not practice. They'll say ok, I'll make an exception since it's your bday, and tomorrow it's my bday and next Monday is a holiday, oh and I'm getting a promotion so skip that day too and it's a full moon so gotta celebrate that.
Hahaha well I’m 6’3” 230 lb and 12% body fat… I know a thing or two about discipline but that doesn’t make the croissant with the curry with the giant pot of eggs taste any better than my overpriced quality eggs Benedict
Usually resort breakfasts are much better including club level at a Ritz with mimosas but I’ll happily take a coffee and bagel from a Fairfield to start my day. Not having to leave the property in search of anything is a plus!
A hotel breakfast (of any description) is worth it in my opinion. I've tried many times (in US, Africa and Europe) to save a bit of cash by going room-only, then "just popping out locally to get something for breakfast instead"....and nearly always being annoyed because I'm walking around for ages trying to find something that's open or doesn't have a queue out the door already! Being able to stroll down to the breakfast room...
A hotel breakfast (of any description) is worth it in my opinion. I've tried many times (in US, Africa and Europe) to save a bit of cash by going room-only, then "just popping out locally to get something for breakfast instead"....and nearly always being annoyed because I'm walking around for ages trying to find something that's open or doesn't have a queue out the door already! Being able to stroll down to the breakfast room at your leisure is an unbeatable start to any day in a hotel.
Many European upscale hotels have fantastic breakfast buffets.
What’s more, at least they do have breakfast buffets.
What never ceases to amaze me is, how even large business-oriented hotels in the US do not have breakfast buffets. Probably this is due to lack of demand, so they offer totally useless and overpriced a la carte breakfast instead.
Funny that there should be a lack of demand for breakfast buffets in the US, while...
Many European upscale hotels have fantastic breakfast buffets.
What’s more, at least they do have breakfast buffets.
What never ceases to amaze me is, how even large business-oriented hotels in the US do not have breakfast buffets. Probably this is due to lack of demand, so they offer totally useless and overpriced a la carte breakfast instead.
Funny that there should be a lack of demand for breakfast buffets in the US, while here in Europe many Americans flock to the morning buffets, often outnumbering other nationalities.
Not sure if it is really just a lack of demand or it is more like what Lucky wrote in his article about hotels in the U.S. when they want to maximize short term-profits. It reminds me about how Hilton’s change with breakfast for U.S based hotels is due to customer feedback. So, when you mentioned about mostly Americans flocking to the breakfast buffet in Europe maybe that is why.
I totally agree. I think in Europe, except in very small or boutique style hotels, there is a very nice buffet breakfast. Often, there is even a chef, preparing the eggs as you like them. Even in Canada many hotels have nice breakfast buffets, it's only the US where they are missing ...
Breakfasts in the US are an absolute joke. Intercontinental Boston charged $85 for 2 people (plus the automatically included $15 service charge, where the only service was 1 coffee being brought to the table, lol) and all that was available for breakfasts were breads, fruits, cereals, a tiny salad selection and some salmon.
It was terrible value even when the only payable cost was the absurd 'service' charge as it was never worth $15.
Even at Starbucks, Dunkin, or McDs will likely cost more than $15 for 2 breakfasts
USD 15 for two breakfasts?
You must be joking. It’s more like USD 15 for two coffees at these places (except McD, maybe)
I had really great breakfasts in Europe (including Germany) at < 200€ a night hotels whereas I had one of the worst breakfasts in the middle east at St. Regis Doha (for 400+ per night, and breakfast wasn't even included)
Quite a few mid-range hotels in France and Germany offer fantastic quality stuff at breakfast, dry cured ham, excellent cheese, freshly baked bread and cakes etc. Huge contrast with many British equivalents which advertise a 'full English breakfast' that sometimes doesn't even include mushrooms.
lol - no mushrooms! Disaster!
It is a disaster because offering 'full English' often means they have very little in terms of cheeses and cold cuts, so you're basically left with some sausages with a meat content below 50%, blood pudding, and vile baked beans- so the only things worth eating in my opinion are tomatoes, eggs, and bacon. Remember we're talking mid-scale hotels, the sort that charge ca. €100/£100 per night (maybe 30-40% more in capital cities) if there isn't a huge event in town.
So, as long as I can get (say) a meat/cheese selection at breakfast, I'm happy. Bacon/sausage is nice, as is smoked salmon.
This renders a lot of US "continental" breakfasts a pointless exercise but European ones quite worthwhile.
Basically, if a hotel can't be bothered to get a half-decent non-carb bomb option out there, I wish they wouldn't bother.
Your view of the Middle East breakfasts is biased because you don't eat pork. I suppose you will find bacon in the higher-end places, but things like jamón serrano or prosciutto certainly aren't plentiful in that part of the world. Also, if you think that European and US breakfasts are bad, you should try going to hotels in China aimed at the local clientele. You could be staying in a 70 sq. m. suite in...
Your view of the Middle East breakfasts is biased because you don't eat pork. I suppose you will find bacon in the higher-end places, but things like jamón serrano or prosciutto certainly aren't plentiful in that part of the world. Also, if you think that European and US breakfasts are bad, you should try going to hotels in China aimed at the local clientele. You could be staying in a 70 sq. m. suite in a hotel with great overall facilities and still be expected to make do with congee, steamed rice and a bunch of other things that the rest of the world never eats in the morning.
The comment on China shows the same neglect or bias that you claimed Lucky is demonstrating. One man’s trash is another’s treasure. But breakfast is America is generally disgusting in any profit oriented establishment.
It's about having choice, I obviously wouldn't blame them for serving congee etc, but I really don't appreciate a supposedly high-end hotel which offers nothing in terms of cheese, bacon, or viennoiserie at breakfast.
You can use your same analogy and apply it vice-versa. Congee is actually a popular breakfast choice for many countries in Asia. So, if an Asian person visits the U.S. or Canada, etc. they could apply the same logic. Why is there no congee and just pastries, meat, and cheese?
Aren't they all profit oriented?
Sure, but nowhere else in the world the CEOs earn ten of millions of dollars plus a golden compensation package and parachute compared to an average of less than $50K annual salary and no benefits for the employees.
No where else in the world the CEOs earn tens of millions of dollars annually plus golden compensation package and parachute compared to the average of less than $50K annual salary with no benefits for the employees.
@Throwawayname - you said it yourself, 'try going to hotels in China aimed at the local clientele' As StanleyC noted, the Chinese prefer congee and steamed rice. As for the 'bunch of other things that the rest of the world never eats', perhaps you shouldn't speak for the everyone when you have a limited palate.
I enjoy a great proportion of Chinese foods (OK, congee isn't one of them), I just struggle to eat some of them first thing in the morning.
The very nature of an upmarket hotel's business is to serve guests from around the world. Given that Chinese breakfast is so different from everyone else's, they should make some effort to be more inclusive of the preferences of international guests. With that said, there are some...
I enjoy a great proportion of Chinese foods (OK, congee isn't one of them), I just struggle to eat some of them first thing in the morning.
The very nature of an upmarket hotel's business is to serve guests from around the world. Given that Chinese breakfast is so different from everyone else's, they should make some effort to be more inclusive of the preferences of international guests. With that said, there are some excellent breakfasts to be had in Chinese hotels - I have had a great one at the Garden Hotel in Guangzhou.
By the same token, I obviously agree that more non-Chinese hotels should consider having some Chinese options for breakfast, after all we're talking about the most populous country on earth which sends tourists, businesspeople and VFR travellers all over the planet.
It's a very entitled perspective to expect western cuisine to be available at hotels in the east. You're complaining that you're not being catered to when you're traveling in China. If you have a preference for a certain type of cuisine don't stay at a hotel in China and say you really don't appreciate when they don't have bacon , cheese and French pastries available to you.
What do you suppose the percentage of high-end...
It's a very entitled perspective to expect western cuisine to be available at hotels in the east. You're complaining that you're not being catered to when you're traveling in China. If you have a preference for a certain type of cuisine don't stay at a hotel in China and say you really don't appreciate when they don't have bacon , cheese and French pastries available to you.
What do you suppose the percentage of high-end hotels in China will have bacon and cheese? Now compare that to how many high-end hotels in the west will have congee or even steamed rice? Don't see many Chinese travelers saying they don't appreciate not having their native foods in western hotels.
Cooking Chinese food requires intimate knowledge and care. You must know what when and how much to add and with what. Opposite to cooking American food when you go to the grocery store to buy food take it home and flip it on the BBQ, stick it in the oven or on the stove. East Asian food also requires marinating meats overnight. When you walk in a Chinese restaurant and do not see East Asian...
Cooking Chinese food requires intimate knowledge and care. You must know what when and how much to add and with what. Opposite to cooking American food when you go to the grocery store to buy food take it home and flip it on the BBQ, stick it in the oven or on the stove. East Asian food also requires marinating meats overnight. When you walk in a Chinese restaurant and do not see East Asian patrons inside, you might as well walk back out. Same applies when you see non Chinese cooks in the kitchen. I always cringe when I read commentators and bloggers boast about eating Mexican foods in East
Asia. Those who do not eat Chinese/ East Asian foods, in my opinion, have no taste bud. When I ate the best food in my life in Sri Lanka, the servers asked if I wanted to eat burger, fries or pizza, I replied that I did not travel the world to eat those foods when I could order at home. Travel is to immerse and gain knowledge in the host country's culture, cuisine, history and landscape.
Best hotel breakfast I ever had probably was in China at the PuLi in Shanghai.....
I LOVE Congee, will have that over bacon and cheese Anyday. But that's just me.
I’ve had some great breakfasts in USA, exclusively w/ the Hyatt chain. Andaz Maui, any Park Hyatt or Thompson, and Hotel 50 Bowery in NYC all incredible!
The curse for me is everywhere except resorts, back when I stayed in hostels I’d be out the door at 7-8 am & beat crowds, with free hotel breakfast I rarely leave before like… 10 am LOL
I only eat breakfast at full-service Hyatts. HP and HH breakfast are free, but bland and sometimes end extremely early (9am). I only eat twice a day so I'd rather eat my first meal around 11 or noon.