Hotels With Bustling Food & Beverage Outlets: What's The Sweet Spot? - Other Hotels

Hotels With Bustling Food & Beverage Outlets: What's The Sweet Spot?

Ben Schlappig — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:52:43 +0000

Earlier, I wrote about how I’m planning a trip to Hong Kong, and am deciding on which hotels to stay at. In passing, I mentioned how the Peninsula Hong Kong strikes me as being a ”luxury factory,” with the lobby overflowing with non-hotel guests.

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Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.

TravelinWilly — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:47:42 +0000

Data Point: I'll be staying at the Pen in Chicago next week; it's restaurant week, and the main restaurant there is booked out for what I needed. I called yesterday and gave them a date and a couple of times I wanted, and they said either one was fine. So whilst I can't speak for the entire chain, for sure the Pen in Chicago either keeps tables held back or makes room for hotel guests, which is a very nice perk.

Stanley C — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:00:20 +0000

Regent Taipei does not hold any tables for the hotel guests at any of their restaurants.

Eskimo — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:12:25 +0000

You had 1 out of 2 chance to guess it right and you still screw it up. No wonder you cost HM the war. You screwed up the war too. BA doesn't want a knob like you to be their apologist.

TD — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:32:13 +0000

“I’m offended by all these non-guests disrupting my afternoon tea” said the non-guest

Andy K — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:05:11 +0000

Agreed that FS (as always) strikes the right balance. The key is for the food/drinks and service to be comparable to that of the surrounding neighborhood, while making sure the venue is not a destination unto itself to attract people that are not otherwise in the neighborhood.

AeroB13a — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:04:54 +0000

Actually, 1990, one takes absolutely no notice of the probability of the fake posters misappropriating genuine contributors posts. If Ben, couldn’t care less, clearly others are of the very same mindset, therefore, the value of this site is being diminished daily, yes?

1990 — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:44:40 +0000

Real Aero, both of the above ‘1990’s were not me. How ‘fun’ that you fell for it. Oof. —O.G. 1990

Matt — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:27:28 +0000

Funny you mention Tampa EDITION. This is the hotel that sprung immediately to mind and I would definitely put in this category. I had an equally bad experience there for numerous reasons including them prioritising F&B guests over hotel guests. Booked Amex FHR for 1 night in November 2024. 1. When I arrived the lobby was mobbed with people at the bar and throughout the lobby. People drinking before the hockey game at stadium. What seemed to be a high school homecoming celebration. No doorman or other to help through the crowds and find the inconspicuous check in desk. 2. When I got on flight upgrade had been cleared to bayview suite. At check-in informed me that not only had I not been upgraded, I had been downgraded to entry level double bed room. 3. Informed that the rooftop pool, bar and restaurant were all closed from 3pm for a private event (the high school homecoming event!). I could use the JW Marriott pool, but unfortunately that had now been closed due to a fire alarm. 4. Not to worry they were giving me $75 F&B credit in the hotel, together with my $100 FHR credit and $80 breakfast credit for my 1 night stay. But it was Saturday night and all the restaurants were booked except the lobby. 5. My room was right above the entrance so all I heard was the queue for the night club and the amped up sports cars they arrived in at the valet. Such a shame because was such a nice hotel. But clearly prioritising its F&B venues at the weekend over its hotel guests. The Ops Manager refused to budge on anything and was dismissal of my complaints. However, the General Manager did respond to my email complaint later in the week and comped the stay. Because I am a glutton for punishment I stayed again on FHR this past November. Room wasn't ready at 2pm arrival and not until after 6pm. They said it was because they were trying to put me in an upgraded room, but that never materialised! At least no downgrade, but they were refusing guaranteed late checkouts to all FHR guests!

AeroB13a — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:31:33 +0000

Ronnie, what is a “Conference Hotel”? Something which is only present in the U.S.?