Questions and Answers

I am currently at a world-renowned Park Hyatt having this problem. I’ve also had this problem at other 5 star establishments like The Pier in Hong Kong Airport, which was supposed to be “Savoy trained…” etc.

The crux of my problem: I love brewed coffee but *hate* espresso, and nobody seems to know the difference. As you may know, espresso is a different kind of bean, and is made by forcing water through the grounds at extremely high pressure. This creates an espresso shot, which is used in making espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, Americanos, etc. I hate all of these.

What I do like is “brewed” coffee. Whether it be French press, Chemex, cold brew, or just good old fashioned Mr. Coffee filtered coffee machine.

The crazy part is that here at the Park Hyatt Maldives and at the Pier FC lounge, the menu has a separate entry for “Americano” and “freshly brewed coffee.” At both places they tell me there is no difference between those two things and they just bring an Americano.

I’ve described what I want as “brewed coffee” “slow brewed coffee” “French press coffee” and I just get blank stares every single time. And then an offer for an Americano.

I’ve been through this charade at maybe 10 different 5-star hotels. The thing is, there is usually a Starbucks around that serves brewed coffee so it is not like I am describing something that simply doesn’t exist in the country.

Anyways, does anyone else ever have this problem? Does anyone know a good way to ask for “brewed, non-espresso coffee?” Thanks.

I can’t answer your question although I am in agreement that French Press is entirely different from an Americano. Maybe you could get an answer by posting this question on Home-Barista.com or any of the many coffee brewing forums online.

It’s just that brewed or drip coffee is a very American thing. That’s why you may find it overseas at Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts, but in local coffee places it’s quite unlikely. People wouldn’t even know what you’re talking about, let alone have the gear to prepare what you want. It is very much a cultural thing. The closest thing you have a better chance getting is a French Press coffee but even that might be tricky.

A bit surprised they wouldn’t have that available at the hotels you’re describing though, since they must deal with American tourists on a daily basis and get those requests all the time.

[QUOTE=”Gia, post: 62492, member: 1566″]I can’t answer your question although I am in agreement that French Press is entirely different from an Americano. Maybe you could get an answer by posting this question on Home-Barista.com or any of the many coffee brewing forums online.[/QUOTE]
Did you ask for an americano? We have found that very satisfactory

Just to bounce back on this, I’m currently at the Park Hyatt in Paris and they offered “café filtre” which translates to filter coffee, and it was pretty much what you’d expect to get in the US . So maybe try that next time !