Breakfast is an integral part of every hotel stay. It is not only a moment when we can refuel before a day full of adventures or responsibilities, but also an opportunity to relax, enjoy the flavors, and start the day in a pleasant way. However, there are certain rules and etiquette associated with having breakfast at hotels. It is worth knowing the basic principles to make this time even more enjoyable and comfortable for all guests.
Before heading down to the hotel restaurant, make sure you know the hours during which the hotel serves breakfast. Different tourist facilities often specify specific time slots during which you can enjoy the meal. Arriving on time will help you avoid crowds and long waits.
What are the most common mistakes guests make regarding hotel breakfasts and their serving times? The first is arriving too early. Indeed, the restaurant may be open several, or even a dozen minutes before the official meal start time. However, do not expect to be served as soon as you arrive, and certainly do not rush the staff. If you come too early, some dishes, especially hot ones, may not yet be available on the table.
The second mistake is showing up just before breakfast ends. Some products may already be unavailable by then. If you like to sleep longer, it is better in such a situation to order hotel breakfast to your room.
Although breakfast is a moment of relaxation, it is worth maintaining proper elegance in your attire choice. There are no specific clothing rules for hotel breakfast, but it is good to ensure a neat and appropriate appearance for the occasion. Therefore, it is better not to arrive at the restaurant in pajamas or beachwear, even if you have visited the pool before the meal. Similarly inappropriate is walking around in wet rubber slippers. What shoes to choose for hotel breakfast? Covered shoes are best. It is debatable whether you can come to the hotel restaurant in slippers and barefoot. Not everyone wants to see that during breakfast.
Is a bathrobe an appropriate outfit during hotel breakfast? Not necessarily. Remember that despite the relaxing conditions and the time of day, you are in a public place, not your own home. Considering other people, it is better to restrain your desire to be completely relaxed. For the same reason, it is worth taking a shower and combing your hair before hotel breakfast.
Although with buffets we usually choose dishes ourselves, it is worth remembering culture and order. First of all, do not rush guests standing in front of you in line for a particular dish. On the other hand, causing delays and creating bottlenecks is also not appreciated. When selecting food, do not put more on your plate than you can eat to avoid food waste. Portion snacks so as not to make a mess or dirty the area. Do not rummage through bread or touch food with your hands; use the available utensils.
During hotel breakfast, it is worth remembering to maintain silence and calm. Avoid loud conversations, including on the phone. This is a moment when not only you but also other guests want to enjoy peace during the meal. This also applies to children. Indeed, little ones are sometimes hard to control, but it is better to pay attention to your children in a public place, ensure they do not run around the restaurant, and above all do not disturb other guests.
After finishing breakfast, it is worth keeping the table tidy. If the restaurant does not offer waiter service, clean your place yourself, return dishes if required, and leave the table in good condition for the next guests.
If you have food allergies or special dietary preferences, it is worth informing the hotel staff in advance. Many hotels are prepared to accommodate guests with various dietary needs, so early notification helps avoid misunderstandings and allows for appropriate meal preparation.
Hotels usually offer various types of breakfasts, ranging from continental to buffet style. Pay attention to the kind of meal served at your chosen property.
The basic version consists of bread (including sweet bread), butter, honey, jam, coffee or tea, and a cold beverage. Some hotels expand this set with cheeses and cold cuts.
The most popular type of hotel breakfast, especially in Poland. It is also very convenient because various dishes are served in a buffet, and guests can choose what to eat themselves. Depending on the establishment, the buffet may be modest or very abundant. In some hotels, for example, you will find one hot dish (scrambled eggs or sausages), muesli, cheeses, cold cuts, and drinks (hot and cold). Luxury hotels offer a much wider selection – various types of muesli, yogurts, cheese and cold cut boards, several hot dishes, as well as fruits, cakes, and other sweet snacks.
The same rules apply here as during a restaurant meal, and the breakfast is chosen from an available menu. If your hotel serves à la carte breakfast, it is especially important to show up in appropriate and neat attire.
In practically every good hotel, you can order breakfast to your room. However, do not expect the waiter to bring you several plates with a selection of dishes available at the buffet. In the room, you will find a menu from which you can choose the meal you desire.
Familiarizing yourself with the types of hotel breakfasts and the rules that apply during the meal will help guests avoid disappointments or misunderstandings. Polite behavior contributes to a good atmosphere and relaxation during the meal in the hotel restaurant.
