If your negotiated rate doesn’t include breakfast, you’re probably confronted by a tough choice every time you book a room: “Should I pay extra for it?”
As the saying goes, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, because eating it boosts your metabolism, productivity and overall health.
On the other hand, some buffets contain more calories than you could possibly hope to burn off in a hardcore gym class. For me, there are pros to eating breakfast at your hotel and pros to eating it out, so here’s a little comparison to mull over while you make a cup of coffee or tea in your hotel room.
In
Safety- As Holly, the character played by Katherine Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s said, “Nothing very bad could happen to you there.” Hotels are safe havens where you can enjoy your meal without worrying about a thing – even leaving your smartphone on the table while you refill your orange juice. If you’re traveling to an insecure destination, it might be a good idea to stick around for breakfast.
Hygiene -This one’s closely linked to the first point. It’s unlikely that you will get food poisoning eating at your hotel so if you have a weak stomach it might be better to play safe and avoid local delis.
Convenience -Because it’s served in the same place you sleep, there’s no need to bring your coat, laptop and bag just to grab a croissant. You can just take your door key and head down. You don’t need to worry about finding a money changer or your credit card not being accepted. Plus, you will have fewer receipts to keep and fewer fields to fill in when doing your expenses.
Gluttony - Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper, they say. You can pile your plate with as many pastries as you like without paying more.
Out
Taste - Some hotels have buffet breakfasts to die for but, let’s face it, some aren’t remotely appealing. Scrambled eggs look more like a tray of kitchen sponges and hot food isn’t hot by the time you sit down. You can travel to culinary paradises without even realizing it.
Culture -Travel is about opening your mind and discovering new cultures. A good way to do that is to mix with the locals – join them over noodles in Bangkok, or an espresso in Rome. You’ll miss the mingling with locals in a hotel.
Price- You can probably have a wonderful breakfast and pay half the price if you just go for a coffee and a nibble in the morning.
Choice - If you are staying several days at your destination, you can experience different treats and discover different parts of the city each day.
What do you prefer?
Do let me know, for, as Ken Blanchard, the American businessman and author says: “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”