I'm a chef and have a background in hospitality. I have a keen sense for being budget minded when traveling, and I do enjoy a good meal, as opposed to having an Egg McMuffin or manufactured food when I don't have to.

Sorry to be a spoil sport, but I don't condone using hotel appliances for things beyond their intended purpose. Heating hot water and then pouring it into a cup with bullion or over noodles is one thing, but putting the food into the kettle or making a grilled cheese on an iron? That's disrespectful of the hotel's property, let alone the next guest using the appliance.

Now if you're talking about staying at an extended stay hotel (or even a hostel) that has a true kitchen, I can tell you many stories about foods such as a blueberry pancake breakfast for a crowd that I have made from the basics; that's a real challenge.