Paying for breakfast
Oct 16, 2011 | 12:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: I am a lowly ant
Posts: 1,756
Paying for breakfast
Am I the only one who really resents it and refuses to see the value?
I will happily pay $100/head for dinner, but try to charge me $25 for breakfast and I will run screaming out the door (to the nearest bakery).
I guess it's all the hotels offering 'free' breakfast, but basically if a hotel's breakfast is more than a few dollars I will try to avoid it (if my wife will let me).
I will happily pay $100/head for dinner, but try to charge me $25 for breakfast and I will run screaming out the door (to the nearest bakery).
I guess it's all the hotels offering 'free' breakfast, but basically if a hotel's breakfast is more than a few dollars I will try to avoid it (if my wife will let me).
Oct 16, 2011 | 1:33 pm
#2
In Memoriam
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
There is no value to twenty five dollars for a couple of eggs.
Unless the hotel is in the middle of nowhere and there are no other options near by I never pay that amount for breakfast.
They charge that because so many people don't care about the price and are willing to pay it.
Unless the hotel is in the middle of nowhere and there are no other options near by I never pay that amount for breakfast.
They charge that because so many people don't care about the price and are willing to pay it.
Oct 16, 2011 | 2:53 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: DRO
Programs: AS MVP, A3*S, F9 G, B6 M2
Posts: 535
Nothing better than a great brunch, and I'm certainly happy to pay for a high quality one, but it's something you only do maybe once per year if you're lucky. Eggs cooked perfectly, prime rib, fresh fruit, hot breads, fluffy waffles, mimosas, maybe some live music and some sort of chocolate fountain. Over eat on every different type of food, have a few morning casuals, take a nice nap, and wake up for football... Now I'm hungry.
Oct 16, 2011 | 3:42 pm
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
Has nothing to do with value and everything to do with market.
A lot of business travellers don't care because they get reimbursed so whether they spend $2.50 or $25.00 is of no consequence and others who may be wealthy simply don't care. Then there are some # of kettles who can't really afford it but also figure it just is what it is so they order, eat and pay.
A lot of business travellers don't care because they get reimbursed so whether they spend $2.50 or $25.00 is of no consequence and others who may be wealthy simply don't care. Then there are some # of kettles who can't really afford it but also figure it just is what it is so they order, eat and pay.
Oct 17, 2011 | 12:50 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,934
A hotel I used to frequent in Minneapolis had this "they'll pay for breakfast" all figured out. Same price as all the other mid-range hotels. The others all advertised "free breakfast", which the business traveler could expense. The "smart" one charged for breakfast, but gave away evening drinks (which many people can't expense). They were always booked solid.
Oct 17, 2011 | 6:35 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,377
A hotel I used to frequent in Minneapolis had this "they'll pay for breakfast" all figured out. Same price as all the other mid-range hotels. The others all advertised "free breakfast", which the business traveler could expense. The "smart" one charged for breakfast, but gave away evening drinks (which many people can't expense). They were always booked solid.
Oct 17, 2011 | 6:44 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 4,449
Agree
Agree. When I am on business, I get the $25.00 breakfast--you better believe I'm getting it. When I am on vacation, I find the nearest starbucks, bakery, or cafe and eat for less than $5. ^
Oct 18, 2011 | 12:16 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Given a choice, I almost always defer including the breakfast option. If I'm in London I simply walk around the corner and find the first pub breakfast I see. In the US I have other options by car. I won't pay $25 out of my pocket for a usually crappy breakfast buffet.
Oct 18, 2011 | 2:08 am
#12
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,970
That approach absolutely works for business travelers who are compensated on actual, allowable expenses. That's some, but not all business travelers. Those who are provided a per diem allowance are happy booking hotels with free breakfast. For them a bundled breakfast means more money left to spend on lunch, dinner, or evening drinks, or to keep in one's pocket.
Oct 18, 2011 | 2:15 am
#13
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,970
In general, I don't "value" breakfast as highly because its really just something to get through before I can get on with my day. If I'm in a hotel, its likely I'm not lingering over a 2 hour 5 course breakfast (if there is such a thing) because I either need to be working, or I'm heading out sightseeing, or I'd rather sleep some more.
Oct 18, 2011 | 2:45 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
Programs: SK Gold, AY Gold
Posts: 13,674
Even on all-expenses-paid, I hate the waste of a €20 breakfast - especially as I'm a coffee-and-muesli kind of guy. I'd sooner have a stand-up coffee and pain aux raisins on the way in than have some overblown buffet.
And as for hotels that don't include it in the rate, but charge you whether you choose to eat it or not... We shall have words.
And as for hotels that don't include it in the rate, but charge you whether you choose to eat it or not... We shall have words.
Oct 18, 2011 | 7:12 am
#15
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northern Virginia
Programs: UA 1K, HGP Diamond, HH Diamond, MR Platinum
Posts: 300
If I'm in a nice hotel for a few days on business I'll probably get the $25 breakfast at least once, often on morning of departure. If it's a nice buffet with omelette station, good fresh fruit, dairy, bakery, continental options, and most importantly, LOT's of bacon, plus juice & coffee, I find the value acceptable.
On other days, or on personal travel, I might forage locally.
On other days, or on personal travel, I might forage locally.