Are buffets in the restaurants and lounges a thing of the past????
May 15, 2020, 10:16 pm
#76
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Don't be surprised if COVID-19 is used as cover for all kinds of cost-saving measures.
Lounge food is definitely something that might be enhanced away. Would any chain be bold enough to take away elite breakfasts? Now that a BF buffet needs to be replaced by a-la-carte or, even worse, a grab bag of a muffin and banana...
Lounge food is definitely something that might be enhanced away. Would any chain be bold enough to take away elite breakfasts? Now that a BF buffet needs to be replaced by a-la-carte or, even worse, a grab bag of a muffin and banana...
Why a buffet - especially for breakfast? "Cause I can grab items and be done/gone in less than 5 minutes. Even fewer minutes if I'm prepared with my bring along tortillas to handle those ball bearing pieces of scrambled eggs. Or I can hop in my car, wait in a drive thru line for an Egg McMuffin or some such for 10+ minutes during peak breakfast and also deal with the weather.
Why not a buffet? Uh, you ever dine at one of those hotel restaurants? "Uh, l think you can sit over here." "No, let me find out what we've got left." "Sorry the kitchen is taking so long" "Oh, that's right, you wanted more coffee." Self: Where did that waiter go again? I gotta leave. Self 2 days later: Why is there a for breakfast on my folio if I'm Platinum/Titanium?.
Ugh.
David
Why not a buffet? Uh, you ever dine at one of those hotel restaurants? "Uh, l think you can sit over here." "No, let me find out what we've got left." "Sorry the kitchen is taking so long" "Oh, that's right, you wanted more coffee." Self: Where did that waiter go again? I gotta leave. Self 2 days later: Why is there a for breakfast on my folio if I'm Platinum/Titanium?.
Ugh.
David
May 16, 2020, 10:13 am
#77
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I think it is too soon to say. If there is a vaccine by the fall, a lot of this is moot. If there is a long protracted battle with this, I think huge changes ensue.
I think hotels will have to scale back massively to survive. The element hotels manager receptions for example might go away. I think the platinum lounges etc. might need to be reassessed, and ways for hotels to show their interest and loyalty to you might have to be re-examined. For example, perhaps a small F&B credit. ($5-10 per guest per day comes to mind).
I think hotels will have to scale back massively to survive. The element hotels manager receptions for example might go away. I think the platinum lounges etc. might need to be reassessed, and ways for hotels to show their interest and loyalty to you might have to be re-examined. For example, perhaps a small F&B credit. ($5-10 per guest per day comes to mind).
May 16, 2020, 11:10 am
#78
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I think it is too soon to say. If there is a vaccine by the fall, a lot of this is moot. If there is a long protracted battle with this, I think huge changes ensue.
I think hotels will have to scale back massively to survive. The element hotels manager receptions for example might go away. I think the platinum lounges etc. might need to be reassessed, and ways for hotels to show their interest and loyalty to you might have to be re-examined. For example, perhaps a small F&B credit. ($5-10 per guest per day comes to mind).
I think hotels will have to scale back massively to survive. The element hotels manager receptions for example might go away. I think the platinum lounges etc. might need to be reassessed, and ways for hotels to show their interest and loyalty to you might have to be re-examined. For example, perhaps a small F&B credit. ($5-10 per guest per day comes to mind).
As an aside, The Wynn Las Vegas has created an extensive re-opening plan including a $2.4M renovation of "The Buffet" restaurant.
James
May 16, 2020, 2:49 pm
#79
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First of all, that won't happen - only the politicians are pushing that myth for their own purposes. I don't think anyone who believes in science believes there will be a publicly available vaccine before the spring. Second, even when there is a vaccine, not everyone will get vaccinated, and it will take months for all the people who want (and can afford) the vaccine to get it. Third, vaccines are not guarantees of immunity.
I predict that the buffets that do stay will no longer be self-serve. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
I predict that the buffets that do stay will no longer be self-serve. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
May 28, 2020, 9:19 pm
#80
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FWIW, not at a Marriott or other hotel but there's interest over in the Japan Forum that at least one buffet chain is reopening...
David
David
May 29, 2020, 12:02 pm
#82
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May 30, 2020, 7:53 am
#84
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Are buffets in the restaurants and lounges a thing of the past????
Jan 31, 2021, 1:33 pm
#85
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Self service breakfast buffet back (technically never left) at brand new Fairfield Inn in Hailey, Idaho. This hotel opened about 3 weeks ago and this is my second visit. It’s pretty much a full pre-COVID Fairfield breakfast experience.
Jan 31, 2021, 2:17 pm
#86
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I have peers in Texas and Florida that don't wear masks and nobody else there seems to either. These are people I normally find smart and thoughtful. It's so foreign to a Californian.
I can only guess that if nobody around you is wearing them, that's your social proof that they are unnecessary.
Jan 31, 2021, 2:27 pm
#87
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What makes you think they're not just because they are taking a different tact regarding masks?
Jan 31, 2021, 3:39 pm
#88
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I guess it's science. Science is what makes me think they aren't making smart decisions. Listening to actual you know, Infectious desease doctors. So I guess it's that. Going to gyms, crowded churches and busy indoor dining with no social distancing.
Jan 31, 2021, 3:39 pm
#89
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Is it just pre-packaged items? or are people using the same utensils? I haven't the latter, but if things are pre-portioned, there is nothing wrong with buffets in my opinion.
Jan 31, 2021, 5:15 pm
#90
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Not just pre-packaged. I've been to a number of "buffets" that feature only single serve items that you could grab yourself, but this was the first since last march with the shared serving spoon for the bulk cooked scrambled eggs, sausage, etc. and a self service waffle maker. Literally no change from what you would have seen at a Fairfield pre-covid. Having stayed at many hotels over the last few months, it really stood out for how "normal" it was...as in the "before times" normal. The hotel did have signs up requiring masks and compliance was pretty decent (at least for Idaho).
Last edited by Alpinetrekker; Jan 31, 2021 at 5:33 pm