When you’re staying at a hotel, one of the highlights is definitely the breakfast! Many hotels offer a buffet or ‘All You Can Eat’ (AYCE) setup that lets you enjoy a wide range of tasty dishes as much as you like.
A buffet is a style of meal serving where food is placed on a long table or several tables, and you can help yourself to whatever you want. The spread usually includes starters, main dishes, desserts, and beverages.
However, before you head down for breakfast, there are a few things to keep in mind. Can you just walk in? What time is breakfast usually served? I’ve summed up a few tips to help you enjoy your hotel breakfast the right way. Let’s dive in!
First things first, you need to know when and where breakfast is served at your hotel. You can usually find this info in a brochure or a small booklet in your room, or you can ask the front desk directly.
After you check in and get your room, the staff will usually tell you what times breakfast is served and where to find it. It usually runs from 6:00 to 10:00 AM, but this can vary based on the hotel’s own rules. Breakfast is often set up in the hotel restaurant, which is usually located on the ground floor.
It’s good to know these details so you don’t miss out on breakfast, whether you’re traveling for fun or on business.
Hotel breakfast isn’t the same as grabbing a bite at home. You should wear neat clothes to the hotel restaurant. Skip the nightwear and flip-flops. Casual outfits like shirts, t-shirts, and pants are perfect.
While not all hotels strictly enforce a dress code, it’s wise to dress appropriately to avoid any issues.
I learned this the hard way when I stayed at a luxury hotel in Central Jakarta in 2019. I went down to breakfast in hotel slippers and was stopped by the security at the door, who asked me to change my footwear.
Although they were just hotel slippers, there was a sign stating that slippers weren’t allowed in the dining area.
Every hotel has its rules, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and dress properly.
Once you’re ready, you can head to the breakfast area. At the entrance, there’s usually a staff member waiting to greet you.
They’ll ask for your room number and check it against their records. If breakfast isn’t included in your booking, you won’t be allowed to enter.
If you did book a room with breakfast but it’s not showing in their system, just let the staff know. They’ll help sort things out for you.
Once you’re inside, the staff will usually help you find a spot. They might ask if you prefer the smoking or non-smoking area.
But if you’d rather choose your own table, go ahead. Pick a table that feels comfortable and fits your group. If you’re by yourself, a smaller table might be just right.
If the hotel offers a buffet breakfast, take a quick look around to see what’s available. You can start at the main course section.
Here, you’ll usually find dishes like rice, vegetables, and meats for protein. There might also be local breakfast options like Bubur Ayam, Lontong Kari, and Mie Ayam.
For egg lovers, hotels often have a station where you can get eggs made fresh, like scrambled, sunny-side up, or boiled, along with chicken or beef sausage and potato wedges.
You’ll also find a variety of breads, cereals, fruits, puddings, and cakes for dessert.
Remember to always use the tongs or serving spoons provided—don’t grab food with your hands.
Cutlery like spoons, forks, and knives are usually already set at your table, so no need to search for them. Plates of different sizes are available near the food stations.
Take only what you can finish. You can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
Once you’ve picked your food, bring it back to your table. If you want to get more, just leave your plate there and come back for seconds.
Sit comfortably, enjoy the view around you, and savor your meal. Take your time, chew your food well, and don’t forget to be grateful for the blessing in front of you.
Don’t worry about the plates and cutlery stacking up as you eat. The restaurant staff will be quick to clear your table. A smile and a quick “thank you” to them goes a long way!
Yes, many hotels offer breakfast delivery, often called “Room Service” or “In-Room Dining.” However, this is usually only available in hotels that don’t have buffet or all-you-can-eat breakfast options.
Instead, they provide a menu with items like fried rice, noodles, breads, or eggs. It’s not a buffet with a wide variety of choices.
For hotels that do offer buffet breakfasts, they usually don’t deliver to rooms—unless there are special circumstances, like if you’re feeling unwell or have urgent business that prevents you from dining at the restaurant.
What if you want to take breakfast with you? Unfortunately, that’s generally not allowed. The food is meant to be eaten at the restaurant, and you can’t take it out or back to your room.
So, it’s best to take only what you can finish. If you take too much and can’t finish, the leftover food will be thrown away.
