What is a Continental Breakfast?
If you stayed in a hotel or motel lately, you were probably able to enjoy a continental breakfast. Many lodging facilities now offer this service as part of their amenity package. In fact, it’s gotten to the point where a continental breakfast is to be expected, and it is the rare venue that doesn’t offer this perk. What is a continental breakfast and why is it being offered?
A continental breakfast is simple, not fancy. Don’t expect an elaborate buffet. Depending on the hotel or motel you might receive coffee, tea, assorted juices, rolls, bagels, pastries and perhaps individual sized cereal boxes. It is so named because it is the breakfast of choice on The Continent, or Europe.
While the menu doesn’t include mimosas and Eggs Benedict, most agree that a continental breakfast is convenient and appreciated. Originally this simple morning meal was only offered by a few elite chains, but now it is more commonplace. In fact, many busy people won’t even stay at a particular hotel unless a continental breakfast is part of the amenity package. Because it’s included in the cost of the hotel stay, it makes the idea of running to the lobby for a scone and cup of coffee that much more appealing.
If it’s going to be a while before your next meal however, a continental breakfast isn’t recommended. Because pastries and croissants add up to empty calories, count on being hungry again a couple of hours later. If you’re going to spending the day sight-seeing or doing physical activity, or you know it will be a while before your next meal, you might want to seek out a more substantial breakfast.
Hotels and motels like serving continental breakfasts because they are inexpensive and simple to prepare. Many will even spend a little extra for gourmet quality food. Patrons enjoy a continental breakfast because of its convenience and because it also offers the ability to bring breakfast back to the room and relax instead of rushing out to look for something to eat before check-out time. When patrons stay in the hotel, they might be more inclined to spend their money in its shops and spas rather than seeking outside amusement.
If you’re going to be traveling, check to see if your hotel offers a continental breakfast. It’s a small gesture, but most will agree, it’s a wonderful convenience.
Written by Deborah Ng
