When staying at a motel, one of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Do motels provide breakfast?” While it may seem like a simple question, the answer depends on several factors such as the motel’s location, brand, price range, and amenities. Many motels offer breakfast to guests, but the types and quality of breakfast offerings vary greatly. In this article, we’ll explore the typical breakfast options at motels, breakfast policies, regional or chain-specific trends, alternative solutions, and tips for travelers to ensure they get the most out of their stay.
Typical Breakfast Offerings at Motels
Complimentary Breakfast (Continental Breakfast)
The most common breakfast offering at motels is the complimentary breakfast, often referred to as a “continental breakfast.” Continental breakfasts are usually modest and simple, designed to provide a quick and easy meal for guests before they head out for the day. These breakfasts are generally free of charge for all guests, although some motels may have restrictions on what they provide.
A continental breakfast typically includes:
Pastries: Croissants, muffins, bagels, or Danish pastries are staple items. These are easy to prepare and popular among guests who want a quick bite.
Cereals: Cold cereals like cornflakes, granola, or oatmeal are often provided along with milk or yogurt.
Fruit: Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, and oranges are common. Occasionally, you might find fruit salad or fruit cups.
Coffee and Juice: Coffee is usually available 24/7, but it’s typically included during breakfast hours. Orange juice or apple juice is another common offering.
Toast and Jam: Bread for toasting, often served with butter, jam, or peanut butter, is another continental breakfast item.
While a continental breakfast might seem basic, it provides an adequate option for those looking for a quick, no-fuss meal before starting their day.
Hot Breakfast
Some motels take it a step further by offering a hot breakfast, which can make for a more satisfying start to the day. These motels usually offer a wider selection of hot and cold items, and the quality tends to be better. Hot breakfasts are not as common in budget motels but are more likely to be found in mid-range motels or those with a higher price point.
Typical hot breakfast offerings include:
Scrambled Eggs: Some motels offer scrambled eggs as part of their hot breakfast. These may be prepared in large quantities and served in a buffet-style setting.
Waffles and Pancakes: Many motels offer a waffle iron where guests can make their own waffles, often served with syrup, butter, or fruit toppings.
Sausages or Bacon: Breakfast meats like sausages or bacon are a common feature of hot breakfast options.
Breakfast Burritos or Sandwiches: Some motels go beyond traditional breakfast items and serve breakfast burritos or sandwiches with eggs, cheese, and meat fillings.
Hash Browns: Another hot offering that might appear at a motel breakfast buffet, hash browns provide a hearty side dish alongside eggs and meat.
The availability of hot breakfast items can vary significantly depending on the motel’s policy. Some motels may serve a full hot breakfast buffet, while others might offer just a few hot items.
Breakfast Policies at Motels
Not All Motels Include Breakfast
It’s important to understand that not all motels include breakfast as part of their offering. While many motels provide a complimentary breakfast to guests, others may not, particularly budget motels or motels in areas where breakfast is less of an expectation.
For motels that do not offer breakfast, there may be several reasons:
Cost Considerations: Providing a breakfast can increase operational costs, and some motels prefer to keep their rates lower by omitting the breakfast offering.
Location: Some motels in areas with numerous dining options nearby might not see the need to provide breakfast, as guests can easily walk to nearby restaurants or cafes.
Type of Motel: Budget motels are less likely to offer breakfast, as they focus on offering basic, no-frills accommodations at an affordable price point.
Breakfast as an Add-On or Extra Fee
In cases where breakfast is not included in the room rate, some motels offer it as an optional add-on for an extra fee. For example, motels may charge a nominal fee for breakfast if it is not part of the room price. This is more common in mid-range motels or hotels that want to provide breakfast but still keep their room rates competitive.
How to Confirm Breakfast Availability
If breakfast is an essential part of your travel experience, it’s wise to confirm the breakfast policy of the motel before booking your stay. You can do this in a few ways:
Check the Motel’s Website: Many motels provide details about their breakfast offerings on their official website, including hours of availability and the types of items served.
Call the Motel Directly: If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call the motel and ask about breakfast availability, whether it’s included in the price, and what the options are.
By confirming breakfast details before booking, you can avoid any surprises during your stay and ensure that you have a meal to look forward to in the morning.
Regional or Chain-Specific Trends
Regional Differences in Breakfast Offerings
Breakfast offerings can also vary depending on the region you’re staying in. In areas where motels are more likely to cater to tourists, such as near national parks or beaches, motels may offer more generous breakfast options to attract visitors. On the other hand, motels in more industrial or rural areas may offer simpler, more basic breakfast options or none at all.
In urban areas, where dining out is more common, motels may provide fewer breakfast offerings, as guests have more options nearby. In more remote or suburban locations, motels may offer more variety in their breakfasts to accommodate guests who don’t have easy access to restaurants.
Chain-Specific Trends
Large motel chains often have specific breakfast policies, and these can vary from one brand to another. Here are a few general trends:
Budget Chains: Budget motels, such as Motel 6 or Super 8, typically offer basic continental breakfasts, including coffee, muffins, and cereal. They may offer hot items in select locations, but it’s not guaranteed.
Mid-Range Chains: Brands like La Quinta Inn & Suites and Best Western often provide more extensive breakfast options, including hot items like scrambled eggs, waffles, and bacon or sausage.
Luxury Chains: Higher-end motel chains may offer a more gourmet breakfast experience, with specialty items like smoked salmon, yogurt parfaits, or fresh-pressed juice.
When booking, it’s helpful to check the specific motel chain’s breakfast policy to set your expectations.
Alternative Breakfast Solutions
If breakfast is not provided at your motel, or if you’re looking for something more substantial, there are several alternative solutions to consider:
Nearby Restaurants or Cafes: Many motels are located near restaurants or coffee shops that serve breakfast. Check out local dining options for a full breakfast experience.
Grocery Stores or Convenience Stores: If you prefer a quick, grab-and-go breakfast, nearby grocery stores or convenience stores may offer breakfast foods like yogurt, fruit, or pastries.
Room Snacks: If you’re traveling on a budget, consider packing your own breakfast items like granola bars, fruit, or instant oatmeal to enjoy in your room.
Having alternative breakfast options can give you more flexibility and ensure you start your day off right, even if the motel doesn’t provide breakfast.
Tips for Travelers
When booking your motel stay, here are some tips to help you make the most of the breakfast offerings:
Confirm Breakfast Availability: Always check whether breakfast is included or available for an additional charge before booking your room.
Read Guest Reviews: Look at reviews from other guests to get a sense of the breakfast quality. Guests often mention whether the breakfast is good, varied, or lacking.
Ask About Breakfast Hours: Make sure to ask about the hours during which breakfast is served. Some motels may only serve breakfast for a limited time, and you don’t want to miss it.
Consider Your Preferences: If breakfast is important to you, consider booking a mid-range or higher-end motel that offers a more extensive breakfast spread.
Conclusion
Motels can offer a variety of breakfast options, ranging from basic continental offerings to more extensive hot breakfasts. However, breakfast policies vary greatly, so it’s important to check ahead to understand what’s available. Whether you’re staying at a budget motel or a mid-range property, confirming breakfast details beforehand can ensure that your stay meets your needs. If breakfast isn’t provided, don’t worry—there are plenty of nearby alternatives to start your day off right.
