Hotel Chains Quietly Phase Out Free Breakfast Perks Amid Cost-Cutting
One of the most cherished hotel amenities, the complimentary continental breakfast, is gradually disappearing from many properties as major chains implement cost-saving measures. This shift is sparking concern among travellers who have long valued the perk as a staple of their stay.
Hyatt and Holiday Inn Lead Changes to Breakfast Models
Hyatt Hotels has reportedly eliminated free breakfast for all guests at approximately 40 Hyatt Place properties across the United States. With over 400 Hyatt Place locations worldwide, this move marks a significant departure from traditional offerings. A Hyatt spokesperson confirmed to travel news site The Points Guy in November 2024 that a limited number of U.S. hotels are piloting new grab-and-go menu options or rate plans that exclude breakfast. However, World of Hyatt Globalists members will continue to enjoy complimentary breakfast at all Hyatt Place hotels globally.
Similarly, Holiday Inn, owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts, has replaced its à la carte breakfast at most U.S. locations with a buffet-style morning meal. Travel expert Gary Leff shared an internal Holiday Inn guide on his blog, detailing the requirements for launching these buffets. The guide mandates specific foods such as bacon and eggs, baked goods, and cereals, while stipulating that breakfast service need only operate for three hours daily and should not include cooked-to-order or customised egg options.
Post-Pandemic Cost-Cutting Drives the Trend
According to Gary Leff, cost-cutting initiatives at hotels "really accelerated" following the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the travel industry. He noted that hotel owners are currently focused on squeezing costs and improving margins, leading to reductions in amenities like free breakfast. This trend reflects broader efforts to streamline operations and enhance profitability in a competitive market.
Customer Reactions and Potential Backlash
Hotels that remove free breakfast risk alienating loyal customers who have come to expect this amenity. Aimee Misovich from Holland, Michigan, a Hilton Honors member, emphasised the importance of free breakfast for her family's stays. She praised offerings like overnight oats and chia puddings at Homewood Suites, expressing hope that Hilton maintains its complimentary breakfasts. Such feedback highlights the potential for customer dissatisfaction as chains scale back on perks.
The Independent has reached out to Hyatt Hotels and IHG Hotels & Resorts for further comment on these changes. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the disappearance of free breakfast underscores a larger shift towards cost efficiency, albeit at the expense of a beloved traveller tradition.
