Would You Rather Your Hotel Offer You Free Happy Hour or Breakfast?

Isn't it wonderful when you book an amazing hotel, only to find out it also includes breakfast or a free evening cocktail reception? Unfortunately this does not happen as much as we travellers would like, or as often as it used to with the cost of everything on the rise. But when it does, it is often one or the other, but we have been lucky enough to stay somewhere that included both....more on that later.

Happy Hour:

Some hotels offer a happy hour, or evening reception for their guests. Often each guest room is given a drink or two in the early evening in the hotel bar or lounge. No one enjoys an evening beverage more than Richard and I, so an evening reception is always a draw or wonderful surprise for us. We have experienced several. One that stands out is the Kimpton hotel in San Francisco. They had a managers reception that focused on Napa wines. The wines changed during our stay, and there was even a house made sangria with fresh fruit one night. It is a nice touch when the beverages from the area are highlighted or featured

Free Breakfast:

Okay so there is free continental breakfast, and then there is free breakfast...We have stayed at some hotels that include incredible full, healthy, and cooked to order breakfast. If you like to indulge in eggs, freshly squeezed juice, and other savoury delights then Southeast Asia hotels are for you! When Richard and I stayed in Bali we had the best breakfasts ever! When we stayed in Seminyak, Indonesia and stayed at Sun Island Villas, we were given a menu each morning with numerous choices. There was traditional North American breakfast fare to choose from as well as Indonesian dishes such as savoury noodles topped with an over easy egg. Richard tried a new item each of the 5 mornings we stayed. To accompany your meal there was a light buffet of breads, sweets, and fruit. I also have to share that we have never been coffee drinkers until we had a latte made for us each morning with Balinese coffee.

One other breakfast hot spot for us was when we stayed in Ubud, Indonesia. First off let me tell you that this hotel is amazing. Words cannot describe it. So of course the breakfast was special for us too. The staff at Ubud Padi Villas brought us a menu each evening, allowing us to select which breakfast items we would like for the morning. The menu varied each day. We could choose to have it delivered to our villa, cabana, or enjoy it in an outdoor bungalow on the hotel grounds (picture below). They made coconut sugar and palm sugar filled crepes among many other great items.

Ubud Padi Villas, Ubud Bali
Photo: @conciergecouple

Best of Both Worlds:

Yes, we are not blind to the fact that our room rate likely covers the cost of the breakfast or happy hour, but when you get a great deal on a great hotel and there is a bonus, why would we go to the competition? Example: The Kinzie Hotel in Chicago. Not only do they have an evening cocktail reception in their upper floor bar, but they even have created their own signature cocktails if you are interested. Even once your 2 drinks per night vouchers are finished, the prices of additional drinks are fair. Please note: Richard and I never ran out of vouchers...we simply asked for more and they gave us more at the front desk! During this reception they also have major appetizers and small bites. I am not talking about fried appetizers, they are snacks like: charcuterie trays, dips and veggies, mini sliders, spicy meatballs and fresh bread, even some desserts. Okay I am getting off topic..

Breakfast here is very innovative and centered around a fresh idea. They deliver breakfast to EVERY floor EVERY morning. Yes, you read that correct. Each room has a serving tray for you to bring out into the hall and gather the food items you would like. They encourage you to wear your robe, and don't feel embarrassed because everyone is. You gather boiled eggs, yogurts, fruit, bagels, cereal, cheese, and so much more on your train and then....Enjoy it in your bed. Ahhhh.....Isn't this concept so simple yet amazing?! We think so. I tell you, we barely eat out at restaurants in Chicago when we stay here...but we still do :)