Hotel Breakfasts Explained: Continental, English, American… – God Save The Points

You had me at buffet…

When choosing a hotel there are so many angles to steer your business. But one that wins above all, is a fantastic hotel breakfast.

How could you ever possibly turn down the pleasure of grazing your way to a treasure trove of fresh goodies, half awake, with just a simple elevator ride. But the art form is in choosing “which” breakfast to indulge. When booking a hotel, you’ll see descriptors like: continental, English and American to describe the various breakfast offerings from hotel to hotel, so here’s how to know what you’re in for…

Continental Breakfast

A continental breakfast is your most basic option, which essentially lets hotels off the hook for reheating croissants, bagels and other light “on the go” options. Your coffee will probably come from a large pot, too. Don’t expect a fancy latte.

Continental breakfasts are designed for on the go travelers, who don’t have the time to fuss with cooked eggs and other treats. A continental breakfast can be delightful, but if this is what the hotel is advertising, your expectations for a massive, multi course feast of eggs, bacon and chef curated specialities should be tempered to a quick banana and a bagel, and coffee in a foam cup.

English Breakfast

This will often have the descriptor “full” next to it, because that’s absolutely what you’ll be afterwards. If a full English is on offer, expect: eggs, bacon, sausage, tomato, toast and if you like, baked beans.

In a nice twist, Each region of the United Kingdom offers different twists, so don’t be surprised if there are a few delightful little add ons like pastry, black pudding, porridge, fried mushrooms, or even some smoked fish involved!

As far as “non buffet” breakfasts go, this is the gold standard and can easily help you skip lunch if you’re on a diet, or budget!

American Breakfast

An American hotel breakfast is yet another option where you can expect full on food made to order, and not just some reheated pastry.

By definition, an American breakfast involves two eggs, a side of bacon or sausage, toast or cereal and your choice of juice.  Pancakes may be offered as a side or alternative.

Like its English counterpart, The American breakfast is a power punching, calorie packing hotel option, which is sure to get you through the morning, and depending on portion size, perhaps the day. American breakfast beats continental breakfast, but may tie, draw or lose with full English, depending on your tastes.

What’s your go to breakfast on the road?