Hotel Breakfast Buffet

Has anyone done the breakfast buffet shop at a major hotel chain without spending the night at the hotel? What do you do so that it does not seem obvious that you are a mystery shopper? Do people really walk in off the street for an average buffet in a hotel? I would like to do the shop but need advice. Thank you

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Depending on the hotel and area, I've seen some service/construction workers stop by for breakfast. Some may be visiting guests that are staying there for business.

I've often gone with big family groups to Hotel Buffets for brunch. Those are in restaurants in the hotel.

Also I've had family join me for breakfast when I was staying at a hotel. They just had to pay, I had a chit to show I was staying there. Seemed common to them.

I did one of these. Felt so obvious when the server asked for the hotel room. I just said I am paying in cash. Other than that, the shop was really simple.

Can't wait to find this shop on the boards. I used to go to the local hotel buffet regularly when my kids were young.. The food was great and it was really cheap for kids. They had a nice back room which was usually empty so the kids could run around. I am sure many stopped there who were not guests.

A scenerio could be that you are meeting up with friends who are in town and staying at that hotel. I also think this seems odd and this is the scenerio that I would probably have in my head to feel more natural.

I did such four years ago

Shopping Eastern Pennsylvania since 2009

I'm gonna take a duffel bag with me like I checked out of my room and make it look more natural. I have one that is paying quite decently. The reimbursement is crap ($25) in that there is no way I can take another person and have for for under $25.

I like the idea that I am visiting friends at the hotel but since no one will ever come to join me to eat, won't it get awkward again?

The hotel website makes it look like you eat in the lobby and there are different items on the counter to grab.

Sounds like the same one. How did you find out how much the buffet is?

@fa2 wrote:

Has anyone done the breakfast buffet shop at a major hotel chain without spending the night at the hotel? What do you do so that it does not seem obvious that you are a mystery shopper? Do people really walk in off the street for an average buffet in a hotel? I would like to do the shop but need advice. Thank you

Yes, many times, both as a real hungry customer and as a shopper.
Nothing. I just eat my breakfast like any other customer would.
Yes, they do.

They slept in, running late, etc...That is just the story I would have in my own mind as to take away my own awkwardness. If its a buffett, I imagine no one would think much of you after you pay.

I like the idea that I am visiting friends at the hotel but since no one will ever come to join me to eat, won't it get awkward again?[/quote]

Thank you

Thank you. I understand that it is probably normal but if I feel awkward that could give me away. I appreciate everyone taking the time to answer.

I've done one in a major upscale hotel chain in Manhattan. They don't generally ask if I'm a hotel guest until after the meal, when they bring the bill, so the meal is not awkward at all. When they bring the bill, they usually ask, "Will this be a room charge?" and I say, no thank you, I have cash. Easy and fun.

Let us know how it goes. Hopefully not awkward at all.

i'm going to say I already checked out and hand over my CC (unless i'm required by the MSC to pay cash)

@CorrieCJ wrote:

I've done one in a major upscale hotel chain in Manhattan. They don't generally ask if I'm a hotel guest until after the meal, when they bring the bill, so the meal is not awkward at all. When they bring the bill, they usually ask, "Will this be a room charge?" and I say, no thank you, I have cash. Easy and fun.

@fa2 Don't overthink it. The staff doesn't care and you don't have to come up with a well-rehearsed story as to why you want to eat breakfast. I would call the hotel to confirm the breakfast hours. It isn't a big deal that you are eating breakfast by yourself. You got this.

Just for informational purposes, I called and spoke to the front desk. I acted like I wanted to stay there and wondered if they had the free breakfasts in the morning. The front desk worker told me they don't do that. They have a buffet for $16.99 and told me what it included. So I followed it up with "If I stay here, would a guest who lives in town be able to come and join me?" I was told yes.

I really wasn't worried, but thought it wouldn't hurt to call and ask. My assignment is not for awhile. I know better than to call the morning that I would be coming just in case it raises suspicion.

I'm debating whether I go solo or if I take someone. We obviously exceed the reimbursement and it will cut into my pay, but I would still come out ahead after everything.

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 11/11/2024 10:32PM by hbbigdaddy.

It sounds like just a place to have breakfast/brunch whether you’re staying there or not. I’d be fine going alone. Or having someone with me, depending on what my plans are for the day.

Tons of hotels have restaurants open to the public. Basically all hotel restaurants are open to the public, aren't they? Why would this be in any way odd? I think some are confusing this with a complimentary hotel breakfast. That isn't what this is.

Absolutely not an issue, and some hotel breakfast/brunch buffets are foodie destinations.

Pre-COVID, the Grand America Hotel (#1 in SLC, owned by the Sinclair oil family) had the most sumptuous buffets I've yet to experience in the US.

That my bro-in-law (at the time) worked there was a plus, as we got the family discount. Would still have gone without the deal, just not as frequently.

Have synthesizers, will travel...

last year I did some quick in to make some pictures and nobody from staff asked me any questions. But in the past I did shops in questions and not just a buffet but whole service breakfast as well.

Shopping Eastern Pennsylvania since 2009

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/12/2024 05:51PM by gene.

As bradcrew and cool music said you are overthinking this shop.

Just think of it as a restaurant shop. No reason to bring luggage along.

Just walk in eat at the buffet and pay. I used to do them all the time in Dallas but none near me now.

They dont care if you're paying for the buffet in cash or credit card instead of a room charge.

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