There’s a general understanding that when you invest a few hundred dollars a night in a luxury hotel room, certain perks are expected. This typically includes clean bedding and towels, basic amenities like soap and shampoo, and importantly, complimentary wireless internet access if the property aims to provide a quality experience. Moreover, some hotels offer additional amenities, such as wine tastings, cocktail hours with complimentary food and drinks, or a delightful breakfast buffet, especially when part of a bed and breakfast package.
It’s also possible to enjoy a complimentary breakfast for two guests without booking an eligible rate, particularly if you earn elite status with the hotel chain. During tougher economic times, many hotels began to offer breakfast as a perk for their top-tier guests, making it an attractive incentive to choose their services, particularly when the stay involves personal expense for additional nights before or after a work trip or purely for leisure. Thankfully, this breakfast perk continues, although there is often a requirement to stay a certain number of nights each year to qualify.
Hilton
At Hilton, guests who stay 20 times or accumulate 40 nights within the previous year can achieve Hilton Gold status. This is also available to members who earn 75,000 HHonors base points, or hold the Hilton HHonors Reserve or Surpass AMEX cards. Gold members benefit from basic room upgrades at check-in, dependent on availability. They can choose between 1,000 points or complimentary continental breakfast at Conrad, Hilton, or DoubleTree hotels, or opt for 750 points or a free cooked-to-order breakfast at Hilton Garden Inn. This exclusive benefit extends to Platinum members as well.
Hyatt
For Hyatt, after staying 25 times or accumulating 50 paid nights, guests attain the Diamond Gold Passport status. This tier provides perks such as confirmed suite upgrades at booking, complimentary internet, and access to the Regency or Grand club. Here, guests can enjoy evening snacks and drinks, along with a continental breakfast each morning. In locations that do not feature a lounge, guests receive a complimentary full buffet in the restaurant or, in certain cases, free breakfast delivered to the room, making Hyatt’s breakfast offerings particularly generous.
Marriott
Marriott Rewards members who stay 50 nights per year earn Gold status, which grants them lounge access at JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, Renaissance, and Marriott hotels, allowing them to enjoy a free continental breakfast daily. However, not all Marriott properties include this benefit; nonetheless, some, like Residence Inn, offer free breakfast for all guests, which can be quite convenient. Furthermore, Platinum members also enjoy complimentary breakfast access in the lounge.
Starwood
At Starwood Hotels, guests who stay 25 times or reach 50 nights (including award redemptions) unlock Platinum status. This status includes complimentary continental breakfast at any affiliated hotel. This benefit can vary significantly by property, but many, especially in Asia and Europe, offer a full buffet experience, with some properties even allowing guests to order entrees from the menu. Unfortunately, room service is not an option for breakfast, so travelers preferring breakfast in bed may find Hyatt to be a favorable choice.
