Many people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, if so, don't skip it just because your room doesn't provide it! Wondering about Hotel Room Breakfast Ideas? This is one of our money-saving techniques I use often on vacation for our family, so I have plenty of things to share!
If you are wondering how to plan this out, I have so many ideas for you.
Having a mini fridge and microwave in your room will broaden the variety of food you can use, but don't be discouraged if you don't. I will give you options without as well. If you have a full kitchen, just cook as you would at home.
Why make your own breakfast in your hotel room?
The most obvious is the hotel or motel you are staying in doesn't offer a breakfast buffet. It may just be a matter of convenience.
To save money. Again, if the place you are staying doesn't have complimentary breakfast, you can really save money by making your own. Breakfast is not typically a meal I want to blow a large amount of money on. There are special occasions, of course, but mostly we can go with something simple. We make an annual trip to Universal Studios in Orlando and the hotel we stay at, Surfside Hotel, does not offer complimentary continental breakfast. They have an on-site restaurant, but the prices are really high. So, saving money by making our own breakfast is the best option for us.
Maybe you want to save time. Going to a restaurant and ordering food takes time. If you can eat quickly in your room, it leaves more time for your vacation. We love to see it all when we travel, check out this post from our trip to Ireland, or this vacation to Oahu, and Portugal too.
The breakfast menu at the hotel you are staying at isn't appealing. It is hard to get a good breakfast at a free continental breakfast, and this motivates me to create my own.
Notes on hotel room breakfasts
Let me share a few thoughts with you about your meal plan. You will see that making your own breakfast can be really simple.
First, how will you get the food to the room? If you are driving on your vacation, this is an easy fix, pack a cooler.
If you are not driving, and flying instead, a cooler is not an option. Grabbing an Uber to pick up groceries will work. Head over to the local grocery store and grab whatever you need. I usually prefer this option as I like to pick up my own groceries.
If you don't, you can also order grocery delivery. Fill out your grocery list, and order and it will be delivered to you when you are ready.
Don't forget to order any paper goods you are going to need to make your meals. This could include paper plates, plastic cutlery, cups, etc.
Nonrefrigerated breakfasts
Instant oatmeal- Oatmeal packets are a really great option. They are inexpensive and a great way to start the day. You can also use the Kodiak cake protein cups, these are a personal favorite. If you have a coffee maker in your room, use this for the hot water, and add it directly into your cup. The packets can work the same way. Add them to the coffee cup or whatever cup they have available in your room, then add the hot water. The hotel lobby will probably also have hot water as well.
Granola bars and protein bars- I know, I know. It isn't a very exciting option, but it is a decent breakfast, especially if you are in a hurry in the mornings. These can include anything from Nutrigrain bars to Clif bars, to everything in between. For a less healthy, but still easy option, you can also do cereal bars as well.
Protein drinks- Another really simple option is a grab-and-go breakfast. They are better chilled, but you can also drink them at room temperature as well. We love the chocolate flavor.
Fresh fruit and vegetables- I love eating fresh fruit and vegetables for a light breakfast. Bananas, apples, berries, etc make really great breakfast. Baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers are good options as well. Plus, these are a great way to start the day.
Apple sauce and fruit cups- These require no refrigeration and are individually packed.
Peanut butter or nut butter- you can eat this on rice cakes, crackers, or even English muffins.
Sandwiches- Buying a loaf of bread, nut butter, and honey is another simple dish you can make in a hurry.
Cold and hot breakfast ideas
If you have a fridge and microwave in your room, it opens up a whole different world of possibilities. I will divide this section into hot and cold foods for ease of reading. Creating hotel room breakfasts does not need to be hard or expensive!
Cold foods
Cold cereal- This may seem like a no-brainer, but picking up your favorite cereal and milk is a really easy option. Of course, you can use regular milk or plant-based milk like almond milk. I love granola and other cereals for a no-fuss breakfast.
Yogurt- This is great for a light breakfast that is easy to do, and there are so many yummy flavors out there.
Parfaits- All you need for this is Greek yogurt, granola, and fruit. We use this one so often and everyone in our family loves it.
Cheese- for a quick grab-and-go, you can always buy string cheese or other individually packaged cheese. If not, buy whatever you like! It adds a little more substance to breakfast. I love to eat cheese with fresh strawberries and almonds or any other type of nut you like.
Cottage cheese- This can be eaten on its own, or topped with fruit. Grab the individual packs or a large container.
Hard-boiled eggs- Many stores sell these, and plenty is individually packed. They are a healthy, lean protein idea that is perfect for a simple breakfast. Munch that hard-boiled egg before you head out in the morning.
Protein drinks- I will add them to this section as well. I love mine chilled.
Bottled smoothies- My boys really like the Bolthouse and Naked drinks. They are a little spendy, but really good.
Juice- Orange juice and apple juice are my family's favorite. I know this isn't a meal, but it is a nice addition to a meal.
Hot Foods
My husband ALWAYS prefers a hot breakfast, so this is always worked into my shopping list. Here are some suggestions for this.
Breakfast sandwiches- My husband loves these the best. He is a Southern man and enjoys a good egg and sausage sandwich. Jimmy Dean is his favorite and it is a very filling breakfast. They are frozen but will hold in the hotel room fridge for up to 4 days.
Mini quiche- This might seem like a weird one, but these are really good for breakfast! They heat up quickly and are generally really tasty!
Hash browns- Another food that reheats easily.
Bagels with cream cheese- These really are better toasted, but you can also heat them in the microwave and spread them with cream cheese.
Simple hotel room breakfast ideas conclusion
So, whether you are on business trips or a family vacation, planning breakfast in your hotel room is actually pretty simple. Sure, it takes a little planning and coordinating, but it can easily be done. Select your favorite of the breakfast items above and get going.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!