Hotel breakfasts are increasingly leaving cursory buffets behind – and not a moment too soon.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
A recent study from the University of Aveiro in Portugal found that 64% of hotel guests would return specifically because of an impressive breakfast, and hotels are clearly taking note.
From Michelin-starred British classics in London to 350-dish spreads in Ibiza, pastry rooms in Dubai and Chinese comfort food with Eiffel Tower views, these are the breakfasts worth booking a hotel for.
Brown’s Hotel, London, UK
This London landmark has been serving breakfast since 1837, so it knows what it’s doing.
Today, its kitchens are headed up by Michelin-starred chef director Adam Byatt who oversees the Brilliantly British Breakfast at Charlie’s offering.
The breakfast menu focuses on produce from some of the UK’s best producers, from St Ewe eggs, Huntsham Farm sausages and Lambton & Jackson smoked salmon.
There’s also Cooke’s Kedgeree and the Brown’s Sausage and Egg Muffin, finished with Brown’s very own brown sauce. Bread fans are exceptionally well served as there’s a dedicated bread menu, ideal for ensuring the perfect piece of toast.
Ibiza Gran Hotel, Ibiza, Spain
Right on the Baleriac island’s marina, Ibiza Gran Hotel serves up the Grand Breakfast, which boasts a staggering 350 dishes.
Guests can start their day by taking a seat on the garden terrace before digging into the likes of everything from tiramisu, chocolate churros and made-to-order crêpes to local cheeses, oysters, Champagne and eggs topped with caviar.
There’s also a roaming mimosa cart and live Spanish guitar performances, meaning you can break your fast in the most stylish way possible.
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai, UAE
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is renowned for its next level service, but the breakfast is not to be sniffed at either.
The multi-room buffet, housed in The Fore restaurant, features a live barbecue station, freshly rolled sushi, and a health bar stocked with granola, yoghurt and honey varieties from across the globe.
Pastries are serious business here, with an entire room dedicated to them. Expect madeleines and croissants from the Pierre Hermé bakery on-site.
Enjoy them on The Fore’s al fresco terrace, which overlooks the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.
Shangri-La Paris, Paris, France
The Shangri-La Paris has views of arguably the world’s most legendary monument – the Eiffel Tower.
Guests can enjoy a vast breakfast offering underneath the Iron Lady and close to the River Seine.
As well as classic French buttery pastries, it’s possible to sample a traditional Chinese breakfast, which includes youtiao – Chinese fried doughnuts – as well as soy milk, congee and Dim Sum.
The brains behind the Eastern dishes is executive chef Tony Xu, who has brought years of culinary experience from mainland China to the French capital.