Taking food from the hotel buffet: Clear guidelines from the responsible association

Guests in hotels and hostels are often unsure whether it is allowed to take food from the breakfast buffet with them. Guests often pack something for lunch, especially if excursions are planned. There is also often disagreement among operators, which is why the German Hotel and Restaurant Association has set clear guidelines to clarify the limits of self-service.

What is allowed and what is not? The breakfast buffet etiquette

The German Hotel and Restaurant Association makes it clear that it is not permitted to take food and drinks from the breakfast restaurant. According to the association’s website, the breakfast buffet experience does not include assembling packed lunches for the day. However, it is often possible to receive such a packed lunch for an additional charge.

The online portal reisereporter.de explains that hotels carefully plan the amount of food and the prices for a breakfast buffet. However, it is assumed that the food offered is intended to be consumed in the restaurant and may not be taken on the go. The portal adds that it doesn’t matter if the leftovers on the plate are thrown away anyway, as hotels assume that guests only choose what they actually eat.

In an article by FOCUS Online it is explained that from a legal perspective, hotels are allowed to charge guests who take something from the breakfast buffet with them additionally. However, it is added that kindness is often rewarded in such cases. If you politely ask if you can take a little something with you, you will in many cases be allowed to do so.

exceptions prove the rule

An article from the travel reporter portal also notes that there appear to be exceptions. With the all-inclusive offers from TUI, especially from the hotel company Robinson Club, the wishes of the guests are taken into account. Therefore, packaging material is even provided at the breakfast buffet so that guests can put together a packed lunch.

Editorial team finanzen.net

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