Just as though “window or aisle” sparks a good conversation full of opinions, I also feel like “do you like to order room service” is another one. I’ve traveled my fair share from super exhausting tradeshow trips to different time zones, to traveling for leisure and also traveling for the blog. To me, I myself can be a bit polarizing on this topic. Some people love the indulgence of eating a meal in bed, that’s been served to them. And some people just don’t care about how much money they spend.
Here’s what I do love about room service.
The convenience, obviously. Especially if you’re in the middle of nowhere and there’s no where to eat. I’ve been there, it sucks. So it’s nice to have a decent meal brought right up to you instead of heading out in a random town searching for something delicious. It’s also really convenient when you’re dog tired from a trip and just want to lay around and eat. This is especially nice when you’re on a work trip and you have work to do, but can’t head out to dinner, and just want to be alone (hello Introverts!).
But here’s what I can’t stand about room service…
It is so damn expensive. As in, outrageously expensive. If you haven’t noticed, they add on all the taxes, surcharges and gratuity so it adds up quickly. A few cups of coffee can easily run you $20. And just a little tip, always be sure to check if gratuity is included. It almost always is and you can accidentally double tip which is an even bigger waste of money.
Plus, when I’m spending that kind of money, I expect good, hot food. But it’s almost always the opposite. The only time I ever had a good hot room service meal was in Thailand. Not surprising. Anywhere else in the world it’s just mediocre, room temp and unimpressive. Sure there are a few places I’ve had decent breakfast. I will say the spread above from Spectator Hotel was amazing, but it wasn’t really “hot breakfast” it was their breakfast picnic basket which was kind of amazing. But between the metal lid that covers the food to keep it “hot” and the simple fact that it’s making its way up from the kitchen, riding an elevator and being schlepped to your door, everything ends up a bit soggy and sad.
To me, room service is designed for two situations. When someone else is footing the bill, and when you’re just so damn hungover you can’t move. Other than that, I’d rather throw on a sweatshirt and some sneakers and head downstairs to just about anything else to grab food.
What are your thoughts on room service? Is it something you love to indulge in?
Photo by Kim Graham, original post here.
