Continental breakfast
Continental breakfasts are a prevalent option for hotel guests, and for a good reason. The continental breakfast will include something for everyone: fruit, yogurt, cereal, and pastries complement each other nicely when served together on one menu. This breakfast option is usually served in the hotel lobby or restaurant, where guests can enjoy it in a relaxed atmosphere before heading out to explore their new surroundings. In this blog post, we will be discussing Continental breakfast. What is it? What are the benefits? Keep reading to find out!


Do you love a good breakfast? Who doesn't, right?
A continental breakfast is a perfect way to fuel up for a busy day. It’s packed with all the nutrients you need to get your body going.
Whether you want something sweet or savory, this breakfast has something that will satisfy your cravings.
Keep reading to learn all about the continental breakfast!
What is a continental breakfast? The Ultimate Guide
Continental Breakfast is a light morning meal. It is typically served buffet style with a variety of food options. The most common items a continental breakfast consists are:
- Baked Goods, muffins, and Pastries
- Cereals and oatmeal
- Fruits and Toasts
- Juice and Coffee
Nowadays, many people are opting for healthier choices such as hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, smoked salmon, and avocado toast.
It is a light breakfast that is usually served buffet-style and the term continental breakfast definition originates from Europe which means a continent of Europe. The term appeared in 1896 and prior to the 1800s, most American jobs involved farm work and demanded a high-calorie breakfast to start the day. However, as the country headed into the 1900s, the average job became more sedentary, and emerging middle-class workers sought out a lighter morning option.
During that time, many European travelers were visiting America and staying in hotels. The hotels responded in kind by adding this kind of light breakfast option to their menu that their European customers would appreciate.
The term has now been adopted by hotels all over the world to describe their morning buffet spread. It is also being served by hotels.



Continental Breakfasts in Hotels
The continental breakfast was introduced to America by hotels (American Hotels) in an attempt to save money and time. They usually serve American-style breakfast which consists of eggs, bacon, toast, and coffee. It was a lot of work for the cooks to prepare all those meals every morning so they came up with the idea of having a buffet breakfast which is now known as Continental Breakfast.
By serving buffet-style breakfast, they were able to eliminate the need for table service. This allowed them to serve more guests in a shorter amount of time. Hotel guests are seeking out a convenient, quick, and affordable breakfast option that they can enjoy in the comfort of their own room.
The continental breakfast has now become a staple in American hotels. Most hotel guests will find a variety of pastries, cereals, fruits, juices, and coffee available to them each morning.
Some hotels are now getting creative with their continental breakfast offerings and are including hot items such as omelets, waffles, and pancakes. Some hotels are even offering a build-your-own yogurt or granola bar. The reasons why they offer this breakfast buffet are discussed below.
Why Do You Offer Continental Breakfast?
This light breakfast is a convenient, quick, and affordable breakfast option for hotel guests. It is also a great way to start the day. This Breakfast buffet is perhaps worth considering because of the following reasons:
Cost-Effectiveness – Foods like cereals, muffins, and fruits are relatively cheaper than eggs, bacon, and toast. This can be ordered in large quantities and can last longer. They do not need to be made or purchased daily which is also a time saver and more convenient. By offering continental breakfast menu options, hotels can save money on food costs.
Amenity Popularity – When traveling, many people look for hotels that offer a complimentary continental breakfast. This is because it is a great way to start the day and can save you money if you are on a budget. This hotel’s free breakfast buffet is one of the amenities that can attract guests to stay. This can lead to higher occupancy rates and more repeat guests and an increase in star ratings.
Manageability – The hotel began offering continental breakfast because it is easier to manage than a full breakfast. There is no need for table service which can be time-consuming. This buffet-style breakfast is a quick and easy way for guests to get their morning meal. This also allows being served in any space or room. Minimal staffing is the only thing required in serving this breakfast.
There are many reasons why hotels offer continental breakfast and it has become a staple in American hotels. It is a convenient, quick, and affordable breakfast option for hotel guests. This buffet-style breakfast is also easier to manage than a full breakfast and can be served to more guests in a shorter amount of time. To help you with more positive feedback and service, the next topic is some of the tips on how to give the best continental breakfast experience to your guests.
Offer Fresh Fruits, Yogurt, and Granola
Fruits are a healthy and refreshing option that can be enjoyed by all guests. They can be served as is or made into a fruit salad. Yogurt and granola are also great options that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Offer a variety of toppings for the yogurt so that guests can customize their own bowl.


Bring out the baked goods
Baked goods are essential for any continental breakfast. Offer a variety of pastries such as muffins, croissants, and donuts. Guests will appreciate having a sweet treat in the morning. YOu can also offer savory baked goods such as scones and biscuits. Make it look yummy and special by adding some butter, cheese, or bacon.
Arrange a Cheese Plate
A cheese plate is a great way to add some variety to the breakfast spread. Offer a variety of cheeses, crackers, and meats. This will give guests something savory to enjoy with their breakfast. Lend a European style in your buffet. Cream cheese, goat cheese, cheddar cheese, and brie are some of the best options.


Provide Cold and Hot Beverages
Guests will appreciate having both hot and cold beverages available. Offer coffee and tea, milk, and juices. This will allow guests to customize their own breakfast experience. Having a variety of beverages will also give guests something to enjoy if they don’t like the food options.
Additionally, don’t forget the condiments. Too much food is not the only thing that can make your buffet look great, it is also the organization and setup. Be sure to have all of the condiments guests might need such as butter, jam, honey, and syrup. This will allow guests to customize their own breakfast experience. Continental breakfast has become a great way for hotels to provide a convenient and quick breakfast option for guests. However, is it really free?
Is continental breakfast really free?
What are the benefits of eating a continental breakfast?
There are many benefits to eating a continental breakfast. It is a great way to start your day off with some essential nutrients that your body needs. Some of its benefits are:
Boosts your metabolism – A continental breakfast is a great way to start your day and get your metabolism going.
Provides essential nutrients – Fruits, yogurt, whole grains, and other items typically found in a continental breakfast are packed with essential nutrients that your body needs.
Prevents overeating later in the day – If you eat a healthy breakfast, you are less likely to overeat later in the day.
Gives you energy – A continental breakfast will give you the energy you need to get through your day.
These are just a few of the benefits of eating a continental breakfast. If you’re looking for a heartier breakfast option, you can add protein-rich items such as eggs, yogurt, or smoked salmon. These foods will help to keep you full and satisfied until lunchtime.



Additional Continental Breakfast Ideas and Tips
In addition to continental breakfast, you may also feature some extra options such as:
Breakfast stations – This station will allow your guests to customize their own breakfast experience. Some of those are:
- Omelet and Bagel station
- Waffle and pancake station
- Crepe station
- French Toast station
- Smoothie station
Healthy options – This station will allow your guests to have a healthy continental breakfast. Some of those are:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Low-Fat Yogurts
- Granola
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
These are just a few ideas for your continental breakfast. You can also include some other options such as muffins, croissants, and pastries. Be sure to have a variety of food options in a breakfast-style few trays so that guests can find something they will enjoy.
FAQs
Q: What is included in a continental breakfast?
A: A continental breakfast typically includes items such as fruits, pastries, bread, cereals, yogurts, juices, and coffee.
Q: Why do hotels call it a continental breakfast?
A: The term continental breakfast comes from the fact that this type of breakfast is typically found in European countries.
Q: Does continental breakfast include eggs?
A: The main difference between American breakfast and continental breakfast is that American breakfast usually includes breakfast meats, eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, oatmeal, or other hot items. Continental breakfast typically includes pastries, fruits, bread, cereals, yogurts, juices, and coffee.