Traveling can be expensive, but savvy travelers know how to get the most for their money, especially when it comes to food. One of the smartest ways to optimize your travel budget is to book hotels that include free meals or generous dining credits.
Whether you’re traveling for business, on a family vacation, or planning a romantic getaway, free meals can save you hundreds of dollars and add an amenity that will make your stay even more relaxing.
This guide covers the types of hotels that offer free meals or dining credits, examples of brands and programs, and tips for maximizing these benefits.
Why Free Meals Matter
Food is one of the biggest expenses on any trip. A hotel that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner (or credit for use at hotel restaurants) can significantly reduce your daily spending. In addition to saving, it also saves you time searching for nearby restaurants and makes it easier to stick to a schedule.
Types of Hotels That Offer Free Meals
1. Hotels with Free Breakfast
Many mid-range and upscale hotels offer free breakfast as a standard benefit. This is especially popular at business hotels, family resorts, and chain hotels.
Popular Brands with Free Breakfast:
- Hampton by Hilton: Always includes a hot breakfast buffet.
- Holiday Inn Express: Offers a free “Express Start” breakfast.
- Fairfield by Marriott: Free breakfast with hot and cold options.
- Comfort Inn & Suites (Choice Hotels): Free breakfast with build-your-own waffles and other hot items.
- Residence Inn by Marriott: Extended stays with free daily breakfast.
2. All-Inclusive Resorts
All-inclusive resorts are the best option for free meals. The room rate includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks (sometimes including alcohol). This model is popular in beach destinations and family resorts.
Examples:
Club Med Resorts: An international chain known for its authentic all-inclusive options.
Sandals Resorts: Adults-only luxury in the Caribbean with unlimited gourmet dining.
Beaches Resorts: A family-friendly version of Sandals with children’s menus and bars.
RIU Hotels & Resorts: All-inclusive options in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.
3. Hotels with Free Dinner or Evening Receptions
Some hotel chains offer more than just breakfast. Look for properties that offer complimentary evening receptions or dinners.
Examples:
Drury Hotels: Famous for its “5:30 Kickback®”: free food and hot drinks every night.
Homewood Suites by Hilton: Many hotels offer complimentary evening socials with a light dinner and drinks, Monday through Thursday.
Embassy Suites by Hilton: Offers complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and nightly manager’s receptions with snacks and drinks.
4. Hotels That Offer Dining Credits
Luxury hotels often offer their guests dining credits as part of special packages. A dining credit can be used at restaurants, bars, or for room service.
How to Earn These Credits:
- Book directly through the hotel’s website with special offers.
- Use premium credit cards or loyalty programs (such as American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts).
- Some resorts offer dining credits if you opt out of daily housekeeping.
Examples:
Four Seasons Hotels: Dining credits are often included in special packages.
Mandarin Oriental Hotels: Dining or spa credits are frequently offered.
Waldorf Astoria: Many hotels offer bed-and-breakfast packages or dining credits.
Las Vegas Resorts (MGM, Caesars): Dining credits are common add-ons to packages.
Tips for Making the Most of Free Meals and Dining Credits
Always read the fine print: Check whether dining credits must be used daily or for a single meal.
Combine with loyalty benefits: Elite loyalty members often receive free breakfast, even if it’s not standard.
Book Direct: Many hotel chains offer free breakfast or dining credits only for reservations made on their official websites.
Take advantage of credit card benefits: Premium cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve often unlock additional dining credits when booking through their travel portals.
Look for family deals: Some family resorts allow children to eat free with paying adults, doubling the savings for large families.
Final Thoughts
Hotels that offer free meals or dining credits offer added value, convenience, and a touch of luxury to your stay. Whether you enjoy a complimentary quick breakfast before a day of sightseeing, sip cocktails during an evening reception, or treat yourself to a gourmet dinner with a generous dining credit, you’ll enjoy your trip more and spend less.
Next time you book, don’t just compare room rates, but also review the dining benefits. A slightly higher nightly rate can easily (and more than) pay for itself when you consider the savings on dining.
