“Savor the Stay: How to Eat and Drink Like a Local at Any Hotel”
- Le Monocle Voyageur
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
One of the best parts of travel is discovering new flavours, but too often, hotel dining feels predictable—buffet breakfasts, room service burgers, and overpriced cocktails. With a little curiosity and intention, you can turn your hotel stay into a culinary adventure and experience the destination through its food and drinks.
Skip the Standard Breakfast
Instead of defaulting to the hotel’s generic continental breakfast, explore what makes the local morning meal special. If you’re in Japan, try a traditional breakfast set with grilled fish and miso soup. In France, a simple café au lait with a fresh croissant might be all you need. Some hotels even offer regional specialties—ask the staff what locals would eat to start the day.
Make the Most of the Hotel Bar
Hotel bars are often overlooked, but they can be a hidden gem for experiencing local flavours. Ask the bartender for a cocktail made with regional spirits or ingredients. If you’re in Mexico, try a smoky mezcal drink; in Italy, an Aperol spritz might be the perfect aperitivo. Some hotels even offer mixology classes or curated tasting experiences—take advantage of them.
Dine Like a Local, Even at the Hotel
Many hotels have restaurants that cater to international guests, but some take pride in showcasing regional cuisine. Look for dishes on the menu that highlight local ingredients or cooking traditions. If you’re unsure, ask the chef or server for recommendations. In some cases, hotels even partner with local farms or markets, offering a truly authentic dining experience.
Embrace Street Food and Market Finds
You don’t have to rely solely on hotel dining—one of the best ways to experience a destination’s flavors is by exploring street food stalls and local markets. Pick up fresh fruit, artisanal cheese, or pastries and bring them back to your hotel room for a relaxed, informal meal. Some hotels even allow guests to bring market finds to the restaurant, where chefs can prepare them on request.
Take Advantage of Hotel Culinary Experiences
More hotels are offering interactive food and drink experiences, from wine tastings to cooking classes. If your hotel has an on-site sommelier or chef, see if they offer curated dining experiences. Some boutique hotels even arrange visits to local vineyards, breweries, or food producers, turning a simple meal into a deeper cultural experience.
Savor Every Bite
Travel is about more than just sightseeing—it’s about tasting, smelling, and fully experiencing a place through its food and drinks. By stepping outside the usual hotel dining routine, you can turn every meal into an opportunity to connect with the destination in a delicious way.
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