Pro tip: Don't trust the 'free breakfast' listing on a hostel booking site

Last month in Lisbon, I booked a place that clearly said 'free breakfast included' on the site, but when I got there, the owner just pointed to a single-serve coffee machine and a basket of stale bread rolls. I had to spend an extra 15 euros a day just to get a real meal to start my day. Has anyone else run into this bait and switch lately?

4 comments

4 Comments

miasanchez18d ago

Honestly, that sounds pretty standard for a hostel free breakfast. A coffee machine and some bread is what I've gotten almost everywhere in Europe. It's not a hotel buffet. Maybe just plan for a bigger lunch instead of getting upset over 15 euros.

the_alex18d ago

My hostel in Prague last year had a single toaster for 40 people, it was pure chaos. I learned to just grab a coffee and hit a bakery down the street. You're right, it's just how it is over there.

alice_allen52d ago

Totally feel that toaster struggle, saw the same thing in Lisbon. Honestly just skip the free breakfast line and hit a grocery store the night before. Grab some yogurt and fruit, way cheaper than a cafe and you can eat in your room. Saves so much time and stress in the morning.

patricia_carter18d ago

You know, I always got mad about those skimpy hostel breakfasts too. But your point about it being standard across Europe actually makes sense. I stayed in Berlin last month and it was the same thing, just coffee and stale rolls. I guess I was comparing it to the big free breakfasts you sometimes get in the US. Maybe I should just pack a protein bar and stop expecting so much.