When it comes to the joys of traveling abroad, experiencing local attractions, and shopping are undoubtedly exciting. However, another aspect that adds to the pleasure of the trip is the hotel you stay in.
Among various hotel experiences, breakfast is often considered the “face of hotel dining,” showcasing the hotel’s dedication and quality.
At the historic boutique hotel, The Hay-Adams, in Washington D.C., let’s explore the delightful breakfast offerings, along with the distinctive touches that come with a five-star hotel experience.
Breakfast at the Lafayette Room on the Mezzanine Level
The meticulously crafted breakfast at The Hay-Adams can be savored in the Lafayette Room, located up the staircase on the south side of the lobby. Unlike most American hotels that offer buffet-style breakfasts with self-service, The Hay-Adams provides a dining-style breakfast where guests order from the menu while being seated.
However, for continental breakfast, guests can help themselves to bread and yogurt at a designated area.
Breakfast Styles: Continental and American
When you think of hotel breakfasts, what usually comes to mind? You might envision butter rolls, croissants, cut fruits, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and bacon.
The breakfast menu can be divided into two styles: Continental and American.
The Continental Breakfast, born in Europe, typically includes cold dishes like bread, cut fruits, and yogurt. These items are usually prepared in advance and do not involve cooking except for the bread.
In contrast, the American Breakfast, or Full Breakfast, includes hot dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon, which require cooking.
The Lafayette Room offers Continental and American options
At the Lafayette Room, guests can enjoy both the Continental and American Breakfast options. For the Continental Breakfast, guests can select bread and yogurt from a designated area, which includes Danish pastries with chocolate or raisins and rye bread, offering a moist texture that suits the Japanese palate.
The yogurt served is thick and less watery than the typical Japanese yogurt, providing a rich and fulfilling experience for yogurt lovers. However, those with a dairy aversion might want to approach with caution.
While guests fetch their bread and yogurt, a delightful assortment of cut fruits is already arranged on the table, offering an elegant start to the morning in the heart of Washington D.C.
Furthermore, guests are offered a choice of coffee, tea, orange juice, and other beverages before placing their orders.
On the other hand, the American Breakfast, along with other breakfast options, is ordered directly from the menu, and guests can stay at their tables until their meal is finished.
The American Breakfast at The Hay-Adams includes two toasted slices of bread, scrambled eggs, bacon, French fries, and roasted bell peppers and cherry tomatoes.
It’s a hearty option perfect for those who want a filling breakfast to start their day, but for those who wish to leave room for other culinary experiences, the Continental Breakfast might be a better choice.
A Serene Morning with Elegant Dining
The table-service breakfast at the Lafayette Room allows guests to enjoy a tranquil morning. The elegant ambiance, predominantly white in color, creates a refined setting to savor breakfast while leisurely planning the day ahead.
Although the Lafayette Room is open to non-guests as well, the hotel entrance is not overly spacious, resulting in mainly hotel guests during breakfast hours. Moreover, arriving early in the morning offers a near-private dining experience, providing a truly blissful start to the day.