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Buy This, Not That: Breakfast from Anywhere Else But Room Service

November 7, 2011 at 6:26 PM | by | Comments (7)

We're always looking for a good way to save a few bucks so allow us to introduce our newest series, Buy This, Not That where we look at what's worth your precious gambling winnings and what's not. Got a "Buy This, Not That" episode of your own? Share it with the rest of us!

Our inaugural Buy This, Not That suggestion is a rather general one but in a city like Las Vegas where there are quick eats available at every corner at all hours of the day, we think it's a pretty important one--buy breakfast from a coffee shop or food court, not from room service.

The first reason is, obviously, the cost. Room service fare comes with room service prices. $18 omelette anyone? $9 bagel? $13 for coffee? You get the picture. And, speaking of pictures, mwong64 on Flickr says this is what $180 in room service looks like.

And, don't forget about the mandatory service charge and the added gratuity and the menacing tip line that tries to trap you into adding an additional tip (even though the service charge and gratuity have been included.)

Meanwhile, downstairs, there is a huge probability that there is a Starbucks coffee shop open. Yes, the line will be long and the coffee prices slightly higher, but it's Starbucks and you know what you are gonna get.

Or you can even skip Starbucks and try a real cafe's coffee counter like the Bouchon Bakery that is positioned perfectly outside the guest elevators at the Venetian. We hit that up the other day for a latte, croissant and an orange juice and it was a perfect little morning snack. And at $13, way more affordable than room service (Yes, we know $13 for the aforementioned is still pricey but 'tis the way of the modern coffee shop.)

Another reason to avoid room service is that you will most likely be disappointed with the food. Aside from not tasting well, other Vegas room service perils include cold food (as the kitchen is farther away than in most hotels) and pre-packed condiments like cream cheese and bottled drinks. (Sorry, but we'd like fresh juice and ice tea if we're paying over $4 for it.) We've had more misses than hits when it comes to room service in Vegas but a few kind folks have dished on their faves here.

But what about buffets? Buffets can be a good deal if included in a room rate or as a comp for all your gambling activity but like room service, buffets have their own pitfalls like so-so food, high prices and worst of all, those long torturous lines. C'mon, did you really come to Vegas to wait in a line for a mass buffet? We didn't think so.

Sound off on where to get your breakfast grub in Vegas in comments below!

Comments (7)

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Both!

If I'm hungover I order room service (mellon, coffee, bacon) and if I'm ok I'll go downstairs and grab a muffin and the largest coffee I can from a non-hotel owned coffee place. Casino coffee isn't very good.

Seems like

I never find the "Bouchons". Sounds like the perfect brekkie. And not too much $$$$.
We order room service breakfast a few times each trip. MGM Grand and Aria have great breakfasts that are pretty reasonable.
Wynn has great room svc. breakfst but overpriced and not alot to eat.

cheap breakfast

I love a good breakfast buffet at least once, but my wife is not a morning eater so i usually go eat myself.  As i've gotten older and can't eat as much, I have turned cheap and usually seek out my favorite morning option, that being McD's.  Their breakfast while not exceptional is good enough and cheap.  When staying at Mirage, there is one right accross the street for a quick breakfast, and then by then my wife is usually ready to start the day...

my two favorite breakfast places on the Strip....

....are the Peppermill and Hash House A Go Go.  The Peppermill is just so pimpy-cool.  And HHAGG gives you giant portions of food for your money.  Plus, they make an awesome bloody mary.

As for buffets, yeah the line can be long.  But if you're in a hurry, they can still be quicker than a sit down breakfast.

Mickey D's

I forgot to mention that! I did that at the MGM Grand last month. I hit up Starbucks and then got an egg mcmuffin which hit the spot. And crazy affordable.

@girlygirl i am jealous of your breakfast room service experiences. Wynn was good but like you said totally overpriced. Same with Vdara. @702becca once mentioned the Signature at MGM Grand had great breakfast too, I will have to try that.

@girlygirl

Bouchon is that little bakery looking thing under the escalators when you exit the elevators. I think. Juliana can probably confirm that.

Never had....

Good room service anywhere, from cruise ships to hotels. I never even bother anymore.

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