Restaurants at the hotel: types, services provided

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-13 00:17

Tasteless and expensive! It was this stereotype that formed among the Soviet population about restaurants at hotels and inns. Fortunately, over the past 15-20 years the situation has changed for the better, and if middle-class establishments are still in short supply, then there are definitely no problems in the luxury category. But before we get to know the nuances of service, the terms used and the names of popular places to stay and eat, let's remember one of the most famous restaurants of the last century…

Historical background

In the city center at the intersection of two highways of the capital, there is a 4-star hotel "Beijing", the building of which was recognized as a historical monument of architecture. Initially, the building was supposed to house the Main Directorate of the NKVD, but after the war it was decided to convert it into a hotel. The first guests moved in in 1956, despite the fact that the building was put intocommissioned only two years later.

December 15, 1955, the Executive Committee of the Mossvet adopted a decree instructing "to open a restaurant with Chinese cuisine in the Beijing Hotel." After all, few people know that the hotel was recognized as a symbol of friendship between the Soviet Union and China.

Initially, the open establishment contained two main halls - Chinese and Russian cuisine. By the way, the first one was distinguished by the richest decoration: hand-painted on the columns and walls mainly with natural paints, hand-made wood panels and screens, paintings on the walls, silk painting, figurines and vases. Today, some surviving interior items of the Chinese hall are still carefully kept in the archives of the Peking Hotel.

The restaurant was opened back in 1955, but now it is simply impossible to imagine a hotel without such establishments, because the provision of food is one of the main criteria for quality service.

And how many you can: let's talk about the number of seats

This indicator is formed based on the level of comfort, brand, infrastructure and "star" of the hotel. In accordance with generally accepted rules, the number of seats must be at least 70% of the room stock. For example, in a hotel with 2or 3, one restaurant is enough, which will provide 3 meals a day and a lobby bar operating 24/7.

In a 4 hotel, one more higher-class establishment is needed to holdceremonial events and serving guests from the street, as well as those living in VIP rooms.

There should be at least 3 restaurants in a 5 hotel - the first two are similar in quality and service to 4 establishments, and the third is of a higher class with a "twist". For example, with a captivating panoramic view, a unique interior, a fireplace, author's cuisine and a separate cigar room. Such establishments are most often located on the roof of buildings or on the highest floors.

Features of work

First of all, the strict duty of the restaurant in the hotel is to serve guests. That is, at least once a day in the morning, from about 6 to 10 o'clock, it should work exclusively for internal use. Usually at this time the distribution line is open, less often they offer an à la carte menu. If the institution plans to operate for guests "from the street", then the administration must provide a separate room for guests to eat.

Another invisible feature is that such restaurants play a secondary role in the profit structure of the hotel. Often they are practically unattended during the day, but at the same time they are used for receptions, banquets, etc., so if you go to such an institution on a normal weekday, then most likely it will be empty. At the same time, for the next few months, all weekends will be scheduled for major events.

Catering service

Restaurants in hotels have their own, albeit unrecognized, systemclassifications, which is useful for many tourists to know:

1. Bed & Breakfast, more commonly referred to as BB. A common form of catering, where each side has its own advantages. For guests - coffee, a light breakfast, which is quite acceptable for a morning meal in the room and less expensive. For the hotel - free tables to attract outside customers;
2. Half Board or HB (half board). The category includes only breakfasts and dinners. If we talk about the types and number of dishes, then it all depends on the generosity of the chosen complex. But in world practice, breakfasts are served as a buffet, and dinners as a salad bar.
3. Full Board or FB (full board). In short, the first, second and even compote! But seriously, Full Board is a complete three meals a day.
4. All Inclusive. Vivat to the conqueror of the hearts of domestic tourists - the "All Inclusive" system. It is worth talking about the fact that here you will find not just good food, but also free access to all establishments operating under the auspices of the hotel where you live.

Service Forms

If you decide to taste all the delights of hotel restaurants, it will be useful to learn some terms:

• À la carte - translated from French "at will". No secrets - ordering dishes from the menu.
• Buffet - Alexander Kuprin himself at one time could not refuse these dishes, what can we say about less pretentious people?
• Table d'hote - the type of food implies a set of dishes for a fixed amount. The only caveat: we eatstanding.

Now, knowing all the nuances, let's get acquainted with the best restaurants at hotels not only in Russia, but throughout the world.

Where to go in the capital

Now let's take a closer look at some restaurants:

"Orlovsky". The restaurant and banquet complex is located in the hotel of the same name and offers guests to try traditional Russian and European cuisine. Many products are delivered from their own farm, which is located on the same territory

"Winter Garden". The restaurant is located on the roof of the hotel "Golden Ring". The bright hall with high columns is surrounded by glass walls and is literally immersed in greenery, resembling a greenhouse. And the view of the city from the 22nd floor is simply amazing! The cuisine is predominantly Mediterranean, but you can also ask for a national menu called "Russian Seasons",

Heritage. Perhaps one of the most popular establishments at the Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park. You can get here either through a separate entrance or through the lobby bar of the hotel. Denis Mukhin, a chef with 13 years of experience, is responsible for the kitchen. Once here, you will immediately understand that a modern look is not only on the interior, but also on the kitchen, and in the case of Heritage - national

Restaurants in the St. Petersburg and Moscow hotels

View La Vue occupies the last floors and the roof. Opens from a bird's eye viewa beautiful view of the northern capital of Russia, including the Neva water area, surrounded by the best monuments of the city. The facility has a capacity of 350 seats. The space is divided into 5 rooms, including a living room, a wine cellar and everyone's favorite tasting room. Despite its youth (the opening took place in 2017), La Vue has already received the high award of the Russian Wine Awards in the nomination "Best Original Wine List".

An equally popular place for a meal is the restaurant in the Moskva Hotel. Breakfast is served on the first two floors of the building according to the "buffet" system. Visitors are offered a wide range of he althy cereals, cereals, muesli, yoghurts, fruits, cold and hot drinks, as well as pastries from their own Ontrome confectionery. You can have a chic romantic dinner at BEEF BAR VOSEM on the eighth floor, which offers a stunning panorama of St. Petersburg.

The best of the best

Every year, the largest gastronomic publication Daily Meal, together with Michelin experts, compile a list of the best restaurants in hotels. In order to get into this rating, the object must have at its disposal at least 15 rooms. Of course, most of the establishments turned out to be of the luxury category, although the price was not one of the selection criteria.

So, according to the results of an anonymous vote, 101 restaurants were on the list. Let's talk about the 5 most interesting and best places that conquered even demanding gourmets.

El Motellocated at the Hotel Empordà in Figueres, Spain. The restaurant traces its history back to 1961 and invites guests to taste classic Catalan cuisine prepared by Chef Jaume Subiros

• É by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan (Las Vegas) was voted in 9th place. Despite the decline in the rating, the place is still popular among foodies who have to wait in line for 2-3 months.
• Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons Restaurant is located in the hotel of the same name in Great Milton, UK. More than 70 varieties of herbs and several dozen types of vegetables enter the kitchen of this restaurant directly from the garden. In addition, the chef is not averse to sharing his knowledge and cooking secrets. Therefore, the School of Cookery is open at the institution.
• The Bazaar. Jose Andres is responsible for the gastronomic part of the restaurant at The SLS Hotel (Los Angeles). The chef took Spanish cuisine as a basis, but slightly modified traditional recipes. The result is creative and tastes unexpected.