A Handy Guide to Ordering Hotel Room Service

Ordering room service is one of the simple pleasures of a hotel stay. Whether you’ve had a long day of sightseeing, need an early breakfast before a flight, or just want to enjoy dinner and a movie in bed, room service makes things simple. However, it doesn’t come without its pitfalls. From soggy sandwiches to extra fees, here’s how to navigate the nuances of ordering room service and make the most of your stay, according to chefs and hospitality experts.

Skip These Dishes (and Order These Instead)

Not all room service dishes fare well on the long journey from the kitchen to your room. Foods that rely on crunch or crispness — like fries, fried seafood, or breaded appetizers — can quickly turn soggy under the cloche, the dome-shaped cover over the dish, which also traps condensation en route. The same goes for ice cream — it may arrive more like a milkshake than a frozen treat unless it’s traveling well insulated.

Rest assured, plenty of dishes do travel well. Soups and stews are among the best choices, according to lead chef Shawn Matijevich of the Institute of Culinary Education in an interview with Huffington Post. Due to their reliance on moisture and heat, they’ll arrive at your door unscathed. 

Thickly sauced pasta — think lasagna, risotto, or macaroni and cheese — also retains its flavor and texture even after the journey. For something lighter, salads (with dressing on the side) travel well, as do fresh fruits, vegetables, charcuterie boards, and hearty breakfasts like pancakes or waffles.

Ask for a Disassembled Meal 

If you’re craving a meal that might not travel well, ask for the components to be disassembled. For example, if you’re in the mood for a sandwich, burger, wrap, or taco, request that it come with sauces and bread or tortilla on the side, avoiding a soggy mess upon arrival. Similarly, with pasta in lighter sauces, such as vodka or marinara, asking for the sauce on the side can prevent soggy noodles. Executive chef Patricia Clark explained to Huffington Post that if noodles are mixed with a warm sauce, they will continue to cook and soak up the sauce, creating an unwanted texture.

If you’re craving something that could be easily ruined, don’t hesitate to ask for your meal to be delivered in courses. For instance, you can request that your dessert be brought later, after your entrée, so you can enjoy your sorbet as it should be. If they honor your request, consider showing your gratitude in the form of an extra tip — we’ll cover more on gratuity next.

Don’t Forget To Tip

According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, tipping for room service is customary. Aim to tip as much as you would while dining in the hotel restaurant. Although you aren’t getting table service, the server must still package and deliver your meal. (For other hotel services, check out our ultimate guide to tipping at hotels.)

A good rule of thumb is to tip around 20%, which is typical throughout North America. If you’re traveling internationally, inquire about their hotel tipping etiquette and follow suit, as some countries, such as Japan, consider tips rude.

However, there is an exception for tipping for room service. If your hotel includes an automatic gratuity or service charge on the room service bill, there’s no need for an additional tip unless you feel it’s deserved.

Other Considerations

Room service menus are typically streamlined for efficiency, so the dishes might not be as customizable as at a regular restaurant, especially if you’re ordering from a late-night menu when kitchens may be operating with limited staff. Of course, include dietary restrictions and allergies, but be mindful about your order. A simple request leads to quicker delivery and a more enjoyable experience overall.

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, chances are you don’t want to be left with smelly leftovers. Place the tray outside your door and cover your leftovers with a napkin to avoid lingering odors. Most importantly, notify the hotel staff so they can promptly collect your tray. Voilà! You’ve completed your in-room dining experience.