Hotel restaurants

The hotel establishes the rules and given the message they sent you, it sounds as though this is a requirement at this hotel. However, usually, when this is done, the hotel description will indicate that a "half pension (or demi pension)" is required and often the rate will include the meal. If this is not your preference, then you may want to choose another hotel.

That happened to us once in 1981. The hotel was awful but the only one in that town that we could afford in those days. The meal was good but they served a bad bottle of wine and refused to change it. On the other hand, a good hotel in 2006 asked if we wanted them to save us a table because they were having a special dinner which was attracting a lot of people. They required nothing during our five-day stay. If you are uncomfortable, follow your instincts.

They can set the rules. Especially in rural areas, it is common for hotels to set a "pension" or "demi pension" rate for rooms. That condition should be clear on their website or with your travel agent. I wouldn't book without understanding that. This can be a very good value. However, most Americans aren't used to the system.

Thank you for responding. It was not listed when we booked the room. Our first email stated we "assume" that you will book lunch or dinner even though we are paying 15euros for breakfast pp - 3 adults 2 children - ages 9 & 11. When we asked why we would have to book in the restaurant - it was said you will be 5 persons for 2 nights and one reservation will be required.

Chris, you might also check to see if their are any reviews on tripadvisor for this hotel to see what they say about the quality of the meal.

How did you book the room? I'm curious, now, how they can be "assuming" you would have one "lunch or dinner". It's possible this is a French to English translation issue and they are just inviting you to reserve. But did you book from their website, a travel agent, or how? If you wish, respond with the name and location of the hotel. Some of us might do some research to help resolve the issue.

We booked from their website- we were booking rooms only - the website states the breakfast prices and half pension - were extra. Here is the first response to confirm our two rooms and this added As we are Hotel Restaurant, we assume that you also would have at least one lunch or dinner in our gastronomic restaurant. Please let us know which day you wish to reserve a table This is the hotel Hostellerie "Le Maréchal" Restaurant Gastronomique A l'Echevin - Colmar and we replied 4. The statement that we would be having lunch or dinner - not sure why this is necessary and this is their reply
Regarding our Restaurant, as you will be 5 persons for 2 nights, at least one reservation will be required.

Quick perusal of their website shows no requirement to eat there. If you have booked at a rate for room only, I wouldn't worry about having to pay additionally for a meal. What are they going to do? I think this is an issue of clumsy translation. But, if you're uncomfortable, respond that you did not intend to eat there and cancel your reservation.

Here is my take on this: This restaurant is indeed a good & popular one. If you were just two, they may be able to squeeze you in without a reservation. But a table for 5 would require for sure a prior reservation. Advance reservations for lunch or dinner are necessary for most such establishments in France, as they don't just turn over tables quickly. They may be concerned if you insist on getting a table at the last minute, since you will be a guest. Given the fact that you are 5, and that you very well may like to eat there at least once, why not just commit to an advance reservation? Whenever I book into this type of establishment, I am looking forward to a special meal and make a point of committing to an advance reservation for at least one of the nights anyways... Personnally, my take on this is that they are acting as GOOD HOSTS. I strongly believe that there is simply both a translation as well as a cultural factor here at play. If you don't want to eat there at all, I would respond graciously by saying: "Thank you, but we are not certain about eating dinner in the restaurant one night. I understand that without an advance reservation, you may not be able to have a table for the 5 of us, we accept that."

Translating the first correspondence into French, it did sound as Diane suggested. However, the second correspondence that says a meal is required sends a totally different message. This could be an unpleasant situation if you don't do as they want. Many hotels offer demi-pension but good hotels don't require you to eat there.

Thanks everyone for your valuable input. I do beleive there was some "lost in translation" going on. We were able to square things with the hotel and we look forward to our time there. Thanks
Chris