In this article, I’d like to discuss a topic I’m truly enthusiastic about — quality coffee. I travel frequently, often experience jet lag, and I rise early, so I’ll focus on the essence of the blog and specifically address airline and hotel coffee (which, at first glance, seems contradictory, as you typically find the finest coffee in local cafes).
The reality is that there’s huge variability in quality regarding airline and hotel coffee, making it an interesting subject to occasionally explore. I want to clarify from the start that I don’t consider myself a coffee expert, and I believe many people might strongly disagree with my tastes, and they’re just as valid as my own (or perhaps even more so).
Nonetheless, I’m going to share what I enjoy about airline and hotel coffee, and I’m eager to hear what OMAAT readers think or if coffee even matters to you while traveling.
For me, coffee is a ritual
In my life, coffee holds significance that exceeds caffeine — the act of drinking coffee is a ritual.
When I’m at home, my most productive time is the very first hour, where I’m at my desk with a coffee cup beside me. There’s something about that experience that I anticipate every day. Often, it’s the small pleasures in life that bring us joy, and my morning coffee routine is one of those moments.
Is it rational? Probably not. But it’s one of those simple joys in life that means more to me than it probably should.
Coffee becomes even more crucial while traveling
My morning coffee brings me immense joy at home, but I believe it gains even more significance when I’m on the road.
To begin with, I find a greater necessity for coffee while traveling and dealing with jet lag. I always rise early, regardless of my location, so the value of that initial cup of coffee is amplified when it’s 4-5 AM in an unfamiliar place.
Additionally, it can be challenging to stay productive while traveling, and as I mentioned earlier, coffee holds a ritualistic place for me. Having a cup of coffee nearby somehow helps me shift into a productive mindset.
Whether I’m waking up in a hotel or on a plane, that first cup of coffee is something I eagerly anticipate. Yes, it truly is that significant to me… perhaps this blog should be named One Cup at a Time instead?
A little coffee effort goes a long way
This leads me to the main point of this article. I’ve often contended that hospitality shines at the edges. Frequently, it’s the minor details that resonate the most with me about a hotel stay or flight, or that I remember long after returning home.
For me, coffee is one of those aspects. If an airline or hotel provides an outstanding coffee experience, that’s often among the first things I recall when thinking about them.
What truly impresses me?
What I seek in hotel coffee
For me, hotel coffee is about ease of access and quality. The first aspect I appreciate is when hotels facilitate an easy way to obtain coffee early in the morning.
I don’t mind using in-room coffee machines, but the issue is that:
Often the machines aren’t cleaned properly, and/or malfunction
Sometimes the pods aren’t replenished correctly, leading to a shortage (and you might not notice until you wish for that first cup)
The quality of the coffee varies greatly; Nespresso is fairly decent, while some hotels opt for more inferior machines and pods
Occasionally, there’s no milk or creamer option, which frustrates me because a large portion of people don’t drink black coffee, and this seems like a straightforward, overlooked opportunity
In-room coffee can suffice
For me, the ideal arrangement is complimentary coffee in the lobby for early risers (and ideally available for true early risers — we’re not talking about coffee starting at 7 AM). There’s inconsistency in this regard, but in my experience, Four Seasons is the only major hotel brand that consistently delivers on this.
I value complimentary coffee in the lobby
Alternatively, I’ll search for an airport hotel that features a proper coffee shop in the lobby, especially if it has extended hours. Several hotels at Heathrow, for instance, provide this, and I genuinely appreciate it. The Le Meridien Cairo Airport also deserves recognition for offering a coffee shop with barista services 24/7… too bad I won’t have the chance to stay there again.
Some airport hotels boast proper coffee shops
Then, of course, there’s coffee quality. I’m often let down when I stay at