A Complete Compliment

Complimentary continental breakfasts have consistently been available at hotel chains for a considerable time. Aside from the plethora of hard "c" sounds these complimentary continentals provide, they offer a good way to start the morning with some coffee and toast. You never have to leave your room or unfold a wallet. Whether you're vacationing or on a business trip, it's nice to not have to worry about where to grab the "most important meal of the day."

But what about a complimentary breakfast with more punch? If a light breakfast is good, logic would indicate a more comprehensive one would be better. At Holiday Inns, the complimentary breakfast is comprehensive, and the complementary breakfast is better.

The hotel I visited was well-stocked. Fluffy egg patties folded over melted cheese, sticky buns, sausage, and biscuits and gravy were all basking under heat lamps. For the hotel breakfast traditionalist, bagels, toast and yogurt were farther down the counter.

Don't expect the highest quality from the food, and it will make your morning. It's not room service at the Mayflower Hotel, but it's substantial. The only complaint of any consequence I had was that my eggs got cool quickly. If the good people at Holiday Inn had ratcheted up the heat lamp or if I had eaten them first, there wouldn't have been any problem.

Take one piece of advice: Have some biscuits and gravy. While not the most healthy combination, it makes an amazing taste that should be enjoyed when traveling. Count calories at home, come to complimentary breakfast ready to eat.

This is a credible hot breakfast that earns four sporks out of five. Holiday Inn got it almost completely correct, and receives my compliments.