hopingtotravel

Not wanting to offend the French before I even get over there, I have a question. I am booking a room at a place which will only refund me 50% if I cancel (6 months from now!). I already knew that. However, they want to reserve me for dinner (tres expensive even without drinks) too. I suspect my 50% deposit would also be based on that amount. Now my question is: not that we're cheap but we are not huge eaters in the evening. Another restaurant in the same town has been recommended by Fodorites. Also, the following evening (another town) was to be an all out dinner splurge. Are they just being helpful or is it sort of mandatory to sign up for this dinner? I know that some small b&bs have required half board but I don't think that's what this is. Will I be offending if I try to gracefully get out of it? If I eat that much food 2 nights in a row, I'd never be able to do the walking I plan on the Riviera.

cigalechanta

If it doesn't say you are paying for lunch or dinner in what they are charging you, don't worry.
At the Bastide Marie, dinner was included, and since J. doesn't like to drive after dark in remote areas that's fine and the meal was special. Often you have the choice lunch or dinner when you book for half pension.

nytraveler

A lot of inn-type hotels that also have good quality restaurants simply require that you eat one or more dinners there as part of the stay- especially on the weekend. In my experience there is always a separate charge for this - not part of the room. If you don;t want the dinner - stay at a different hotel.

cigalechanta

In some, it is included in the charge as at the Marie, Auberge du loup, and many others. But the maison will tell you. Also at some auberge-fermes, the meal is included.

hopingtotravel

My husband just came home and said 'they probably don't even want people staying there who aren't eating there' which is a fairly valid point for the night we are staying. So I guess we will just plan to do it and worry about dieting when we get home. So, I guess, cancel the question.

cigalechanta

Don't cancel yet! Where is this place? I'll try to check it out for you.

ira

Hi hoping,

You are reserving a room for the night. There is no requirement for you to have dinner there if you don't want to.

If the host queries you further (which he shouldn't) you can tell him that you have plans with friends.

MorganB

Your husband is spot on. Its actually not uncommon for smaller 3 star hotels to polietly suggest dinner. What this means in French speak is "We require you eat dinner here". If you want to stay there I suggest you reply that you had made other plans for dinner and would that be a problem. This will allow the hotel to decide if they still want to board you. Otherwise get ready for some big time uglyness when you say you dont want to eat there at the last minute.

hopingtotravel

We went ahead and booked and plan to eat there and decided to just look on it as a fun experience. So far this is only one night out of the trip. If the situation continues to arise in future stays, I'll find a way to work around it.