My husband and I travelled to Italy this past summer and stayed in what was considered a Bed and Breakfast in Rome. <BR><BR>Breakfast consisted of a cup of yogurt, a plum cake or single piece of toast, a small glass of juice and coffee for each person. <BR><BR>I know that in the US "B&B" is usually much more. Is this the norm in Europe? We are planning another trip in Sept or Oct either back to Italy or to Paris and London and I really do want to give the bed and breakfast experience another try, but do not want to be disappointed again. <BR><BR>By all means, please do not think that this is my only complaint as I would not be questioning something that seems so petty, but we were rather puzzled by this. <BR><BR>Thank you in advance.

Melissa:<BR><BR> The Continental Breakfast is the norm in the southern parts of Europe - coffee/tea/hot chocolate, plus breads and jam, and a glass of juice. In northern Europe, the breakfasts can be banquets - cheeses, eggs, cold cuts, cereal, plus the breads and jams and drinks. In England, you're likely to get bacon (rashers) or sausage and eggs and tomatoes and beans. It all depends on where you go.

We usually stay at B and B 's and the breakfasts depend on which country you're in. In Italy and France Sweet rolls, bread coffee and juice are the norm. In Belgium , Switzerland and the Netherlands they were much hardier. Meat, cheese, eggs, yogurt, cereals etc.<BR>I believe the same holds true in Great Britain. Just what the natives are use to. I personally love Croissants and Cappucino for breakfast so no paoblem here.

Melissa:<BR><BR> The Continental Breakfast is the norm in the southern parts of Europe - coffee/tea/hot chocolate, plus breads and jam, and a glass of juice. In northern Europe, the breakfasts can be banquets - cheeses, eggs, cold cuts, cereal, plus the breads and jams and drinks. In England, you're likely to get bacon (rashers) or sausage and eggs and tomatoes and beans. It all depends on where you go.

We will be staying at a B&B in Paris in a few weeks, so I will report back on our experience. We booked through parisB&B.com Everyone has been very helpful so far and we are hopeful that it will be a good experience. I've enjoyed staying at B&Bs in the US, Great Britain and New Zealand where breakfasts have been quite generous. However, I have been advised that B&Bs are not as popular and/or available in Europe and breakfast is primarily as StCirq described. We were advised that our host uses a particularly good bakery. Chocolate croissants for breakfast, I think I can live with that.

I was told that Italians (like the French) aren't big breakfast eaters (coffee and roll or croissant are typical.) However, more and more hotels are including a fairly generous breakfast buffet to appeal to tourists, particularly Americans, Brits, Canadians.. who tend to eat more for breakfast. We had very nice buffets with quite a selection on our trip to Italy last year, except in our farm B & B where the breakfast was cold granola and toast with coffee. I'm guessing they were more in keeping with Italian tradition.<BR><BR>Then, last month in London, was told breakfast would be only "continental" and a "cooked breakfast" would be extra cost. Pleasantly surprised at the lovely spread provided under the continental breakfast - cereals, fruits, juices, yoghurts, salads, meats, hard boiled eggs, toast, rolls, croissants.. Yet, 2 years ago, continental breakfast was more typical, toast or roll with coffee or tea.

I think the concept of B&B's in Europe is much different than in the US. In the US they have developed into a more luxury accomodation-more like an Inn rather than a true B&B. While in Europe they are most often considered a more basic, budget lodging consideration.

The skimpy breakfast isn't limited to the European countries that prefer "continental" breakfasts. Several years ago, I was planning a vacation to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. For health reasons, I can't have just a high-carb breakfast, I must have some protein (maybe an egg or two!). The first 7 or 8 B&B's I called offered only beverages and baked goods for breakfast. A true cooked breakfast was a rarity. <BR><BR>How I loved the B&B's in England and Wales with their huge plates of eggs, bacon, tomatoes, etc., etc.!

I recently stayed in a B&B in Copenhagen, the owner told me that AMericans expect so much for their dollar and he had decided to add more food to his breakfasts ( continental is not popular with americans). He did this and now finds himself with more food and less money. To cover the cost of a sumptous breakfast, he had to raise the room rates. I suggested he charge for the full breakfast and let those who really will eat it and enjoy pay for it. I like coffee in the morning, so I don't really want to pay to pig out at 7am and don't really feel the need to pay for others to do so either. He thought this was a great idea and so he now gives guests the option of what type of breakfast you want and is not throwing food away.