Half Board without Drinks

iwant2asave

Hi,

Planning for a half board and wondering if I'm going to find it difficult/awkward if I decline having drinks with my meals as a way to save money?!...I know it's a choice, just wondering how awkward/difficult it would be if anyone has any experience of this?!

Thanks,

Sam

elsien

I’d probably get a bottle of water, but that’s because I don’t want to eat food without anything to drink. 

It certainly shouldn’t be difficult – you are the customer after all. 

oldernonethewiser

Why do you think it will be difficult?

If you don't want anything alcoholic to drink then no need to order and if offered then decline.

Drinking alcohol is, not yet, compulsory.

Hoenir

If it's all an inclusive offer don't expect people to mess around repricing the package. 

iwant2asave

oldernonethewiser said:

Why do you think it will be difficult?

If you don't want anything alcoholic to drink then no need to order and if offered then decline.

Drinking alcohol is, not yet, compulsory.

I was thinking it might be awkward/difficult as it might be "expected" that all customers would "buy" at least some drinks with their meals.  And because it is "expected" then I would be looked down on somewhat.  Maybe I'm imagining it.

iwant2asave

Hoenir said:

If it's all an inclusive offer don't expect people to mess around repricing the package. 

Sorry, I don't quite follow?

Veteransaver

It does depend on the hotel. Many half board buffet style restaurants just have water dispensers and very few waiting staff to even bother taking an order for drinks these days.
Other places obviously try to milk you for buying drinks, so you may feel pressured to buy at least a bottle of water. But you could always just take your own bottle of water in with you, I doubt many places would kick up a fuss.

NoodleDoodleMan

Hoenir said:

If it's all an inclusive offer don't expect people to mess around repricing the package. 

The OP stated half board.

There is no compunction to buy drinks at evening meal, although it would be unusual - still or sparkling bottled water only costs a few Euros. Hotels don't provide tap water in my very long experience.

TELLIT01

Many people don't drink alcohol so there is no likelihood of 'being looked down on'.

JosephK

We don't drink alcohol. Never had a problem whether we do or do not buy drinks

bagand96

The OP hasn't specifically mentioned alcohol.  It sounds as if the OP is concerned that when they go for dinner at the hotel, the staff will ask if they'd like a drink with their meal (be that alcohol or soft drinks) and they feel there might be pressure to order?

I think you may be overthinking it, if the staff ask if you'd like to order a drink I'm sure a polite "no thank you" will suffice and they'll carry on with their job without fuss.