Scandic's Bold Move: Charging for Breakfast Sparks Debate

Travel expert Viggo Cavling believes Scandic is making the right decision by starting to charge for breakfast.

The hotel chain Scandic is phasing out free breakfast at its hotels. The company cites "flexibility" as the reason, but customers may perceive it as stinginess. The exact fee varies, being more expensive in big cities and cheaper in rural areas.

Travel expert Viggo Cavling supports Scandic's decision.

– Right now, they are receiving some negative publicity, people are upset, but it will settle down. Petter Stordalen will implement the same, he says, noting that booked breakfasts lead to less food waste.

So far, competitors Elite and Strawberry have continued offering free breakfast. However, Viggo Cavling does not believe the breakfast change will lead to a mass exodus from Scandic.

– The majority of Scandic's customers are people who have to stay at the hotel. Business travelers who stay during weekdays, often alone.

"Complain First – Then Accept"

He compares it to the reactions when hotels stopped daily cleaning.

– There was some complaining at first, but now people have accepted it.

According to Cavling, the model is similar to booking sites for flights. Everyone knows that additional fees will be added to the initially displayed price.

– They want a low price to rank higher. Then they sell services gradually. This is an international trend, not something Swedish hotels have invented themselves.

The exception is when people book a hotel stay as an experience, not just necessary accommodation while traveling.

– If you and your partner are going to a boutique hotel, then breakfast is naturally included. But there, the price tag matters less. And Scandic cannot sell that experience anyway.