Planning your meals throughout your retreat
Onsite vs. Offsite Meals
Offsite Meals?
💡 What are offsite meals? Offsite meals are booked and catered outside the hotel’s catering and are typically required to be organized offsite at a third-party location like a restaurant or event space.
Onsite Meals?
💡 What are onsite meals? Meals are catered through the hotel or hotel catering partner and are typically hosted onsite in the contracted meeting space. Not every hotel offers catering onsite and their restrictions, minimums, and prices vary.
First thing to think of: Are all meals onsite? Which is your first meal, and which is your last meal? Be mindful of the sneaky fees - not every hotel, or state is the same. But almost all have hidden fees to be mindful of. From banquet service fee charges on top of the F&B selections, to state tax, these can add up fast.
DINNER [AVG $90]
| Tier | Price Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Low Tier | $50 to $70 per person | Simpler menu options and fewer premium ingredients; e.g picnic-style, or buffet |
| Mid Tier | $80 to $120 per person | Wider variety of menu options, buffet style, and some dietary considerations. |
| High Tier | $120+ | You'll find more elaborate menus with premium ingredients, multiple courses, and special dietary considerations. |
LUNCH [AVG $50]
| Tier | Price Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Low Tier | $30 to $70+ | Grab-and-go bagged lunches |
| Mid Tier | $30 to $70+ | Buffet-style lunch |
| High Tier | $30 to $70+ | Includes all-day coffee/tea station, and more dietary considerations. |
BREAKFAST [AVG $35]
| Tier | Price Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Low Tier | $20 to $50+ per person | Grab-and-go breakfast |
| Mid Tier | $20 to $50+ per person | Buffet-style breakfast |
| High Tier | $20 to $50+ per person | Includes all-day coffee/tea station, and more dietary considerations. |
HAPPY HOUR
| Tier | Price Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Low Tier | $15 to $25 per person | Estimating basic drink packages, 1hr bar. Think beer and wine only - not ideal for a group of heavy drinkers |
| Mid Tier | $45+ per person | Includes a variety of drink options (including some cocktails) and a mix of basic wine and beer, bartender fee included |
| High Tier | $20 to $50+ per person | Premium drink options, 1-2 hr open bar, specialty cocktails; bartender fee included |
Tiering Information & Fee Breakdown
ADDITIONAL COST + FEE BREAKDOWN
| Fee | Estimated % | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Banquet Service Fee | 18% to 25% | Banquet service fee: 18% to 25% of the total cost of the meal, drink or event. |
| State Sales Tax | 4% to 10% | State Sales Tax: State sales tax rates vary by state and can range from 4% to 10% or more. This tax is applied to the total cost of the event, including food, beverages, and services. |
| Service Charge (Gratuity) | 18% to 22% | Service Charge or Gratuity: Many hotels include an automatic service charge or gratuity for large group events. |
| This charge typically ranges from 18% to 22% of the total bill and covers the service provided by the hotel staff. | ||
| Administrative or Event Fee | 5% to 10% | Administrative or Event Fee: Some hotels charge an administrative or event fee, which covers event coordination, setup, and other logistical aspects. This fee can vary but might be around 5% to 10% of the total cost. |