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The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 5 Things You MUST Know About Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Hours And The Famous Cinnamon Rolls

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Planning your morning routine just got easier. As of late 2025, the complimentary Holiday Inn Express breakfast—officially known as the Express Start Breakfast—continues to be a major highlight of a guest's stay, but knowing the exact timing is crucial to snagging a famous cinnamon roll before they’re gone. The hours are consistent across the vast majority of IHG Hotels & Resorts properties, though they do shift slightly to accommodate the different schedules of business travelers and weekend vacationers.

The standard operating hours for the hot, free breakfast buffet are designed to cater to both early risers and those who prefer to sleep in a little. To get the most out of your complimentary meal, you must be aware of the distinct schedule for weekdays versus weekends, as the difference can be up to an hour in both the start and end times. Missing the window means missing out on the hot items, but thankfully, the brand has a backup plan for latecomers.

Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Hours: The Standard 2025 Schedule

The breakfast schedule at Holiday Inn Express is carefully calibrated to match the typical travel patterns of its guests. The times are generally uniform across the United States and most international locations, but remember that independent franchise operators may adjust them by 30 minutes, so always confirm with the front desk upon check-in.

1. Weekday Breakfast Hours (Monday to Friday)

For guests traveling on business or those with an early start, the weekday schedule prioritizes getting you fed and on the road quickly.

  • Start Time: 6:30 AM
  • End Time: 9:30 AM
  • Key Intention: Catering to business travelers and early-morning departures.

This three-hour window ensures that even the earliest risers can enjoy a full hot meal, but you must be prepared to wrap up your plate by 9:30 AM, as staff typically begin clearing the buffet promptly after this time.

2. Weekend Breakfast Hours (Saturday and Sunday)

The weekend schedule offers a much-appreciated extension, allowing leisure travelers a bit more time to sleep in and enjoy a relaxed morning.

  • Start Time: 7:00 AM
  • End Time: 10:00 AM
  • Key Intention: Accommodating late risers and family vacations.

The later start and later end time on weekends are a significant advantage for those looking to maximize their relaxation. Some locations, especially in high-traffic tourist areas, may even extend the end time to 10:30 AM, so a quick call to the specific hotel is always a good idea.

Express Start Breakfast: 3 Must-Try Menu Items and Hidden Gems

The Express Start Breakfast is more than just a standard continental spread; it is a full, hot buffet designed for both speed and satisfaction. The menu rotates daily, but several signature items are staples that have become synonymous with the Holiday Inn Express brand.

3. The Legendary Signature Cinnamon Rolls (Now Cinnabon!)

Perhaps the most famous item on the entire menu is the legendary cinnamon roll. For years, the brand promoted its "Signature Cinnamon Rolls" as a reason to "Get Out of Bed." In a massive upgrade, many Holiday Inn Express locations now exclusively serve Cinnabon Sweet Rolls.

  • The Upgrade: These are not generic pastries. They are made with Cinnabon's proprietary Makara™ Cinnamon, which gives them their distinctive, irresistible flavor.
  • Freshness: The rolls are shipped frozen and baked fresh daily on-site, ensuring a warm, gooey, and heavily frosted experience that guests rave about.
  • Pro Tip: These tend to be the first item to run out, especially on busy weekend mornings. Plan to arrive closer to the start time (6:30 AM or 7:00 AM) to ensure you get one.

4. The Interactive Stack Station Pancakes

A major feature of the Express Start Breakfast is the self-service pancake station, often playfully referred to as the "Stack Station." This automated machine dispenses perfectly sized, hot pancakes at the push of a button.

  • Customization: Guests can quickly make a stack and top it with various syrups, butter, and sometimes whipped cream or fruit toppings.
  • Innovation: The brand has even experimented with a "Pancake Selfie Express" truck, demonstrating the emphasis they place on this fun, interactive breakfast element.

5. Complimentary Hot and Cold Staples

Beyond the sweets, the buffet offers a comprehensive range of hot and healthy options for every dietary preference. The menu is designed to give you a full, hearty start to your day.

  • Hot Entrees: Expect a rotation of scrambled eggs, cheddar omelets, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, and sometimes French Toast or Breakfast Burritos.
  • Healthy Options: A full selection of fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges), yogurt, oatmeal, and various cereals are always available.
  • Beverages: Unlimited, complimentary coffee is available, often featuring a partnership with Costa Coffee, along with a variety of juices (apple, orange, cranberry) and milk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Express Start Breakfast

Guests often have specific questions about the Express Start experience, especially concerning the cost and what happens if their schedule doesn't align with the official hours.

Is the Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Free?

Yes, absolutely. The Express Start Breakfast is complimentary for all registered guests staying at a Holiday Inn Express hotel. This is a core feature of the brand’s value proposition and a key differentiator from the full-service Holiday Inn hotels, where breakfast may be an additional charge. The price of the breakfast is included in your room rate, making it a genuine value-add for travelers.

What Happens If I Miss the Breakfast Cut-Off Time?

While the hot buffet is strictly available only during the posted hours (e.g., until 9:30 AM on weekdays), the Holiday Inn Express brand is known for its "Stay Smart" philosophy and does offer backup solutions:

  • Grab 'n' Go Options: Many locations offer a limited selection of "Grab 'n' Go" breakfast bags or items like muffins and coffee that remain available near the front desk for a short time after the main buffet closes.
  • The Innporio: Almost all Holiday Inn Express properties feature an Innporio, which is a 24-hour convenience store or pantry. Here, you can purchase snacks, microwaveable meals, drinks, and other light food items at any time of day or night, serving as a reliable backup if you miss the main breakfast.
  • Free Coffee: Even after the buffet closes, complimentary coffee is generally available in the lobby area 24/7, thanks in part to the brand's partnership with Costa Coffee.

Why Do the Breakfast Hours Change on Weekends?

The shift in hours is a strategic decision based on guest demographics. Weekdays see a higher concentration of business travelers and people on tight schedules who need to eat early and leave. Weekends, by contrast, are dominated by leisure travelers, families, and tourists who prefer a more relaxed morning routine. Extending the hours until 10:00 AM (or later) on Saturday and Sunday reflects this change in travel pace, maximizing guest satisfaction and the overall hotel experience.

Is the Pancake Machine the Same at Every Holiday Inn Express?

The self-service pancake machine, known as the Stack Station, is a consistent brand standard across most Holiday Inn Express locations globally. While the specific model of the machine may vary slightly, the function—quickly dispensing a fresh, hot pancake—remains the same, making it a reliable and fun part of the complimentary breakfast experience wherever you travel.

In conclusion, the Holiday Inn Express Express Start Breakfast is a highly popular and valuable amenity for guests. By keeping the 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM (Weekdays) and 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Weekends) schedules in mind, you can ensure you get your fill of hot items, including eggs, bacon, and the must-have Cinnabon Sweet Rolls, before you start your day.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 5 Things You MUST Know About Holiday Inn Express Breakfast Hours and The Famous Cinnamon Rolls
what time is holiday inn express breakfast
what time is holiday inn express breakfast

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