Eat Up: Our 8 Favorite Foodie Freebies

Spotlight On: Gaia Hotel and Reserve, Costa Rica

Free hotel breakfasts aren't exactly a rarity, but they are usually comprised of cereals, fruit, and, if you're lucky, some moderately edible scrambled eggs. Not so at Gaia Hotel and Reserve, where the free breakfast is a gourmet a la carte affair. Menu items include Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles, Italian Egg White Frittata, Vanilla and Mango Pancakes, a Costa Rican Breakfast, and more. And the freebies don't stop there: The room rate also includes a short spa treatment.

• More hotels with a la carte breakfasts: Britt Scripps Inn San Diego

Spotlight On: Andaz Fifth Avenue, New York City

We adore the Andaz Fifth Avenue for its bounty of foodie freebies, including its often scrumptious check-out treats. Though they change seasonally, choices in the past have included Fat Witch Baby Brownies and C.O. Bigelow Peppermints, as well as less delicious gift options like C.O Bigelow Lemon Lip Cream and a tube of anti-bacterial hand gel. Other free teats include water bottles in the lobby, minibar snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (many of which are from local vendors), wine in the lobby from 6 to 9 p.m. each evening, and made-to-order barista coffee in the lobby lounge.

Spotlight On: Hotel Vintage Park, Seattle

Hotel Vintage Park's focus on wine -- particularly those grown in the 500 local vineyards -- is evident from the moment you check in: The front-desk staffer (sporting a nametag that includes his or her particular favorite vintage) will explain the varieties you'll enjoy at the free reception that takes place every evening.

• More hotels with free wine hours: All of the Kimpton Hotels, Hotel Rex San Francisco, Casablanca Hotel New York City, The Copley Square Hotel Boston

Spotlight On: Rancho Valencia Resort, San Diego

The Rancho Valencia's excellent freebies, including free minibar snacks, morning juice and newspaper delivery, contribute to the resort's experience of exclusive pampering. This 49-room luxury resort is located in Rancho Santa Fe, a wealthy residential community in the hills of Southern California, on 40 acres of lush grounds. The Spanish-style suites, all with fireplaces and patios, are located in 26 casitas spread across the sprawling property, creating a rare level of privacy for guests.

• More hotels with free minibar treats: The Greenwich Hotel New York City, Andaz Fifth Avenue New York City, Andaz Wall Street New York City

Spotlight On: Villa d'Citta, Chicago

After a long day exploring, it's nice to come back to your hotel to find free refreshments waiting in the lobby. The Laurel Inn San Francisco, for example, has free lemonade and freshly baked cookies in the lobby each afternoon. But the Villa d'Citta takes the cake on this one: This tiny Chicago boutique has a fully stocked communal kitchen where guests can prepare breakfast, snacks (such as sandwiches or hot dogs), and other light fare 24/7.

• More hotels with free lobby snacks: The Laurel Inn San Francisco

Spotlight On: Copley Square Hotel, Boston

Many hotels are thoughtful enough to provide basic refreshments in the lobby -- ice water, coffee, and the like. Some properties take it a step further: The Andaz Fifth Avenue, for example, offers fresh barista-prepared coffee in the lobby, and the Westin Copley Place Boston has special seasonal drinks, like hot apple cider in the fall. The Copley Square Hotel in Boston, which offers free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate all day, is one of our favorites, partly because it's so pleasant to sit down and sip in its stylish, cozy lobby. (There's also a free evening wine hour if you prefer something a little stronger.)

• More hotels with free lobby drinks: Westin Copley Place Boston, Andaz Fifth Avenue New York City, Andaz Wall Street New York City

Spotlight On: Halekulani, Oahu

Arriving in your room to find a delicious surprise waiting for you goes a long way toward making you feel like a guest, rather than a customer. Fifteen Beacon in Boston deserves a special mention for the miniature tarts and chocolate covered fruit prepared by the hotel's pastry chef that will be delivered to your room after check-in. But the Halekulani's impressive display of tropical fruit, chocolate, and flowers will always be one of our favorites.

• More hotels with in-room welcome treats: Fifteen Beacon Boston, Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, The Greenwich Hotel New York City, Cadet Hotel Miami

Spotlight On: The Caves, Jamaica

It's not that uncommon to get a check-in drink at nice hotels in warm-weather destinations, but that doesn't make us like this refreshing freebie any less. The Caves in Jamaica is a romantic all-inclusive with locally focused cuisine and a top-shelf bar, and its signature welcome drink is de-lish.

• More hotels with check-in drinks: Tensing Pen Jamaica, Gaia Hotel and Reserve Costa Rica, Half Moon Jamaica, Royal Corin Resort & Loto Spa Costa Rica