Dining solo is a pleasure, not a problem

Walking into a hotel restaurant on your own can feel daunting, especially when the room is full of couples and families. But hotel staff see solo diners all the time. Business travellers, weekend escapees, and locals popping in for a treat are all part of the mix. A table for one is not a problem to be solved; it's an opportunity to eat exactly what you want, at your own speed. A few small choices can turn a potentially awkward meal into one of the highlights of your stay.

Choose a table that suits your mood

Where you sit changes everything. Before you're led to a table, think about what you actually want. Do you want to watch the world go by, or would you rather be tucked away? Speak up when you're greeted, because most restaurants will happily seat you where you're most comfortable.

• A window table gives you a natural focal point. You can look out at the street or the evening sky, and it feels less exposed than sitting in the middle of the room.
• A corner or booth offers privacy. You can spread out a little, read, or simply enjoy being invisible. It's a good choice if you're feeling self-conscious.
• A seat at the bar is the most sociable option. You might chat with the bartender or other guests, or you might just enjoy the buzz. Many hotel bars serve the full menu, so you lose nothing.

If you're shown to a table you don't like, it's perfectly fine to ask for another. Staff would much rather move you than have you spend the meal wishing you were elsewhere.

Bring a book, or don't

Some solo diners feel naked without something to do between courses. A book, an e-reader, or a newspaper is a classic solution. It gives your hands something to hold and your eyes somewhere to rest. It also signals to staff that you're content and in no rush, which means they'll leave you to it while keeping an eye out. If you'd rather not read, that's fine too. People-watching is a perfectly respectable pastime, and hotel restaurants are excellent places for it.

What should you leave behind? A laptop, ideally. Tapping away at a keyboard makes the meal feel like an extension of the office. A small notebook is fine. A phone is useful for photos of your pudding, but try not to spend the whole meal scrolling. You're here to eat, after all.

Ask the staff for what you really want

Hotel restaurant staff are there to help, and they're used to adapting dishes for solo guests. If a main course looks enormous, ask if they can do a smaller portion. Many kitchens will happily oblige, sometimes for a reduced price. If you fancy something lighter, ask to see the bar menu. It's often available in the restaurant, and it's full of dishes that suit a single diner: small plates, sandwiches, and lighter bites. You can also ask for a starter to be served as a main, or order two starters instead of a main course. No one will bat an eyelid.

• Smaller portions: Just ask. "Could I have a smaller portion of the pie?" is a perfectly normal request.
• The bar menu: Often has smaller, cheaper dishes that are ideal for one.
• Half bottles of wine: Many lists include them. They're designed for exactly this situation.
• Recommendations: Staff know what's good and what's manageable. Ask what they'd order if they were eating alone.

Order a meal that works for one

Not every dish is suited to solo dining. A huge mixed grill or a sharing platter is going to defeat you. Instead, build a meal from smaller components. A bowl of soup and a side of bread can be perfect. A starter and a pudding is a lovely combination. A cheese board is an excellent solo option, especially if you ask for a smaller selection. If you're hungry, order a main but ask for a doggy bag for anything you can't finish.

Timing matters too. If you eat a little earlier or later than the main rush, you'll get more attention from staff and a calmer atmosphere. If you're on a tight schedule, let staff know when you sit down. They'll pace the meal accordingly.

Savour the experience at your own pace

One of the great joys of dining alone is that you control the tempo. There's no one waiting for you to finish, no one urging you to hurry up so they can order pudding. You can linger over a coffee, read another chapter, or simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere. When you're ready for the bill, catch a member of staff's eye or ask as they pass. Don't feel you have to wait for them to bring it unbidden.

A friendly word as you leave costs nothing and often makes the staff's evening. Tell them you enjoyed the meal, or thank them for looking after you. The more you dine solo, the more natural it feels. Hotel restaurants are some of the most welcoming places to eat on your own, so settle in, order what you fancy, and enjoy the freedom of a table for one.