Spanish restaurants asking you to pay before you arrive
No-shows causing losses
Restaurants asking people to pay before they have even placed an order. | Photo: Majorca Daily Bulletin reporter
Palma03/05/2025 09:37
An increasing number of restaurants in Spain, especially those in popular holiday resorts, are apparently asking clients to commit to a certain amount when they make a booking, before they have even ordered, in some cases it can be up to 40 euros. It is not the same as handing over credit card details to secure a booking in the event of a no-show without cancelling a booking with the establishment.
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12 comments
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Zoltan TeglasI know portals well. I'm no stranger. The point is (and you know this as well as me) that the main argument from Brits about price is be asked on their experience at places like portals. You know as well as me that there's nothing forcing anyone to eat at seafront restaurant in the middle of a yacht port or popular tourist resort. You can also eat at a normal place and pay 1/4 the price, often for better food and drink. When I hear Brits moan about the unfairness of prices in portals, or the high prices at the beachfront Magaluf, it sounds pretty yesterday. Those days are gone, but perhaps you're still living in 1997? Too expensive? Then don't go to places you can't afford, and then moan about how unfairly expensive it is.
Morgan WilliamsI don't know what people expect to pay at these places, but Portals is for rich yaughtie types who are obviously willing to pay these prices, so the easy solution is to go elsewhere.
oouoo oouooIt's a rip off for sure, but if people are willing to pay it, then someone will ask for it. Personally, I avoid these places like the plague as I don't like them or the yuppy clientele. But each to their own. And there are plenty of seafront places which are reasonably priced if you search for them.
Morgan WilliamsNo need to take it to the extreme. From £25 for a 5* hotel to Green salad at £14, is just making a bit of mockery, in my view. I'm sure Brits , or rather people from all of the UK will still visit, but may avoid restaurants with prices as mentioned.
Zoltan TeglasI don't expect these prices anywhere Zoltan especailly when this is a chain restaurant owner with cooks not chefs
Zoltan TeglasYeah, but we expect to be able to go to posh seafront places in portals at Ikea cafeteria prices. And you can't get a 5* hotel for 25 quid per night anymore. It's so unfair to Brits. We're going elsewhere next year. Then they'll be sorry.
oouoo oouooIt's a beach club in Portals, what do you expect. If you want non yuppy/tourist rip off prices you don't go to these places.
Sandro ZechepIf least they could have the courtesy to phone them well in advance that they would not appear, giving others a chance to use the restaurants. Most, if not all, these days have a mobile. So no excuse. Still it's selfish to book up 3 restaurants.
Small Selection from a beach bar/ club in portals ... excludes service charge 1. Iberian Ham Croquettes – €28 2. Classic Prawn Cocktail with Pink Sauce – €36 3. Greek Mediterranean Salad – €34 4. Herbón Peppers – €22 5. Creamy Risotto with Scallops – €44 6. Spaghetti with Seafood – €48 7. Beef Fillet with Watercress, Chips, and Béarnaise Sauce – €52 8. Homemade French Fries – €12 9. Green Salad – €14 10. Grilled Vegetables – €16 That's why people are not spending
A lot of people are too stupid to understand the terrible economics of running a restaurant business. Every restaurant should take credit card details and charge for no shows. I know Germans who book 3 restaurants each night and discard 2 on the night, sometimes all 3. It's disgusting and selfish.