Hotel room 'cooking'

[carmel]

Disney will be one leg of our trip. Another leg will have us staying in a hotel with nothing more than an ice bucket and a coffee maker (probably not even one of those that make a whole pot but one of those new one-cup systems they seem to have).

I need suggestions from all of you families out there. We will be in this hotel for 4 days. We will have a car but this hotel is quite isolated and we can't just jump in the car and go to McDonalds. Unless you eat in the hotel restaurant ($$$$$$$$), forget it. This is our 'pinching pennies' portion of our trip.

What are some things I can get on the way into this hotel to eat. Here is what I've thought of. Remember, we have no access to a fridge or microwave.

loaf of bread
peanut butter and jelly
bag of muffins or bagels
crackers and string cheese (can keep those cool in collapsible ice chest)
fruit

What I'm mainly interested in is dinner ideas. No, we don't need to be gourmet but I'm at a loss for anything more substantial than sandwiches. My girls like Ramen but can you cook Ramen with just hot water from coffee machine? I have a 2 yr old, a 10 yr old and a 14 yr old.

I know there are some really inventive minds here. Parenthood breeds invention, right?

Thanks so much for the ideas!!!!

 

[rachael95]

It's a HUGE amount of sodium, but you could get the family packs of the Cup A Soups then use the hot water from the coffee maker.

 

[Kristibo42]

We have taken a toster or toaster oven before. It worked great. We just made sure to unplug when not in use. That gives you a little something then just cold sandwiches. Also a small cooler to put ice in for cold cuts or even hotdogs if you have a toaster oven.

 

[princessesintraining]

What about instant oatmeal? Are you driving? Could you pack a crockpot?

 

[Kristibo42]

Crockpot good I would have never thought of that!!!

 

[carmel]

Unfortunately, this is a multi-legged trip that begins with a flight. We are renting a car so we can't really pack a toaster oven or a crock pot.

I think we will be good for breakfast and lunch. I just thought someone out there would have an 'ah-hah' experience with something that coffee maker water could cook.

 

[MSSANDRA]

Most hotels have a hospitality area where they may have a microwave and a coffee pot. Are there really no places near by this hotel? What will you guys do here for several days? If there is even a grocery store or similar nearby, Consider Deli Foods. A roasted chicken, potato salad etc. It may be worth your money to stop in your rented car and invest in a good ice cooler that you can keep in your room and refill with ice to keep things cold. This would broaden your choice a lot. You could stop on the way and load up with deli meats, cold chicken, fruits, raw veggies etc. How far away is a restaurant? You may enjoy a night or two going somewhere to eat. even if its an hour or so away.

 

[khaoskat]

Unfortunately, this is a multi-legged trip that begins with a flight. We are renting a car so we can't really pack a toaster oven or a crock pot.

I think we will be good for breakfast and lunch. I just thought someone out there would have an 'ah-hah' experience with something that coffee maker water could cook.

On your way in, stop at a Walmart type of store, get one of those small portable/disposable grills and some charcoal. Get a small cooler, and some meats. Then grill out.

Also, look at a cheap hot pot or hot plate that you can throw away afterwards.

 

[Lisa71]

Pack a hot pot. We have taken one on a few trips and camping food that requires boiling water, instant soup (we got some healthy ones from sprouts), etc worked great. It boils fast and hot but works well. We have travelled internationally and not always sure about food so we take a few things. Worked well when shops were closed due to an election. Mine was under 15 dollars.

 

[Lisa71]

I would not BBQ indoors as the fumes can be toxic.

 

[jameyh]

what about the easy mac & cheese? i've never cooked it with hot water from a coffee pot but you could buy one and try at home before your trip.
another idea would be to stop at a store (walmart or even big lots) and buy a cheap toaster oven or even a griddle use during your trip then find a local thrift store to donate at the end of your trip.

enjoy your trip!

 

[momof3ds]

There has to be pizza delivery as an option.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Inspect the hotel coffee pot thoroughly before using. Some of them are pretty gross...

 

[Gracie09]

Most hotels do not allow items like hot pots, crock pots etc. they can be fire hazards. You could make instant oat meal or other meal in a cup items with the coffee maker (after cleaning it). You may also want to search for an alternative hotel that has a kitchenette.

 

[J.C.&ALI'SMOM]

Order pizza and Chinese!

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would check with the hotel to see what is or is not allowed before I bought anything to cook on. We have stayed places it was fine and others where it was strictly forbidden. I'm sure the grill was meant for outside but you will need to check with the hotel on that one too. If it's ok, that would be a great choice. A cooler with meats and add some bagged salad.

 

[momof3ds]

I'm finding it hard to believe that there is nothing around this hotel, in terms of restaurants, diners, etc.

 

[maxiesmom]

Most hotels do not allow items like hot pots, crock pots etc. they can be fire hazards. You could make instant oat meal or other meal in a cup items with the coffee maker (after cleaning it). You may also want to search for an alternative hotel that has a kitchenette.

Very true. You don't want to get kicked out of your room, if one of your neighbors smells you cooking food and complains.

 

[123LuckyMom]

How about pretending you're camping!? Go to an outdoor gear store and pick up freeze dried camping meals. With most of them, you just add water. Pasta will cook by soaking in hot water, too, though it will take longer than boiling on the stove. If you use very thin pasta, it won't take too long. How about tuna mixed with angel hair pasta and a can of cream of mushroom soup or something. It's not gourmet, but it'll do for a night, right? You could also use tomato sauce if you prefer. Hot dogs can also heat up in hot water. Nothing you will be able to cook will be healthy, but it's a brief period of time. Go to your supermarket and look. There are (unfortunately, in my opinion) lots of foods where you just have to add water.

 

[Marionnette]

Most grocery stores sell rotisserie chickens that are just as good when cold as they are when they are hot. Pick up one and a bag of salad - spinach salad is healthier than iceberg lettuce. Or get a couple of pre-made salads from the Grab-n-Go section. Get a pint of potato salad at the deli and a bag of soft rolls. Instant no-cook dinner and cheaper than eating out!

Other than that, I've got nothing. I'm not sure that the coffee pot water will be hot enough to "cook" Cup 'O Noodles or the like.