Limited ADR time for 2

[Simply Sue]

I've been tweeking our ADR's trying to get better times to fit our itinerary. I have found several instances where if I change the number in my party from 2 to say 4 people they have tables available at times not available for 2. I realize they are trying to maximize the table usage by not seating 2 people at tables for 4 but....... can I reserve a table for 4 and show up with just the two of us? Is that frowned upon?

 

[minnie mum]

You can do that.

 

[Hopefully]

I've been tweeking our ADR's trying to get better times to fit our itinerary. I have found several instances where if I change the number in my party from 2 to say 4 people they have tables available at times not available for 2. I realize they are trying to maximize the table usage by not seating 2 people at tables for 4 but....... can I reserve a table for 4 and show up with just the two of us? Is that frowned upon?

My view of this is: yes it is possible to do this
But how would you feel if you were the waiter/ waitress who counts on tip income based on the expected 4. The bill for 2, and therefore the tip for 2, is not the same as for 4. These folks depend on this income.

 

[kastoney]

You could always make the reservation for 4 and then call and change it to 2 so there is no expectation of more people. Having less people is usually not an issue

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Yes, you can do this.

 

[Nancyg56]

You are fine doing this.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

My view of this is: yes it is possible to do this
But how would you feel if you were the waiter/ waitress who counts on tip income based on the expected 4. The bill for 2, and therefore the tip for 2, is not the same as for 4. These folks depend on this income.

I think that really depends on the family and, obviously, if it's a set-price restaurant. We are a family of 3 who consistently order apps, entrees, dessert and alcoholic beverages and we tip 20%. There are other families, larger than ours, who may be on the DDP or who only order entrees, sodas, etc. and don't tip as much as we do. So, you can't really calculate a tip (which is discretionary unless you have a party of 6 or more - even then it depends on what they order) based on how many people are seated.

Sorry, perhaps a little off topic. OP, yes you can make a reservation for 4 and only show up with 2.