How to Serve the Best Espresso at Your Hotel Bar: A Guide to Impressing Guests

Whether it’s the first sip after check-in or an after-dinner espresso at the hotel bar, great coffee is a key part of the guest ex…

June 2, 2025

In the competitive world of hospitality, small details make a big difference. One of those details? The coffee you serve.

Whether it’s the first sip after check-in or an after-dinner espresso at the hotel bar, great coffee is a key part of the guest experience. And when it comes to espresso, quality beans and preparation methods are everything.

Here’s how your hotel bar can consistently deliver top-tier espresso—and why your choice of coffee beans truly matters.

1. Choose High-Quality Espresso Beans

The foundation of a great espresso is in the bean. Not all coffee beans are created equal, and guests with refined palates will notice. Choose a blend that is:

  • Freshly roasted

  • Balanced in acidity and bitterness

  • Full-bodied with a lingering crema

Our Coffee Bean Box espresso selection offers a curated variety of espresso beans tailored for professional use in cafés and hotel bars. From bold and intense to smooth and well-balanced, each option is roasted in small batches to ensure peak freshness and optimal flavor—perfect for creating unforgettable coffee moments for your guests.

Click here to learn more about our freshest Espresso coffee beans and discover this unique flavor.

2. Invest in Good Equipment and Regular Maintenance

Even the best beans can’t shine if your espresso machine isn’t up to the task. Use high-quality machines with good temperature control, and schedule regular maintenance to keep them working flawlessly.

Don’t forget to:

  • Clean group heads and portafilters daily

  • Calibrate the grinder regularly

  • Check water quality and pressure

3. Train Your Bar Staff Well

Your team should be able to:

  • Dial in the espresso grind correctly

  • Monitor extraction times

  • Steam milk to the right texture and temperature

Consider regular barista training sessions to keep the skills sharp and ensure consistency across shifts.

4. Offer a Signature Coffee Experience

Set your hotel apart by offering a unique espresso blend exclusive to your bar. Include tasting notes on the menu, or let guests know where the beans are sourced. This creates a memorable experience and a talking point—especially for coffee lovers.

5. Don’t Forget the Hotel Rooms

While the bar is the star, in-room coffee matters too. Single-serve drip bag coffees and Turkish coffee sachets offer a premium alternative to instant coffee and elevate the overall guest perception of quality.