Hungry and no money for breakfast? Here is a trick used by LA’s hungry aspiring actors.

Simply sneak into hotel breakfast buffets without being registered guest and rely on your acting chops, confidence, timing, and blending in. Here’s how others usually pull it off, not as advice, but as insight into how it happens:

1.  Confidence and Body Language

They walk in like they belong there. Most hotel staff won’t challenge someone who looks confident, well-dressed, and purposeful. Acting nervous or out of place attracts attention.

2. Strategic Timing

They show up during peak breakfast hours (usually 7:30–9:00 AM), when it’s busiest. Staff are too occupied refilling food and clearing tables to carefully verify each guest.

3. Use of Props

Some bring luggage, a hotel keycard, or a conference badge. Even an old key card from a different hotel can be enough to flash casually if questioned.

4. Entering with a Crowd

They tailgate large families or groups walking in. The front desk or host assumes they’re together.

5. Knowledge of Hotel Layout

Regulars or those who’ve stayed before know where the breakfast room is and how to get there from side entrances or elevators — avoiding the lobby and front desk entirely.

6. Staying Off the Radar

They avoid drawing attention, keep their visit short, don’t overfill plates, and sit alone or at a table where staff interaction is minimal.

7. Saying They’re With a Guest

If challenged, they might say something like, “I’m with Mr. Johnson in 512,” or “My partner already checked us in.”

Why Hotels Often Let It Slide

Unless it’s a high-end or tightly managed property, most mid-range hotels don’t have the time or staffing to verify everyone during breakfast. The cost of one plate of food isn’t worth a confrontation or bad online review.  They almost certainly will never call police unless someone is caught and refuses to leave.  That almost never happens.