高端酒店集体“下凡”：一顿剩菜揭开消费降级真相

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights the trend of five-star hotels selling leftover food in blind boxes, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior and the hospitality industry's struggle for survival amid economic downturns [1][19][21] - The number of five-star hotels in China has decreased from 845 to 736 between 2019 and 2024, a decline of nearly 13%, with high-end hotels facing closures or ownership changes [3][21] - The rise of budget hotels has been notable, with 23,000 new hotels and 1 million rooms opening in the first half of 2024, indicating a shift towards more affordable accommodation options [3][21] Group 2 - The operational costs for five-star hotels remain high despite declining patronage, including expenses for renovation, rent, labor, and ingredients, leading to financial strain [4][17] - The self-service buffet model has become unsustainable, with food waste rates reaching 25-30% in high-end hotels, prompting the need to sell leftovers to mitigate losses [6][7][8] - The blind box sales, priced between 79 to 99 yuan, are a response to decreased demand for traditional dining experiences, indicating a broader trend of consumer downgrading [10][12][14] Group 3 - The increasing popularity of blind boxes suggests that fewer customers are willing to pay full price for dining experiences, highlighting a shift in consumer spending habits [13][14] - The phenomenon of five-star hotels selling leftovers is seen as a dilution of brand value, with potential long-term implications for the luxury hospitality sector [17][21] - The article emphasizes that the current situation is not just a problem for individual hotels but reflects a societal trend towards reduced spending and a more pragmatic approach to luxury [19][23]