As a rule, we make sure that it suits our preferences in advance. We are talking about comfort, amenities, entertainment and, of course, food (see our "" section).
Making sure your vacation is good is what this article is about. In it you will find all the necessary information about the organization of catering in hotels abroad, the decoding of abbreviations, which are given in the characteristics of a particular hotel regarding catering.
According to the rules, the types of meals indicated in this kind of hotel information are already included in the price of the stay. And this is a very important detail when budgeting for your future vacation.
Types of food in hotels
The type (type) of food in the hotel is indicated in the characteristics (description) of the hotel room, immediately after the type of accommodation you book. Its abbreviation consists of two or three Latin letters. Here's a complete list:
RO (room only) - accommodation without meals.
EP (european plan), BO (bed only), AO (accomodation only), RR (room rate), OV(only bed), NO - accommodation without meals.
BB (Bed breakfast) - breakfast is included in the price (it can be organized according to the "buffet" system). The menu for such a meal consists of hot and cold dishes and drinks. The range of dishes depends on the traditions of the country and the preferences of the hotel owners.
HB (half board) - half board, which includes breakfast and dinner (can be organized according to the buffet system), in addition, you can order tea, coffee, water for free.
HB+ (half board +, extended half board) - the hotel's catering system is built on the principle of extended half board, breakfast and dinner (buffet) are included in the price, in addition, throughout the day you can order local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are available hotel bar.
FB (Full board) - full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner), food is served on a buffet basis.
FB + (full board +), EXTFB (extended half board) - an abbreviation for an extended full board, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner (buffet) and drinks (possibly beer and wine).
Mini all inclusive - Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with local drinks served throughout the day, but in limited quantities.
ALL, Al(All inclusive) in translation means all inclusive - breakfast, lunch and dinner (buffet). During your stay at the hotel throughout the day, you can use the offered non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks in unlimited quantities, additional forms of food delivery are also practiced (light breakfast consisting of rolls, butter, jam, coffee or tea, juice, second breakfast, light snacks, afternoon tea, late dinner, barbecue, etc.).
HCAL (hign class all inclusive) - if the description of the hotel room contains such an abbreviation, then you get everything for free, except for purchases while visiting shops, phone, doctor's services, hairdresser service, some entertainment (water sports and diving).
Additional, UAI(ultra aIl inclusive) - breakfast, late breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner (buffet). Meals will be complemented by a good selection of desserts, sweets, ice cream, all kinds of cold snacks, local and imported drinks. Some of the hotels operating under the Ultra All Inclusive system can offer guests additional free meals in restaurants with various national cuisine. At the same time, meals are available throughout the day and include various drinks (including alcohol). Ultra aIl inclusive options:
- Elegance all inc
- Super all inc
- VIP all inc
- De luxe all inc
- VC all inc
- MEGA all inc
- Superior all inc
- VIP Service
- Ultra de luxe all inc
- Royal Class all inc
- Max all inc Extended all inc
- Exellent all inc
- Imperial all
Additional forms of food in hotels decoding
CB (Continental breakfast) - Continental breakfast (may be called "French breakfast"). It is a light breakfast, the list includes coffee (tea), juice, rolls, butter and jam. As a rule, this form of food is offered in European city hotels. It usually consists of an economical set of "coffee + croissant", which characterizes these types of breakfast very well. It has a minimal variety of choice, but you are guaranteed significant savings if additional payment is provided.
AB (American breakfast) - American breakfast, similar to the continental breakfast menu, it involves serving various cuts, from hot dishes only omelet with bacon (or with sausages) is served.
EB (English breakfast) - breakfast, full and hearty breakfast, usually the menu includes juice, scrambled eggs (scrambled eggs), toast, buns, butter, jam and coffee (tea).
UAI (Ultra all inclusive) - this type of food includes the maximum list: breakfast, late breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner (buffet). You will be offered a large selection of various sweets, desserts, ice cream, all kinds of cold snacks, local and imported drinks.
When choosing a tour and a hotel, everyone tries to find the ideal option for themselves, depending on the availability of a certain amount of funds. And for many, the issue of food is very important, since someone is better off when an accommodation option is offered that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, and for someone the ideal and quite sufficient option is to have only a morning reception, and overpay for the rest of the food options do not want. There are different types of food in hotels, the decoding of which is given in the article... It is important to familiarize yourself with them, since they are indicated by phrases that are far from understandable to us, but by certain abbreviations.
What types of food are there?
The issue of food in any hotel is one of the most important when choosing a place to stay in a particular country. Much depends on the desired type of vacation, as well as on the age of the person buying the ticket. For example, sometimes it is enough for students to take a hotel that does not provide meals at all, but for older people it is usually preferable to choose the one where there are breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. And each hotel has its own food system, which may depend on the star rating or a number of other aspects.
When booking a trip, you can see that the sites never write specifically how many meals are offered in a particular hotel. They are usually indicated by certain abbreviations. And if these designations are clear to inveterate and experienced travelers, then to beginners they seem to be a "phony letter". To choose the right option for yourself, you should learn to understand these designations.
Basic designation options
So, let's take a closer look at the main options for designating food types. These include the abbreviations BB, HB, FB and AL.
- BB - stands for Bed and Breakfast. This designation states that those who will stay at the hotel will be able to receive only breakfast, which is usually presented in the form of a buffet, where everyone can choose the dish that suits his taste. Typically, such meals include salads, pastries, various drinks such as juices and tea, some hot dishes such as fried eggs, etc. All other meals will have to be paid separately. Or you can have lunch and dinner outside the hotel;
On a note! Such an option as BB is perfect for those who prefer not to sit in their rooms, but to attend excursions and actively spend their free time in every possible way. In this case, it is more convenient and profitable to have a snack somewhere along the way.
- HB - full name of Half Board. In this case, the person staying at the hotel will not only have breakfast, but also have dinner, but will not receive lunch. Breakfast is usually presented as a buffet, similar to the BB option. Dinner can be in the same format, or it can be a salad bar when a person chooses a particular set of hot dishes. Drinks can either be included in such a dinner, or purchased at a separate cost. Usually, free drinks are included only with breakfast. Most often, the HB option is found in hotels in Europe;
- FB - Full Board. This option includes three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first reception is in the format of a buffet, but at lunchtime and in the evening you will need to choose dishes according to the menu. Drinks are usually purchased separately;
- AL Is the designation "All Inclusive" or All Inclusive. It, in turn, can imply several options. For example, it can be three meals a day, as well as the ability to drink any drinks throughout the day. As a rule, this option can be found in hotels in Turkey or Egypt.
Other designations for power options
In addition to the main types of food, there are others that may be radically different from those described above or be one of their options. Consider other designations that may be encountered by the user when booking a hotel.
Table. Other food options.
| Designation | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| The abbreviation stands for Ultra All Inclusive. This option assumes that hotel guests can eat and drink as they please, at any time of the day. And the choice of food and drinks will be more than in the standard "All inclusive" option. Also, residents will be offered alcoholic drinks, moreover - usually not cheap. This option is often found in hotels in Egypt or Turkey. |
| This option is also common in some countries. It is all inclusive, but you can also take various drinks for free during the day. This is convenient, because in hot countries you are constantly thirsty. But the view suits those who prefer to relax at the hotel. |
| Decoding - Continental Breakfast. This is also a breakfast-only option, like BB. But breakfast will be very light and simple. Often there are buns and jams, butter, tea and coffee to choose from. Sometimes sausage and cheese are served. |
| This type assumes a lack of nutrition in principle. It stands for "room only". So if the voucher has just such a designation in the "food" column, then you shouldn't even count on breakfast at the hotel. You will have to eat at your own expense. By the way, similar options are RP, OB, EP, BO, AO, NO. There are no included meals here either, but in some cases the hotel offers to pay for it separately. |
| This is a slightly extended HB. With this option, both breakfast and evening meals are accompanied by drinks included in the meal price. |
| With this option, a person eats three times a day fully, and even has the right to drink alcoholic beverages for free - usually they are represented by local variations. |
Types of breakfast
Most often, in order to save money, and for convenience too, tourists stop only at options with breakfast when choosing a hotel to stay. That is why it is worth considering the existing variations of the morning meal in hotels.
One of the types of breakfast is just continental breakfast, which was already mentioned in the table above. These are pastries, butter, jams and drinks. Usually this type of breakfast can be found in European hotels.
There is also english breakfast, when the guest is offered various types of fried eggs, sausages or fried bacon, tomatoes or mushrooms. Also, in addition to all of the above, toast with butter, beans, jam or honey, butter, drinks such as coffee or juice can be offered.
American style breakfast may vary and often depends on the season of the year. Usually these are fruit salads, cheese and sausages, cereals, yoghurts.
On holidays, some hotels can be expected gourmet champagne breakfast... It is usually served a little later than the regular option, and guests can enjoy delicious desserts with sparkling wine along with the standard drinks.
Also in a number of hotels there is such an option as late breakfastwhen the first meal is close to dinner. A great option for those who like to sleep longer. Meals are served between 10:00 and 14:00.
More breakfast designations
Also, since we are talking about all possible designations of food options in hotels, it is worth considering in more detail one more designation options for breakfasts. For example, buffet or Buffet characterized by the ability to choose dishes to your liking and compose a menu yourself from the proposed options. Of course, the variations are quite limited, but at the same time, one cannot complain about the lack of variety. It can be meat, fish, and all kinds of side dishes, as well as desserts and fruits, depending on what the hotel management has approved. Dishes are in special trays or on dishes, you need to come up and put them on your plate yourself. This is the most common option and the most convenient for most guests. You can immediately appreciate the look and appetizing of the dish.
On a note! The buffet assumes an unlimited amount of food consumed - you can approach the tables several times and take as much food as you like. But it is forbidden to take food outside the restaurant.
A la carte or a la carte - an option involving the purchase of certain options for dishes from the menu. There must be a waiter who will serve the table, bringing the selected dishes. Depending on the hotel, food can be both paid and free, that is, included in the price of the voucher. A-la carte translates as “à la carte”. The advantage of this option is that there is no hustle and bustle near the food stalls like a buffet. Usually, to visit a restaurant, you need to make an appointment with the administrators in advance.
Picnic or Poket Lunch - an option that is convenient to take with you on excursions. You can usually ask the hotel to collect this breakfast in advance.
Children's nutrition
Many travelers prefer to relax with the whole family and, of course, take their children with them on vacation. But the children's organism is quite peculiar, and what adults can eat is often forbidden to be eaten by young children. And how to feed the baby is often a rather big question for parents vacationing at the resort.
Some hotels offer special children's menu... It can include cereals, diet meals, fruits and vegetables. If the hotel does not offer a children's menu, then it is best to pay extra for it separately and feed the child with food suitable for the growing body. This is especially important in relation to travel to exotic Asian countries or states located in Africa. Unusual food can provoke digestive upset, and then rest will be a real challenge for both parents and children.
On a note! You can clarify the availability of a children's menu in the selected hotel or hotel through a tour operator or travel agency.
The choice of a meal option is entirely up to the traveler. Here you will have to evaluate your preferences, budget, as well as age and a number of other features. It is best to think carefully before grabbing the first available ticket. For many people, the issue of nutrition is one of the most important when planning a vacation.
If a person prefers to spend time in a hotel or on the beach near him, then there is no point in refusing lunches and dinners. It is best to take the all-inclusive type of food. Then you don't have to worry about where and how to eat, as well as what to drink. Especially if the meal option implies the ability to drink drinks at any time on the territory of the hotel for free. And for parents with children, this is far from the worst option. You will not have to puzzle over feeding the child, since food can be obtained directly at the hotel and, most likely, of high quality.
But if a person plans to actively move around the country, constantly go on excursions and come to the hotel only for an overnight stay, then the best option for him would be a meal option that involves only breakfast, or a complete lack of food upon check-in.
Video - Types of food: decoding
When choosing food options, you should consider your own wishes and needs. It is also important to clarify the slightest aspects of nutrition with the tour operator, if there are any doubts. Sometimes the flaws in planning a vacation can negatively affect the quality of your vacation. Even if this is just a mistake when choosing the type of food.
Naturally, the type of service depends not only on the cost of the voucher, but also on the quality of the rest.
Let's look at all the intricacies in order.
RO (room only), RR (room rate), OB (Only Bed), AO (Accommodation Only)means only hotel accommodation without free meals. Choosing this type will save you a decent amount of money when buying a tour. In this case, you will need to take care of your own food yourself, which is sometimes very inconvenient.
However, many tourists deliberately choose "accommodation only" in order to explore the flavor of the local cuisine and try out several restaurants and cafes. Before the trip, you can study the place and the nearest popular establishments in advance, since there is such an opportunity on the Internet now.
BB (bed breakfast) -literally translates to "bed and breakfast". Breakfast is usually offered either "continental" or "buffet". A continental breakfast is a certain fixed set of dishes that is offered to a guest, and unlike a buffet, it is a lighter form of breakfast. As a rule, this type of food is chosen by active tourists - travelers who do not want to be tied to food at the hotel.
BB + (bed breakfast plus), unlike BB, a denser, expanded menu option is offered.
HB (Half Board)or "half board" means accommodation with breakfast and dinner. You will need to take care of the meals yourself. This type of food does not include additional snacks and alcoholic beverages.
HB + (Half Board plus) similar to HB, only here you can get free alcoholic drinks, mostly locally produced.
FB (Full Board) or "full board", i.e. the tourist has full three meals a day. On the FB system, you cannot count on free alcoholic drinks. However, this type of food is very convenient for couples with small children, because everything is already thought out and there is no need to look for a place to eat. Many modern hotels also offer their guests a children's menu, which makes life much easier for parents.
FB + (full board plus) - also "full board", but suggests a small list of free alcoholic drinks, most often of local production.
AI, ALL, UALL (all inclusive) or an all-inclusive system. The dream of many tourists, because you can eat without restrictions, especially if you are not on a diet. Depending on the star rating of the hotel, this type of food can be either three meals a day or multiple meals throughout the day (restaurants, barbecue, grill, bars). Depending on the level of the hotel, mainly local alcoholic drinks are provided, and sometimes imported alcohol.
UAI, UALL (ultra all inclusive) or "ultra all inclusive" "- similar to the previous type of food, only a large selection of alcoholic beverages of local and imported production is provided. This type of accommodation with meals will certainly be the most expensive, but also the highest quality.
Alternative classification and decoding
But, not all countries use abbreviations for the standard classification of types of food in hotels. Sometimes hotels with a pool in the UAE offer an alternative designation:
- EP (similar to OB) and means that visitors will not receive free meals here at all, because it is not included in the cost of living;
- CP (or continental plan)that provides tourists with a choice of light meals (tea / coffee, bun, sandwiches, fruits) and only once a day in the morning;
- BP (bermuda plan) is a hearty American-style morning lunch, i.e. here they will offer meat / fish dishes, salads, pastries and many other products that are not at all for a vegetarian or a person on a diet;
- MAP- Half board, consisting of a full breakfast and a hearty lunch. It can also be supplemented with afternoon tea according to the British tradition, even in hotels in the UAE;
- AP (american plan), which means full board, i.e. three meals a day with additional snacks.
Types of breakfast
In some cases, when choosing the type of accommodation at the Adler hotel with meals, details such as the type of breakfast may be specified. There are only three of them, different in cost and content:
- Continental Breakfast (Continental) - light and simple set of food and drinks (coffee / tea / juice, bun, fruit);
- English typeconsisting of hearty scrambled eggs, hot toasters, buns with jam and butter and coffee / tea;
- American type - this is the most satisfying and high-calorie set of dishes: hot and cold snacks, pastries, slices, etc.
WE WISH YOU GOOD WEATHER AND EXCELLENT REST!
Booking a tour to Egypt or Turkey almost never raises questions from tourists: all inclusive is a phrase familiar to everyone. But you can get confused if you see unfamiliar abbreviations next to the hotel name.
So that the rest is not overshadowed by unpleasant surprises, we advise you to always look at the decoding of the type of food in hotels when choosing a tour.
A standard designation system has been adopted throughout the world. You may come across the following options:
- without food;
- breakfast only;
- breakfast + dinner;
- three meals a day;
- all inclusive.
And also many different variations of all these types of food in hotels. We've put together the abbreviations in a little cheat sheet to make it easy for you to navigate.
Hotel accommodation only: what are the symbols?
Planning early departures or late returns to your hotel, or want to sample some local cuisine? Then your choice - a room without food - is the cheapest option in a hotel.
If you see such letter abbreviations in the hotel description - meals are not included in the price of accommodation:
- OR (RO)
From English, all these designations can be translated as: "only number" or "price per room".
You can order meals separately or prepare your own meals in the shared kitchen or in your room. If the hotel has such an opportunity, it is indicated in the description additionally and is designated by the abbreviation SC (self catering).
Explanation of food symbols in hotels with breakfast
The mysterious letters BB mean bed and breakfast.
If you are not going to be in a hotel all day or are staying one night, BB is the perfect choice. This is one of the most common categories in European cities, where tourists come for excursions or walks. Breakfast is included in the room price.
Breakfasts can be different:
| Name of breakfasts | Letter designation | What does breakfast include |
|---|---|---|
| English (aka American) breakfast | EB / AB \u003d english (american) breakfast | Fried bacon or sausage, a dish of eggs (most often scrambled eggs, but sometimes an omelet), hot drinks (tea, coffee). Additional ingredients vary by region (like toast), but eggs and bacon are always present in English breakfast. |
| Continental breakfast | CB \u003d continental breakfast | Croissants or mini buns, butter, jams and all sorts of additions to them, yogurt, a few pieces of cheese and sausage, hot drinks. The most common option in budget European hotels. |
| Buffet | BBF \u003d buffet breakfast | Many different dishes are displayed side by side, you go to the table and put your favorite food on your plate. Usually the choice of food is quite large: fruits, muesli, rolls, cheese, sausage, boiled eggs, various drinks, etc. |
What is boarding-style meals?
The slightly old-fashioned word "board" in the hotel business means meals two or three times a day. It is easy to guess that the first, stripped-down, option is half board, the second is full.
This type of food has its own designations and classifications:
Meals in all-inclusive hotels
The favorite type of food in hotels for many tourists - after all, you don't have to worry about finding food and drinks for the whole vacation. The room rate includes three standard meals, a variety of snacks, barbecue, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The decoding of the designation of food in the "all inclusive" system is very simple:
- ALL, Al, AL - all inclusive. This is all that is listed above: three meals a day, snacks, alcohol, drinks, etc.
- UAI, UAL - ultra all inclusive - an expanded selection of alcoholic drinks and meals.
- ALL De Luxe / High Class / Royal Class / Superior - VIP service: in addition to full all inclusive meals, these packages include various services that are provided only by hotels of the highest class. This can be chocolate, ice cream, fruit and drinks in the room, free alcohol in the minibar, etc.
- Mini all inclusive - and this, on the contrary, is a stripped-down version. Something in between full board and all inclusive, with a limited number of drinks.
Other catering categories in hotels
Some types of food serving are not so common, but they are also worth knowing about:
- Brunch dinner + (breakfast, followed by lunch) - often practiced in hotels in ski resorts. In addition to food, brunch includes drinks. And in some regions, local low-alcohol drinks (wine or beer) are also offered.
- A-la-carte - à la carte service in the hotel restaurant. Sometimes the room price may include several free visits to the restaurant, sometimes all meals are paid.
How to choose the right type of food in the hotel?
So, you have decided on your vacation plans. How to choose the right service so as not to overpay, but also not spend a lot of time looking for food?
We have developed a small table for you with relaxation parameters and suitable meal options. Check with her to make your vacation as comfortable as possible:
| Vacation plans | No meals | Breakfast | Half board or full board | All inclusive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keep fit or go on a diet | + | + | ||
| Do you want to take many excursions or walk around the city | + | + | + | |
| Want to get to know the local cuisine | + | + | ||
| You have no dietary or budget restrictions | + | + | ||
| You don't like local food | + | + | ||
| You don't want to worry about finding food and spending money at a restaurant | + | + |
Remember also some important points:
- ⭐ If comfort is above all for you, and the travel budget is unlimited, choose high-class all-inclusive programs - you will always have fresh fruits and drinks for every taste. This is especially important in exotic countries, because there is always a risk that the local cuisine will not suit your taste, and in luxury hotels food will be served according to your wishes.
- ⭐ If you do not drink alcohol or have food restrictions, do not overpay for all inclusive - choose breakfast or half board, and the rest of the time cook yourself or test the local cuisine.
- ⭐ Do not overestimate your strength - if your vacation consists of active walks, and you come to the hotel only late in the evening, do not overpay for dinner. It is better to choose hotels that have their own restaurant or the ability to order food for a fee.
- ⭐ Do you like to sleep longer? Ask what time breakfast is served, usually from 7 am to 10 am (sometimes until 11). If you are not willing to sacrifice sleep for breakfast, choose other types of meals or have breakfast outside the hotel.
- ⭐ Choosing all inclusive, remember not only the advantages of this system in the form of comfort, but also the disadvantages: high cost and the risk of gaining extra pounds.
- ⭐ Half board or full board is a great choice for those who are not ready to overpay for all-inclusive: you will definitely not go hungry and save money.
- ⭐ In some countries, for example, in the UAE, restaurants are much more expensive than hotel meals. So choose HB, FB or all inclusive.
In order not to be mistaken in your choice, look at our instructions when choosing a tour. We wish you only comfortable and pleasant trips!
Choosing a hotel in which you are going to spend your vacation is a very responsible matter, because everything in it must match your taste and your preferences. The location of the hotel, the size of the rooms, their equipment (the presence of a TV and other benefits of mankind), in fact, the appearance of this hotel and, of course, food are important. Food for every person is an integral part of life, therefore food is an important part of the choice of a hotel. But opposite the nutrition column, you can see only some incomprehensible abbreviations that tell you absolutely nothing about the taste of food or about its quality. Yes, what is really there, these abbreviations are generally silent and tell you absolutely nothing about food in the hotel.
So, in that case, let's figure out what these letter abbreviations are fraught with. And everything, as always, is very simple. Abbreviations indicate types of food in hotels (HB, BB, etc.). The most popular abbreviations are HB, BB, and FB. But what are these HB, BB and FB?
- ... This abbreviation stands for Bed & Breakfast. This means that only the morning meal will be free (included in the price of your trip). Buffet breakfast or Continental breakfast. You can choose such a system if you do not intend to spend a lot of time in the hotel and will eat, for example, in restaurants or cafes.
- NV power system... This abbreviation stands for Half Board. Meals at the HB hotel include breakfast and lunch, or breakfast and dinner (at your choice). Usually breakfast plus dinner is chosen, since such a schedule is much more convenient. Such a food system is perfect for you if you are going to spend the whole day outside the hotel, and in the evening come back and have dinner. This is very convenient, since you do not have to think about dinner every day and spend extra money in restaurants.
- ... The decoding of this abbreviation is simple - Full Board. And, as you probably already guessed, this means full board, which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. This food system is convenient for people who like to maintain a strict daily routine and are used to eating in a relaxed atmosphere and at fixed times.
There are also several different food systems in hotels. ОВ - Only Bed, which means accommodation in a hotel without meals; Al - All Inclusive, the famous All Inclusive, which includes absolutely everything - breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, as well as additional meals like lunch, afternoon tea, etc. There are also nutritional systems with additions, for example HB +, which includes two meals and free drinks, FB + - three meals and drinks.
We figured out what HB, BB and other delights of life are. The main thing is to make the right choice so as not to be tied to the meals at the hotel, because after all, the trip is needed in order to relax and admire the beauty of another country, and not sit all the time in the hotel restaurant, absorbing food. Therefore, it is HB that is rightfully considered the most optimal power supply system, and it is it that is best to choose. But the choice, of course, is yours and your preferences. After all, the main thing is a good and high-quality rest, which will bring pleasure and leave pleasant memories.
Now you are armed with knowledge and you know that this is HB nutrition. Now not a single abbreviation can confuse you, and you can easily choose the type of food that suits you in the hotel that is right for you, in order to have a good and useful rest.
