How to eat deliciously and affordably at hotels

What you should know about meals at hotels

When you book a hotel, it’s important to find out whether meals are provided and in what form. Some hotels offer only accommodation without meals, while others have a broader range of services, including full board.

Understanding which meal plan suits you best will help you decipher the main abbreviations such as RO, BB, HB, AI, and others.

Hotels without meals

In budget hotels, you may encounter abbreviations such as:

• OB (Only Bed)
• RO (Room Only)
• or AO (Accommodation Only)

This means that the room rate does not include meals. In such hotels, tourists organize their meals themselves, which allows for saving money on food, but requires spending time looking for restaurants or cafes nearby.

If you plan to cook on your own, this can be a cost-effective option, but keep in mind that eating in restaurants outside the hotel may be more expensive than in the hotel itself.

If you do not want to spend time searching for food, and it’s important to have daily meals in the hotel, the BB (Bed and Breakfast) option will suit you. In this case, a continental breakfast or buffet is included, and additional meals are paid separately.

For a more comfortable vacation, you can choose HB (Half Board), which includes breakfast and dinner and, depending on the type may include non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks of local production.

Buffet is a good compromise between hotel price and food quantity (photo: Freepik.com)

Full board: everything under control

For those who do not want to worry about food, an excellent option would be FB (Full Board) or FB+ (Full Board Plus), which includes three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The FB+ option may also offer local alcoholic drinks.

If you want everything to be included and not worry about choosing meals throughout the day, then AI (All Inclusive) is the best option. In this case, you will have access to breakfast, lunch, dinner, as well as drinks and snacks throughout the day.

It is important to understand that even under the All Inclusive system, the amount of food and drinks may be limited, so before choosing a hotel, it is worth reading tourist reviews about the quality of the meals.

For those who want more alcohol options and a higher level of service, there are UAI (Ultra All Inclusive) and AIP (All Inclusive Premium) options. These systems include not only unlimited meals but also access to premium alcoholic beverages, as well as other additional services.

Some hotels offer even more extended food services, such as HcAL (High-Class All Inclusive), where everything related to meals and services is provided for free, except for shopping or phone calls.

Important tips for the right choice

Understand your vacation plans. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the hotel, choose an option with meals. If you are going to spend more time on excursions, you can choose a no-meal option or breakfast only.

Determine whether you need a lot of food and drinks. If you won’t be able to eat everything offered under the all-inclusive system, it’s better to choose another option with limited meals.

Think about your preferences and habits. If you like hearty breakfasts, choose the buffet. If you prefer a light breakfast, go for the continental option.

Read reviews about the hotels. Make sure the food at the hotel is of good quality so that it doesn’t spoil your vacation.

Don’t forget about your companions. If you are traveling with children or friends, make sure the meal system suits everyone.

Consider important events during your trip. If you have celebrations during your vacation, don’t forget to notify the hotel about it – many hotels are ready to prepare pleasant surprises for special occasions.

You may be interested in:

• How to get free bonuses at hotels, airlines, and restaurants
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Sources: Lifehacker, Solo Travelling websites.