When booking hotels online—whether on OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) like Booking.com, Expedia, or MakeMyTrip—you’ll often see abbreviations like EP, CP, MAP, AP next to room prices. These codes represent meal plans, telling you what food is included in the rate. For hoteliers, listing the right plan helps improve conversions and guest satisfaction. For travelers, understanding these terms ensures they book exactly what they expect. Let’s break down each abbreviation clearly for Hotel Meal Plans.
🍽️ Hotel Meal Plans Explained in Detail
1️⃣ EP – European Plan (Room Only)
Also Called: RO (Room Only)
✅ What’s Included:
- Accommodation only
- No meals included
- No breakfast, lunch, or dinner
💡 What It Really Means:
You’re paying strictly for the room. Everything else—food, drinks, room service—is charged separately.
👤 Best For:
- Budget travelers
- Business travelers with tight schedules
- Guests who want to explore local restaurants
- Short city stays
⚠️ Things to Note:
- Breakfast at the hotel can be expensive if purchased separately.
- Ideal in cities where food options are easily available outside.
2️⃣ CP – Continental Plan (Bed & Breakfast)
Also Called: BB (Bed & Breakfast)
✅ What’s Included:
- Room
- Breakfast (usually buffet or fixed menu)
🍳 What Breakfast Typically Includes:
- Bread, butter, jam
- Eggs (boiled/scrambled/omelet)
- Tea/coffee
- Juice
- Cereals
- Sometimes fruits & pastries
(In many hotels, “Continental” may actually be a larger buffet with local dishes.)
👤 Best For:
- Business travelers
- Conference attendees
- City tourists
- Short leisure trips
⚠️ Things to Note:
- Lunch and dinner are NOT included.
- Breakfast timing matters (important for early flights).
- Some hotels offer only basic breakfast; check reviews.
3️⃣ MAP – Modified American Plan (Half Board)
Also Called: HB (Half Board)
✅ What’s Included:
- Room
- Breakfast
- One major meal (Lunch OR Dinner — usually dinner)
🍽️ Meal Structure:
- Breakfast: Buffet or fixed
- Dinner: Buffet / Set Menu / À la carte credit
👤 Best For:
- Resort stays
- Hill stations / remote locations
- Families
- Leisure travelers
💡 Why It’s Popular:
Guests can explore during the day and return for dinner at the hotel.
⚠️ Important:
- Confirm whether the included meal is lunch or dinner.
- Drinks are usually not included.
- Some hotels restrict meal timing strictly.
4️⃣ AP – American Plan (Full Board)
Also Called: FB (Full Board)
✅ What’s Included:
- Room
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
🍽️ Full-Day Meal Coverage:
You get all three main meals at the hotel restaurant.
👤 Best For:
- Remote destinations
- Wildlife resorts
- Pilgrimage trips
- Island resorts
- Guests who prefer staying within the property
⚠️ Important to Know:
- Snacks are usually not included.
- Alcoholic & premium beverages are typically extra.
- Meal timings are fixed.
- Not the same as “All Inclusive.”
🎯 Quick Comparison Table
| Plan | Meals Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EP | None | City explorers |
| CP | Breakfast | Business & short stays |
| MAP | Breakfast + 1 meal | Leisure travelers |
| AP | Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner | Remote destinations |
🏨 Why Meal Plans Matter for Hoteliers
- Increase booking conversions
- Create package differentiation
- Improve revenue per guest
- Control F&B forecasting
- Target different traveler types
Example:
- Corporate hotel → CP works best
- Resort → MAP sells more
- Wildlife lodge → AP preferred
🧳 How Travelers Should Choose
Ask yourself:
- Will I be outside most of the day?
- Are restaurants easily available nearby?
- Is the hotel in a remote area?
- Am I traveling with kids or elderly guests?