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Flexible - OTA BB/RO Meaning: What These Rate Plans Mean for Hotels

  • OnlineHotelier
  • 1 day ago
  • 2 min read

If you've listed your hotel on OTA platforms like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, or Booking.com, you've probably seen rate plan codes like:

  • Flexible - OTA BB

  • OTA RO

  • Non-refundable - OTA CP

What do these actually mean? Let's decode them.


What Does "OTA BB" Mean?

OTA BB stands for: Online Travel Agency - Bed & Breakfast

Meaning: This is a hotel rate plan sold through OTA platforms that includes:

  • Accommodation (room)

  • Breakfast for guests

Example: If a guest books "OTA BB" at ₹3,000, they get the room + breakfast, and you (the hotel) pay 15-25% commission to the OTA.

What Does "OTA RO" Mean?


OTA RO stands for: Online Travel Agency - Room Only


Meaning: This rate plan includes:

  • Accommodation (room) only

  • No meals included

Example: A ₹2,500 "OTA RO" booking = room only, no breakfast or other meals.


What Does "Flexible" Mean in OTA Rate Plans?


Flexible means the booking can be cancelled or modified by the guest (usually with some conditions).

Flexible vs Non-Refundable:

Rate Type

Cancellation

Price

Flexible

Allowed (with policy)

Higher

Non-Refundable

Not allowed

8-15% Cheaper

Example:

  • Flexible - OTA BB = ₹3,000 (can cancel up to 24 hours before)

  • Non-refundable - OTA BB = ₹2,700 (no cancellations)


Common OTA Rate Plan Codes Explained

Code

Full Form

Meaning

OTA BB

Room Only

Room without meals

OTA BB

Bed & Breakfast

Room + Breakfast (CP Plan)

OTA CP

Continental Plan

Room + Breakfast

OTA MAP

Modified American Plan

Room + Breakfast + 1 Main Meal

OTA AP

American Plan

Room + All Meals

Flexible

-

Cancellation allowed

Non-Refundable

-

No Cancellation

Why OTAs Use These Rate Codes


OTA platforms use standardized codes like "Flexible - OTA BB" to:

  1. Simplify listings across thousands of hotels

  2. Help travelers compare options easily

  3. Ensure consistency in what's included

  4. Enable filtering by meal plan type


Which Rate Plans Should Your Hotel Offer on OTAs?


Recommended Strategy:

Always offer:

  • OTA RO (Room Only) - lowest price point

  • OTA BB/CP (Room + Breakfast) - most popular

Consider offering:

  • Flexible versions of both (higher price)

  • Non-refundable versions (8-15% discount)

For destination hotels:

  • MAP (Room + Breakfast + Lunch/Dinner)

  • AP (All meals included)



 
 
 
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