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:
Simplify listings across thousands of hotels
Help travelers compare options easily
Ensure consistency in what's included
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)