What is CP plan in hotel booking?

CP (Continental Plan) includes the room and breakfast only. It is also commonly listed as Bed & Breakfast (BB) on OTAs.

What is MAP plan in hotels?

MAP (Modified American Plan) includes room, breakfast, and one major meal—usually dinner, sometimes lunch. On OTAs this is often shown as Half Board (HB).

What is the difference between MAP and AP?

MAP includes room + breakfast + one meal (dinner or lunch). AP (American Plan) includes room + breakfast + lunch + dinner (all three meals).

What does EP mean in hotels?

EP (European Plan) means Room Only—no meals are included. On OTAs this is often shown as RO.

What is HB in hotel booking?

HB (Half Board) means room, breakfast, and one main meal (typically dinner). It is equivalent to MAP.

What is FB in hotel booking?

FB (Full Board) includes room, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drinks are usually extra unless specified.

What is AI (All Inclusive) in hotels?

AI (All Inclusive) typically covers room, all three meals, snacks, and selected beverages. Some hotels also include limited alcoholic drinks.

What is UAI (Ultra All Inclusive)?

UAI builds on All Inclusive by adding premium beverages and extras such as 24x7 snacks, minibars, or access to select facilities and activities, as defined by the hotel.

Is Half Board always dinner, or can it be lunch?

By default HB includes dinner, but some hotels allow guests to swap dinner for lunch on request. Always check the hotel’s policy before booking.

Are drinks included in AP, FB, or MAP?

Typically no. AP, FB, and MAP cover meals; beverages are extra unless the hotel explicitly includes them. Drinks are more commonly included in AI/UAI plans.

Are CP/BB and EP/RO the same?

Yes. CP and BB both mean Bed & Breakfast. EP and RO both mean Room Only.

Hotel Meal Plans Explained: EP, CP, MAP, AP, HB, FB & AI Meaning

OnlineHotelier
Sep 22
2 min read

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, HB, FB, AI 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.

1. EP – European Plan

Also Seen As: RO (Room Only)
Meaning: Room only, no meals included.
Best For: Budget travelers or those who prefer exploring local restaurants.
Example: A guest pays only for the stay and eats meals outside.

2. CP – Continental Plan

Also Seen As: BB (Bed & Breakfast)
Meaning: Room + Breakfast.
Best For: Business travelers or city tourists who want a quick breakfast before heading out.
Example: A ₹3,500/night booking with breakfast buffet included.

3. MAP – Modified American Plan

Also Seen As: HB (Half Board)
Meaning: Room + Breakfast + One major meal (usually dinner, sometimes lunch).
Best For: Resorts and leisure travelers who spend time at the property.
Example: A ₹5,000/night booking with breakfast and dinner included.

4. AP – American Plan

Also Seen As: FB (Full Board)
Meaning: Room + Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner. Drinks are extra unless specified.
Best For: Holiday packages and destinations with limited dining options outside.
Example: A ₹6,000/night booking with all three meals included.

5. AI – All Inclusive

Also Seen As: AIP (All Inclusive Plan)
Meaning: Room + All three meals + Snacks + Selected drinks (sometimes alcoholic).
Best For: Luxury resorts, beach destinations, or honeymoon stays.
Example: A ₹9,000/night package with all meals, beverages, and snacks included.

6. UAI – Ultra All Inclusive

Meaning: Everything in AI, plus premium beverages, 24x7 snacks, spa/gym, and additional activities.
Best For: High-end resorts and international leisure travelers.

7. Other Variants You May Encounter

DP – Dinner Plan: Room + Dinner only (rare).
FI – Full Inclusive: Similar to AI, terminology varies by region.
EP+ or RO+: Sometimes room-only rates with complimentary breakfast added as a promotion.

Quick Comparison Table

Abbreviation	Also Known As	Meals Included	Best For
EP	RO	None	Budget & food explorers
CP	BB	Breakfast	City & business travelers
MAP	HB	Breakfast + Dinner (or lunch)	Resorts & leisure stays
AP	FB	Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner	Family holidays & long stays
AI	AIP	All meals + snacks + drinks	Luxury & honeymoon resorts
UAI	–	AI + Premium extras	High-end resorts & packages

Why These Hotel Meal Plans Matter for Hotels

Clarity: Guests filter by meal plans on OTAs; mislabeling can cause confusion or cancellations.
Upselling: Offering MAP or AP helps increase average revenue per booking.
Competitiveness: Breakfast-inclusive rates often perform better on OTAs.

Conclusion

If you see HB or MAP while booking a hotel, it means Half Board / Modified American Plan – your stay includes breakfast and dinner. Similarly, EP, CP, AP, FB, and AI represent other meal inclusions.

For travelers, knowing these terms avoids surprises at check-in.

For hoteliers, using the correct abbreviations ensures transparency, trust, and better OTA conversions.