Difference between Full Board, Half Board, Bed and Breakfast and All Inclusive
This section will attempt to explain the difference between the different types of boarding in Hotels. Half Board, Full Board, Bed and Breakfast or All inclusive
Self Catering (SC)
Want to eat breakfast at midday? Do the kids eat dinner at 5pm but you prefer to wait until they are in bed? Self catering offers you the flexibility to come and go as you please and to set your own holiday timetable.
No meals are included in the cost of a self catering holiday but you will be provided with basic kitchen facilities in your accommodation, such as a cooker, kettle and microwave.
This board basis is also perfect for those who have a pickier appetite or miss their home comforts while away. It also suits those with a small budget as you can buy food at supermarkets cheaply and cook for yourself.
You will find lots of ideas of places to eat HERE
Bed and Breakfast (B&B)
For those who like to start the day with a good hearty breakfast but don't want to be fixed to certain prearranged times for the rest of their meals, B&B is a great option.
Most hotels offer a buffet breakfast so you can pile your plate high to keep your energy up until lunch time - this is particularly good for couples and groups.
Half Board (HB)
Breakfast and dinner are both included in the price, meaning that any food or drink outside of meal times will cost you extra.
HB suits those who plan on venturing out during the day. Perhaps you want to book lots of daytime excursions to explore the local area or further afield?
This means you can fill up on breakfast before you leave, grab lunch when you're out, and come back knowing you won't have to worry about cooking dinner or finding somewhere to eat when you return as the hotel will have it covered.
Full Board (FB)
Full Board means that breakfast, lunch and evening meals are included in the price but any drinks or snacks outside of these meal times will cost you extra.
This package is perfect for those who are happy spending the day lounging by the pool at the hotel but don't want to be restricted to what the hotel has to offer in the evening - perfect if you prefer to experience the surrounding nightlife after dinner.
All Inclusive (AI)
This means all your meals and locally produced drinks - both soft and alcoholic - are included in the holiday price, sometimes there is a cut-off time in the evening, which will vary depending on the hotel, but it usually 11pm or midnight.
All Inclusive is fantastic for families as there's no need to worry about all those little extras in-between meal times adding up. Ice creams and snacks are sometimes included too.
As pretty much everything is included in the package price, this is the best type of board basis for those who do not plan to venture far from the hotel/resort they are staying in, or who don't want to worry about carrying cash around while on holiday. But, you've always got the opportunity to eat-out away from the resort if you choose to. You may also be entitled to water sports and other activities which you would usually expect to pay for.
Ultra All Inclusive - This will usually offer things over and above general all inclusive, possibly branded drinks instead of local spirits, a spa treatment (if the hotel has a spa)
Always read the hotels terms and conditions to see exactly what is included in any package as these do vary.
Understanding Spanish Hotel Star Ratings
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What board basis do you prefer and why? comment below.