What to expect from a continental breakfast and what types of meals you can find in hotels around the world.
Good food at a hotel is an important part of your vacation. Whether you limit yourself to breakfast or take an “All Inclusive” package is entirely up to you, but to make the right choice, you need to have a good understanding of meal types. We’ll explain what each of them means and what standards regulate food service organization.
Absolutely all accommodation facilities with stars must have at least some food service establishment. In 1*, 2*, 3* properties, this can be a cafe, dining room, or buffet. Even in 4* hotels with fewer than 50 rooms, a cafe is acceptable. However, in large 4-star hotels, as well as in all 5-star hotels, there must be a restaurant, bar, and banquet hall for festive occasions.
Hotels with 4* and 5* ratings are required to offer a choice of meals: two meals per day, three meals per day, or breakfast only.
Continental breakfast is served in 1* or 2* hotels. It’s a simple breakfast without hot dishes, sometimes also called a European breakfast. At minimum, you’ll be served bread, butter, jam or preserves, and a hot beverage. Breakfast service lasts at least two hours.
Exception: if 100% of rooms have kitchen equipment, the hotel has the right not to provide breakfast to guests.
Extended continental breakfast is served in 3* hotels. It includes at minimum five types of baked goods, three types of cold appetizers, three types of jams, three types of dairy products, three types of hot and cold beverages, and at least two types of fruit. This breakfast lasts at least three hours.
Exception: breakfast is not mandatory for 3* hotels that have equipped 100% of rooms with kitchens.
“Buffet breakfast” is the method of serving breakfast in 4* and 5* hotels. It includes at minimum ten types of baked goods, five types of cold appetizers, five types of hot dishes, three types of dairy products, five different beverages to choose from, and at least five types of fruit. Breakfast service lasts from three hours.
Exception: in accommodation facilities with 15 rooms or fewer, the “A la carte menu” service format is permitted.
Hotels typically use two or three-letter abbreviations to designate meal types. We’ll tell you about the most popular types.
The abbreviation RO means that the accommodation cost includes only room rental, without providing meals. This format is widely used in hotels, hostels, and villas. Such establishments may have bars, cafes, or restaurants where guests can order food and drinks from the menu. Additionally, some hotels without meals offer a shared kitchen area or kitchenette in the room so guests can cook independently. Note that other abbreviations may be used: BO, AO, RR, EP, NO.
BB is one of the most popular meal types in hotels. With this option, the room rate includes breakfast. Usually this is a buffet or continental breakfast. Breakfasts at BB hotels are typically served from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and in countryside and resort hotels, this time may be more flexible.
Half Board HB means that the accommodation cost includes breakfast and dinner. Drinks at breakfast are usually included in the price, while drinks at dinner are paid separately. However, if the HB+ meal type is specified, it means drinks are provided free of charge during all meals.
Breakfast typically takes the form of a buffet with various dishes, while dinner can be served as a buffet or ordered from the menu. Dinner usually includes traditional and international dishes, accompanied by salads and desserts.
The FB meal type includes three meals a day — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In this case, drinks at breakfast are included in the cost and served buffet-style. Drinks at lunch and dinner may be sold for an additional fee, and dishes ordered from the menu. If the FB+ format is specified, drinks at lunch and dinner are also included in the accommodation cost.
The All Inclusive system is the most well-known and common meal type, especially among tourists heading on vacation to Turkey, UAE, or Egypt. It includes three meals a day, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Hotels offering this format often have developed infrastructure: on the premises there are pools, beaches, restaurants and bars, fitness clubs, shops, and other services. Tourists have no need to leave the hotel area — this is convenient for families with children and those who are used to having access to food and drinks even at night.
Ultra All Inclusive is an enhanced version of the AI system. It includes not only three meals a day and local drinks, but also the opportunity to try imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages without restrictions. In hotels with “Ultra All Inclusive,” guests can order room service at any time. Throughout the day, second breakfasts and afternoon snacks are offered, so it’s simply impossible to stay hungry.
Choosing meals at a hotel isn’t just a formality when booking. It affects both your trip budget and how much time you’ll spend outside the hotel. Some people love exploring local cafes and restaurants — the option without meals or with breakfast only would suit them. And for those who came to relax and don’t want to plan anything, the “all inclusive” system will be a real lifesaver. The main thing is to honestly determine your vacation style before booking, so you don’t overpay for unused meals later or search at the last minute for where to have lunch with children.
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