What is a Meal Plan in a Hotel?
In the hospitality world, a meal plan refers to a package that includes meals along with your hotel stay. Some hotels offer just a bed, while others provide options ranging from a simple breakfast to all-you-can-eat gourmet dining. ππ₯π°
π‘ Example: If youβre staying at a beach resort in the Maldives, you might get an all-inclusive plan covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even cocktails πΉ. But if youβre on a business trip to New York City, a room-only plan might make more sense, letting you explore local restaurants. π½οΈποΈ
Types of Meal Plans in Hotels
Hotels offer different meal plans based on their Food & Beverage (F&B) strategy to balance guest satisfaction and profitability.
- π¨ Room-Only (RO) β Just a bed, no meals included. Ideal for travelers who love exploring local cuisine. π
- β Bed & Breakfast (B&B) β Includes accommodation + breakfast included. Perfect for city stays or road trips! π
- π½οΈ Half-Board (HB) β Breakfast + one other meal (usually dinner). Great for sightseeing trips where lunch is eaten outside. π°
- π₯ Full-Board (FB) β All three meals included. Best for family vacations where convenience is key. π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦
- π΄ All-Inclusive (AI) β Accommodation + meals + drinks + sometimes extras like activities or spa treatments. Great for resorts and cruises! π’ποΈ
How Meal Plans Affect Hotel Costs
- π΅ Room-only plans are the cheapest but require extra spending on food. Perfect for budget travelers.
- β B&B is a great middle-groundβsaving time and money on at least one meal.
- π¨βπ©βπ¦βπ¦ Half-board & full-board plans offer better value for family trips or places where dining out is expensive.
- π·π All-inclusive plans may seem pricey, but if you love unlimited drinks, buffets, and snacks, they can be the most cost-effective!
Which Meal Plan Should You Choose?
- 𧳠Business travelers β Room-only or B&B (quick breakfast before meetings β)
- π Adventure seekers β Room-only (eat local street food π)
- π Couples on a romantic getaway β Half-board (enjoy fancy dinners π·)
- πΆ Families with kids β Full-board or all-inclusive (less stress, more fun! π)
- ποΈ Beach resort lovers β All-inclusive (unlimited cocktails & sunset dinners πΉπ )
How Hotels Use chatlyn to Manage Meal Plans
Hotels using chatlyn can automate meal plan confirmations, guest preferences, and upsells via WhatsApp, email, or SMS. π²β¨
βοΈ Example: A guest books a B&B plan, but through chatlyn, the hotel sends an automated offer:
βWould you like to upgrade to Half-Board for just $20 per day? Enjoy a gourmet dinner at our rooftop restaurant! πβ
- βοΈ Live chat & AI Chatbot β Answer meal plan queries instantly.
- βοΈ WhatsApp Newsletters β Promote seasonal all-inclusive deals.
- βοΈ Omnichannel Inbox β Handle meal plan requests across multiple platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, emails).
Result? More upsells, happy guests, and seamless guest communication. π