Hotel stars and meal plans: what BB, HB and AI actually mean
The two things travellers confuse most. Why the same “five stars” differ by country, and what “all inclusive” leaves out.
What stars mean
A star rating is not a service score but a list of facilities: is there a lift, how many restaurants, how large the rooms are. A clean, friendly three-star can beat a tired five-star.
More importantly, each country awards stars ITSELF. Five stars in Turkey and five in Georgia are different things. Four stars in Egypt often equals three in Europe.
So look past the stars at two things: guest ratings and location. Both are on our cards.
Meal plans
RO or EP — room only. Handy for city trips where restaurants are everywhere.
BB — breakfast only. Good if you are out all day.
HB — half board: breakfast and dinner. Lunch is on you.
FB — full board: three meals, drinks usually extra.
AI — all inclusive: three meals, snacks through the day and local drinks.
UAI — “ultra”: adds imported drinks, à la carte restaurants and sometimes sports.
What “all inclusive” does NOT cover
Usually charged separately: imported spirits, the seafood restaurant and other à la carte venues, spa and massage, water sports, the safe, the minibar, late check-out.
It varies by hotel — there is no universal rule. So before signing, ask your operator for the list for that specific hotel. They must provide it.
A one-minute question that saves you from a surprise bill at the end of the holiday.
Still have questions? An operator will advise you free of charge.