Food ri. Food in hotels (transcript)

When choosing a tour and hotel, everyone tries to find the ideal option for themselves, depending on the availability of a certain amount of funds. And for many, the issue of nutrition is very important, since for some it is better when an accommodation option is offered, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but for others, the ideal and completely sufficient option is to have only a morning reception, and pay extra I don't want to pay for other food options. There are different types of food in hotels, the explanation of which is given in the article. It is important to familiarize yourself with them, since they are denoted by phrases that are far from clear to us, but by certain abbreviations.

What types of food are there?

The issue of food in any hotel is one of the most important when choosing a place to stay in a particular country. Here, a lot depends on the desired type of vacation, as well as on the age of the person buying the ticket. For example, sometimes it is enough for students to choose a hotel that does not provide meals at all, but for older people it is usually preferable to choose one that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And each hotel has its own food system, which may depend on the star rating or a number of other aspects.

When booking a trip, you will see that the websites never specifically state how many meals are offered at a particular hotel. They are usually designated by certain abbreviations. And if these designations are clear to avid and experienced travelers, then to beginners they seem like “filkin’s letters”. In order to correctly choose the most suitable option for yourself, it is worth learning to understand these designations.

Basic designation options

So, let's take a closer look at the main options for designating food types. These include the abbreviations BB, NV, FB and AL.

• BB– stands for Bed and Breakfast. This designation states that those who will be staying at the hotel will only be able to receive breakfast, which is usually presented in the form of a buffet, where everyone can choose the dish that best suits their taste. Typically, such meals include salads, pastries, various drinks such as juices and tea, some hot dishes such as fried eggs, etc. You will have to pay separately for all other meals. Or you can have lunch and dinner outside the hotel;

Note! An option like BB is perfect for those who prefer not to stay in their rooms, but to attend excursions and actively spend their free time in every possible way. The most convenient and profitable option in this case is to have a snack somewhere along the way.

• NV– full name of Half Board. In this case, the person staying at the hotel will not only have breakfast, but also dinner, but will not receive lunch. Breakfast is usually presented in the form of a buffet, similar to the BB option. Dinner can be in the same format, or it can be a salad bar, when a person chooses one or another set of hot dishes. Drinks can be included in such a dinner or purchased at an additional cost. Usually free drinks are only included in breakfast. Most often, the HB variant is found in hotels in Europe;

• FB– Full Board. This option includes three meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first reception is in a buffet format, but at lunchtime and in the evening you will need to choose dishes according to the menu. Drinks are usually purchased separately;

• AL– this is the designation “All Inclusive” or All Inclusive. This, in turn, may imply several options. For example, this could be three meals a day, as well as the opportunity to drink any drinks throughout the day. As a rule, this option can be found in hotels in Turkey or Egypt.

Other food option designations

In addition to the main types of nutrition, there are others that may differ radically from those described above or be one of their options. Let's consider other designations that a user may encounter when booking a hotel.

Table. Other food options.

Designation	Characteristic
	The abbreviation stands for Ultra All Inclusive. This option means that hotel guests can eat and drink whatever they want at any time of the day. And there will be more choice of food and drinks than in the standard All Inclusive option. Residents will also be offered alcoholic drinks, which are usually not cheap. This option is often found in hotels in Egypt or Turkey.
	This option is also common in some countries. It is all inclusive, but you can also take various drinks for free throughout the day. This is convenient, since in hot countries you are constantly thirsty. But the view is suitable for those who prefer to relax in a hotel.
	Transcript – Continental Breakfast. This is also an option that only includes breakfast, like BB. But breakfast will be very light and simple. There is often a choice of scones and jams, butter, tea and coffee. Sometimes sausage and cheese are served.
	This type involves a lack of nutrition in principle. Stands for “room only”. So if the voucher has exactly this designation in the “meals” column, then you shouldn’t even count on breakfast at the hotel. You will have to eat at your own expense. By the way, similar options are the designations RP, OB, EP, BO, AO, NO. There are no included meals here either, but in some cases the hotel offers to pay for it separately.
	This is a slightly extended HB. With this option, both breakfast and evening meals are accompanied by drinks included in the price of the meal.
	If this option is available, a person eats three full meals a day, and also has the right to drink alcoholic beverages for free - they are usually represented by local variations.

Types of breakfast

Most often, in order to save money, and for convenience too, tourists opt only for options with breakfast when choosing a hotel to stay. That is why it is worth considering the existing variations of the morning meal in hotels.

One of the types of breakfast is just continental breakfast, which was already mentioned above in the table. These include baked goods, butter, jams and drinks. Typically, this breakfast option can be found in European hotels.

There is also english breakfast, when the guest is offered scrambled eggs of various types, sausages or fried bacon, tomatoes or mushrooms. Also, in addition to all of the above, buttered toast, beans, jam or honey, butter, drinks such as coffee or juice may be offered.

American style breakfast may vary and often depends on the season of the year. Usually these are fruit salads, cheese and sausage, cereals, yogurts.

IN holidays you can expect from some hotels gourmet breakfast with champagne. It is usually served a little later than the regular option, and along with the standard drinks, guests can get delicious desserts with sparkling wine.

Also in a number of hotels there is such an option as brunch when the first meal is close to lunch. Great option for those who like to sleep longer. Meals are served between 10:00 and 14:00.

More breakfast designation options

Also, since we are talking about all the possible designations of food options in hotels, it is worth considering in more detail other options for designating breakfast. For example, buffet or Buffet characterized by the ability to choose dishes according to your taste and create a menu yourself from the proposed options. Of course, the variations are quite limited, but at the same time, one cannot complain about the lack of variety. This can be meat, fish, all kinds of side dishes, as well as desserts and fruits, depending on what the hotel management has approved. The dishes are in special trays or on dishes; you need to go up and put them on your plate yourself. This is the most common option and the most convenient for most guests. You can immediately assess the appearance and appetizing of the dish.

Note! The buffet assumes an unlimited amount of food consumed - you can approach the tables several times and take as much food as you like. But taking food outside the restaurant is prohibited.

A la carte or A-la carte– an option that involves purchasing certain options of dishes from the menu. There must be a waiter who will serve the table, serving the selected dishes. Depending on the hotel, food can be either paid or free, that is, included in the price of the tour. A-la carte translates as “a la carte”. The advantage of this option is that there is no crowding around food trays like at a buffet. Usually, to visit a restaurant you need to make an appointment with the administrators in advance.

Picnic or Pocket Lunch– an option that is convenient to take with you on excursions. You can usually ask the hotel to collect this breakfast in advance.

Children's nutrition

Many travelers prefer to vacation with the whole family and, of course, take their children with them on vacation. But the child’s body is quite unique, and what adults can eat is often prohibited for young children. And what to feed the baby is often quite a big question for parents vacationing at the resort.

Some hotels offer special children's menu. It may include cereals, diet dishes, fruits and vegetables. If the hotel does not offer a children's menu, then it is best to pay extra for it separately and feed the child food suitable for a growing body. This is especially important for trips to exotic Asian countries or states located in Africa. Unusual food can cause indigestion, and then rest will be a real challenge for both parents and children.

Note! You can check the availability of a children's menu at the selected hotel or hotel through a tour operator or travel agency.

The choice of food option depends entirely on the traveler himself. Here you will have to evaluate your preferences, budget, as well as age and a number of other features. It's best to think carefully before grabbing the first ticket you come across. The issue of nutrition for many people is one of the most important when planning a vacation.

If a person prefers to spend time in a hotel or on the beach near it, then there is no point in giving up lunch and dinner. It is best to take the all-inclusive type of food. Then you won’t have to worry about where and how to eat, as well as what to drink. Especially if the food option includes the ability to drink drinks at any time on the hotel premises completely free of charge. And for parents with children, this is far from the worst option. You won’t have to worry about what to feed your child, since the food can be obtained right at the hotel and, most likely, it will be of high quality.

But if a person plans to actively move around the country, constantly go on excursions and come to the hotel only to spend the night, then the best option for him there will be a food option that includes only breakfast, or no food at all upon check-in.

Video - Types of nutrition: explanation

When choosing food options, you should consider your own wishes and needs. It is also important to clarify the slightest aspects of nutrition with the tour operator if you have any doubts. Sometimes shortcomings when planning a vacation can negatively affect the overall quality of your vacation. Even if it is just a mistake when choosing the type of food.

When going on vacation abroad, travelers will have to solve the difficult task of choosing a hotel to stay in. The quality of your vacation will depend on the correct choice. Many people do not rely on the advice of tour operators, but make decisions on their own based on reviews and descriptions of hotels.

One of the difficulties that you will encounter when searching for a hotel is the letter designation of the food system. What does this mysterious abbreviation UAI mean and how does it differ from many others?

What does UAI nutrition mean?

When studying the accommodation conditions in large expensive hotels, you can often see this particular letter designation. Such service is usually considered as the highest degree of comfort and quality of service.

Power UAI, when deciphered, gives the definition of Ultra. Translated into Russian, this sounds like the “All inclusive. Ultra” system. According to the rules, the price of accommodation already includes multiple meals for guests, namely:

• breakfast;
• second light breakfast;
• dinner;
• light lunch;
• dinner;
• ice cream and baked goods throughout the day;
• B-B-Q;
• soft drinks and alcohol of local and foreign production.

The main hotel restaurants serve guests according to the buffet system, in which each visitor can choose exactly what he wants from the dishes offered on the table.

Another feature of the UAI food service is that it extends to the hotel's bars and snack bars. In other words, guests can freely visit all catering establishments on the hotel premises for free - everything is already included in the price of their stay.

Difference between AI and UAI

In general, these two power systems are very similar to each other. However, differences still exist.

All Inclusive (or AI for short) means the inclusion of multiple meals in the hotel's main restaurant and bars in the price of your stay. However, some services are only available upon additional payment. This mainly applies to alcohol after 23:00, orders of imported drinks, alcohol and barbecue.

How is UAI power different? That this system offers 24-hour food at any time with the ability to order all types of dishes. This also applies to drinks.

Another important detail is free meals in restaurants. These are those hotel establishments that serve visitors a la carte and offer cuisine different countries. With the "All Inclusive" system, visits to such places are paid or limited (1-2 times in 7-10 days).

Should I choose Ultra All Inclusive accommodation?

Not all hotels offer such an accommodation system. Usually these conditions are found only in very large luxury hotels. Many offers come from hotels in Turkey and Egypt.

Whether it is worth choosing such a tour, each tourist will have to decide for himself, based on his own dietary needs. It is worth remembering that UAI significantly increases the cost of the tour.

To make the right decision, consider the following points. Purpose of travel - if tourists plan to attend many excursions and trips around the surrounding area, they will often have to eat outside the hotel (this is an additional expense).

This suggests that this food - UAI may simply become an unnecessary service.

Alcohol preferences - if you are planning a quiet family vacation without copious libations, you can get by with the “All inclusive” system.

Having understood Ultra All Inclusive, it will be much easier for vacationers to choose a hotel based on the type of food. This guarantees quality rest and rational financial spending.

When purchasing a tour online from the My Last Minute Tour company, which has more than 60 offices throughout the Russian Federation, clients pay attention to various factors, including food in hotels, the designation and interpretation of which require special consideration. Also, the travel franchise “My Last Minute Tour” - offers mutually beneficial cooperation on different conditions.

After all, when looking at information on the Internet, travelers may come across a lot of unfamiliar designations and panic a little - bb, nb, sc, ao, bb, meal, dbl, aip, fbt... What does all this mean? In fact, everything is simple - it is a classification of hotels by type of food. And if you know what all these, at first glance, gibberish symbols mean, you can understand which hotel is better to stay at and why.

The abbreviations AL, DD, OB, FB, HB and others are often used in tourism.

What they mean, how they are deciphered, what is hidden under these letters - this is what our article is about.

Buffet

This is a type of serving dishes associated with the principle of self-service. The place where it is placed has several tables or display cases where dishes are taken out.

Each corner is associated with a certain type of food - from salads to dessert.

Hotel guests can come an unlimited number of times with cutlery and be treated to any food in the desired quantity.

As for drinks, they are served differently in each establishment. They can be served by waiters, or machines can be used to dispense juices, water, wine, beer, and carbonated drinks.

There is a bar nearby where you can order cocktails, aperitifs or bottled drinks. It all depends on the hotel itself, organization, level and more specific type of food.

A la carte

The literal translation of this type of food service is “a la carte.” The choice can be made based on the menu, and the staff helps and serves. Establishments may or may not charge a separate fee.

Most often they are visited freely one or more times with an unlimited number of food orders. You must make an appointment in advance with the hotel administration.

As a rule, large hotel complexes include several different examples of such establishments based on nationality. Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines are very popular.

During the meal, diners are often accompanied by live music and surrounded by the interior of the respective state.

Hotel without meals (RO, RR, OB, AO)

R.O.(room only, or room only) - stay without eating.

Alternative designations are considered O.B.(only bed - only sleeping place) and A.O.(accommodation only – accommodation only).

This system involves hotel accommodation without food.

Please note: The rooms of such hotels are often equipped with kitchens for possible personal cooking. This type of accommodation will also be a good solution for adherents of a certain place or diet.

The most popular abbreviation today is R.O.(RO).

Accommodation with meals (BB, HB, HB+, FB, FB+, Al, AIP, UAI)

Nutrition BB(bed breakfast - bed and breakfast). BB nutrition - what does it mean?

The translation from English gives a clear idea of ​​its purpose. Living this way, you rely on your morning meal.

It is often organized on a buffet basis and filled in accordance with the hotel level and location. Thus, the European BB will be inferior in terms of the abundance of dishes to the variant or Turkey.

This is the optimal way to eat on business trips or for active tourists, when it makes no sense to pay for basic meals, they will simply “burn out.” And not everyone will like the possible lunch boxes.

Nutrition HB(half board - half board). NV nutrition - what is it?

In English, "half board", translated as half board - some tourists, without hesitation, look for half board on the Internet - means the following: the availability of morning and afternoon (breakfast and lunch), or morning and evening (breakfast and dinner) meals with unlimited number of approaches. Any non-alcoholic drinks are already included in the price, and alcohol is paid for immediately or delivered to the room.

Worth noting: This type of food means that night owls may miss their morning meal, but it is suitable for those who probably want to return to the hotel only in the evening. Dinner after a busy day will help you regain your strength.

Nutrition HB+(half board plus - half board plus). People often ask, what kind of meal is half board and what is the difference from half board plus? The main difference from regular half board is the inclusion of local alcoholic beverages in the free service point.

Nutrition FB(full board - full board). Food is provided three times a day on a buffet basis. Alcohol is not provided freely. The exception is a glass of sparkling wine in luxury hotel complexes. Desirable drinks come with a separate price during the evening meal.

Nutrition FB+ (full board plus - full board plus) close to the FB category. The only thing is that this subtype allows free consumption of alcohol produced in the country where the hotel is located.

Nutrition FBT(Full Board & therapy - full board and treatment). fbt power is used on health resorts and indicates meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and additionally indicates that the cost of accommodation includes treatment.

Nutrition A.I. (all inclusive- all inclusive). This is how food options are designated, where the main thing is multiple meals - from three to “infinity” times per day in various configurations.

Any alcohol produced in the state where the hotel is located is permitted without restrictions, and imported drinks are consumed freely in hotel complexes of a certain level.

Please note: Such a system is certainly attractive, but it is better not to skip meals with it - then you will have to pay twice.

Nutrition AIP(all inclusive premium – “all inclusive premium”). This type is organized infrequently, it is close to AI, it is only richer in the range of alcoholic options.

Nutrition UAI(ultra all inclusive, UALL - ultra all inclusive). The principle of unlimited food consumption every day in restaurants and bars works here; snacks are expected between main meals. Visitors have the right to freely drink foreign-produced alcohol, and the quality of the products is higher than in other systems. Most often, this VIP option is practiced in hotels in Turkey and Egypt.

When choosing the type of food, you should therefore be guided by the frequency and amount of time spent outside the hotel. This will determine the optimal food consumption system for you!

Watch a video explaining hotel food types:

When booking a hotel, you may come across the abbreviations RO, BB, HB, BF, AI, UAI and not immediately understand what they mean. In reality, these are just types of food at the hotel. Their detailed description see below!

Meals RO (room only), AO (Accommodation Only), RR (room rate), OB (Only Bed) - accommodation in a room without meals. Most often it is RO that is indicated.

Meals BB (bed breakfast) - translated as “bed and breakfast”. Breakfast can be either a buffet or a ready-made set of treats without a choice. Always check this point before booking.

Meals HB+ (half board plus) - half board, but with alcoholic drinks, usually locally produced.

Meals FB (full board) - full board. That is, breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually buffet style, but free alcoholic drinks are not included in this food category. Except that in some expensive hotels they will pour you some free champagne for breakfast.

Meals FB+ (full board plus) - similar to FB, but FB+ includes some free alcoholic drinks, usually locally produced.

Meals AI (all inclusive) - magic words for any all-inclusive tourist. This means that food without restrictions awaits you. It can be three-time or reusable. Restaurants, barbecues, grills, and bars are open throughout the day. Of course, this includes free alcoholic drinks. Usually locally produced. But expensive hotels They will also offer imported manufacturers.

Meals AIP (all inclusive premium) - “all inclusive premium”. This type of nutrition is quite rare. AIP is the same as AI, but with a more expanded bar card.

Meals UAI (ultra all inclusive, UALL) - “ultra all inclusive”. As a rule, this is multiple meals throughout not only the day, but also the night. Of course, strong drinks are also included here.

Travel is travel, and breakfast should be on schedule. Tourists think so. When booking a hotel, they pay attention to the “Food” column. The incomprehensible abbreviations next to the nutrition section confuse many. Revealing the “secrets”, in this material we give a detailed explanation of the types of food in hotels: RO, BB, HB, BF, AI, UAI. English letter combinations acquire meaning, the choice of services becomes easier after a detailed acquaintance with incomprehensible symbols.

Hotel food offers: what the letter abbreviations mean

Nutrition is an important part of human life, on which energy, mood, performance, the desire to rejoice and relax depend. Predetermining questions about the food system in hotels, their designations and interpretations, we introduce international hotel standard abbreviations. The main designations used by hotel complexes around the world are as follows:

• UAI (“ultra all inclusive”). This is the maximum range of services. There is everything here - from round-the-clock food with drinks (alcoholic, non-alcoholic, domestic and imported) to swimming pools, saunas, night clubs, etc. Accordingly, the cost of such accommodation is calculated by numerous zeros. Such benefits are designed for wealthy vacationers who do not want to think about cooking and spending leisure time.
• AI, ALL INC (all inclusive) (“all inclusive”). It is convenient because the meal is not limited to meal times: the vacationer can satisfy his appetite with delicious dishes and desserts throughout the day, morning, and evening. These types of meals in hotels include 5 meals a day without restrictions. You don’t have to pay for domestically produced alcoholic drinks. A second option for a hotel meal is possible - three times a day, with free drinks throughout the day.
• FB, FB+ (full board). The meal in this case is three times a day with all kinds of goodies. The plus option includes free strong and semi-strong alcoholic drinks from a domestic producer.
• HB, HB+ (halfboard) - half board accommodation. This type of accommodation in a hotel complex requires 2 hearty meals a day. Hearty breakfasts and dinners are offered as standard. Sometimes guests are given the opportunity to choose when to eat a second meal - lunch or dinner. You will have to pay separately for alcoholic drinks (HB) or not pay for domestic drinks (HB+), non-alcoholic drinks are free.
• BB (bed and breakfast). Breakfast variations depending on the level of the hotel complex. Cheap - light Breakfast Continental (fresh pastries, butter, jam, coffee (tea)). Expensive and filling - Americanbulet (after such a breakfast you can safely skip lunch: hot dishes, cheese and sausage slices, hot and fruit drinks). Average in cost and satiety - breakfast English.
• RR, RO, AO, BO, OB (“only room, accommodation, bed” - room only, Only Bed, etc.). Tourists who do not intend to spend time on the territory of the hotel complex do not need a meal. Choosing a cheap type of accommodation that provides a place to stay does not include meals, not even a light breakfast.

All establishments accommodating travelers use the standard hotel food designations listed above. These are the first letters English words. Knowing the decoding and translation, you can easily navigate the number of services provided and understand whether it is worth booking a hotel stay.

About the types of food and the historical past of some words

We figured out the letter designations, all that remains is to understand standard systems food in hotels with transcripts of the meaning of words and phrases.

The words “board” and “half board” come from the past; in pre-revolutionary times they meant a small hotel with full or partial maintenance of guests. Today this is a standard range of services offered by hotels to residents. These types of meals in hotels mean, respectively, a full meal - two times a day (breakfast, dinner), three times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner). You have to pay separately for drinks.

By filling in the gaps in knowledge about how hotel meals are designated, it's easy to understand what an all-inclusive service is all about. It includes mandatory hearty morning meals with an unlimited number of drinks, barbecue, snacks; range of services offered by the hotel.

The same service with the prefix “ultra” increases the number of hotel benefits that a guest can use, in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel complex determines their list individually - from massages and saunas to a swimming pool and a nightclub. Everything for tourists who want to relax to the fullest.

Travelers abroad are well familiar with the concept of a buffet. Comfortable view self-service during a meal, when from the many offered dishes it is possible to choose your favorite dishes by type - salad, first courses, side dish, meat, fish, dessert, fruit, drinks (juices, coffee, tea, milk, cocoa). There are no restrictions on the amount of food, it is prohibited to take it out. Special dishes and cutlery are prepared for meals.

For tourists, spelling out food in hotels - useful information. First, these are the standard notations for hotel complexes all over the world. Secondly, when you book a room, you know what to expect and are spared any unpleasant surprises. Thirdly, knowing the nuances, you can save money.

The Key Element Hotel offers favorable flexible rates for accommodation in comfortable rooms, delicious hearty breakfasts delivered to your room. The menu is varied daily.

Everyone chooses their own type of food in a hotel - depending on their character, habits, food preferences, and lifestyle. We wish you the right choices, delicious food, successful travels!