The main difference between full board and half board is the meals they offer. Full board offers all three meals, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while half board offers only two meals: breakfast and either lunch or dinner.
Full board and half board are two phrases used by hotels and resorts all over the world to describe types of accommodation and meals. It’s important to know the difference between the two before you make a reservation at a hotel.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Full Board
– Definition, Features
2. What is Half Board
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Full Board and Half Board
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Full Board, Half Board, Meals
What is Full Board
Full board is a meal plan that includes all three main meals, i.e., breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These three meals are usually served as buffets. However, all drinks are a-la-carte or are available as packages. This means when you buy a full board package at a hotel, you get three main meals free, but you have to pay for the drinks. In most hotels, drinks like tea, coffee, and fruit juices are offered free with breakfast. But you have you pay for other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you order with lunch or dinner. Sometimes, one drink might be offered free with a meal.
Upscale or mid-scale beach hotels and secluded resorts generally offer the full board. The full board option is popular among leisure guests who prefer to stay at the hotel/resort all day and laze around. Full board is a good option for them as it covers all meal charges and involves only a few extra charges. More importantly, they won’t have to go outside for meals. But if the guests don’t want all three meals (for example, they prefer to skip a meal), they are paying for a service that they don’t require. Furthermore, full board is similar to all-inclusive service, but they are not the same. This is because full board only includes the three main meals while all-inclusive service includes drinks and snacks in addition to the main meals.
What is Half Board
Half board only includes two meals. One of these meals is breakfast while the other is lunch or dinner. The decision between lunch or dinner would depend on the hotel policy or, sometimes, the guests’ preference. However, most hotels and resorts offer breakfast and dinner. The meals are usually served as buffets. Some hotels also have the option of take-out for guests who go on long outings. As with full board, drinks are only offered with breakfast. The guests have to pay separately for the drinks they order.
Half board option is best for guests who plan to leave the hotel during the day and return in the evening for dinner. It’s also a good option for those who don’t have a large appetite and only take two meals a day. However, if they order an extra meal, they will have to pay a high rate.
Difference Between Full Board and Half Board
Definition
Full board is a meal arrangement that offers the three main meals, while half board is a meal arrangement that offers only two meals.
Meals Offered
Full board offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while half board offers breakfast and lunch or dinner.
Best For
Moreover, full board is best for guests who prefer to stay in the hotel all day, enjoying their day leisurely. Half board, on the other, is best for guests who prefer to go out to visit local attractions and return to the hotel in the evening.
Cost
Full board option is usually more expensive than the half board option.
Conclusion
The main difference between full board and half board is that full board offers three meals while half board offers two meals. Full board offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while half board offers breakfast and either lunch or dinner. For both meal arrangements, you will have to pay separately for drinks and snacks.
Reference:
1. “Room and board.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Lounging in poolside” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Buffet, tableware, sushi, snack, food, table, plate, dinner, interior design, banquet” (CC0) via Pixino
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