What's the Difference Between All-Inclusive and Bed & Breakfast?

The answer to the question of what's the difference between all-inclusive and bed and breakfast lies in scope: with bed and breakfast (BB), the price includes only accommodation and morning breakfast, while with all-inclusive (AI), 3 main meals and, depending on the hotel's policy, drinks are also included in the price. Scope varies from hotel to hotel; check before booking.

In short

• With bed and breakfast, only accommodation and breakfast are included; all other food and drink is charged extra.
• With all-inclusive, 3 main meals and, depending on hotel policy, drinks are included in the price.
• Scope varies from hotel to hotel; read the hotel's description before booking.
• Bed and breakfast is usually more suitable for city trips, while all-inclusive is generally more economical for holidays spent at the hotel.

The essence of the rule: what do you pay for in the two models?

Bed and breakfast (BB) is the simplest and most flexible board model. The price includes only accommodation and morning breakfast. All food and drink taken from the hotel outside of breakfast is charged extra.

All-inclusive (AI), on the other hand, includes food and drink in the accommodation price. The number of main meals is 3; drinks are added to this depending on hotel policy. In other words, while bed and breakfast includes only 1 meal per day in the package, all-inclusive includes 3 main meals in the package.

The fundamental difference between the two models is this: with bed and breakfast, you manage your spending item by item, while with all-inclusive, you pay most of it in advance. Which one is cheaper depends on how much you'll eat and drink at the hotel and where you'll spend your day.

This information is based on common industry practice, not an official regulation. Since board definitions can vary from business to business, the final scope is always determined by the hotel's own description on its page.

What does all-inclusive cover?

The all-inclusive concept includes 3 main meals as well as local drinks and snacks throughout the day in the accommodation price. In some hotels, certain activities are also included in the package.

The content of the package is examined under the following headings:

• Main meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, usually served buffet-style or in a restaurant setting.
• Drinks: Local drinks throughout the day; which drinks are included depends on hotel policy.
• Snacks: Light food between meals.
• Activities: In some hotels, animation or sports facilities are included in the package.

The critical point here is that the scope varies from hotel to hotel. Imported drinks, a la carte restaurants or services outside certain hours may not be included in the package. The term "all" does not mean every single item is covered.

What do you pay extra for with bed and breakfast?

With bed and breakfast, every food and drink item other than breakfast is calculated separately. The following are generally not included in the package:

• Mini bar products
• Room service orders
• Spa services
• Paid activities

Scope varies depending on the type of hotel, its star rating and business policy. For this reason, the "bed and breakfast" label at two different hotels may not indicate exactly the same facilities.

The advantage of this model is flexibility. If you'll spend most of your day in the city and eat lunch and dinner out, you won't have paid in advance for meals you won't use. For this reason, bed and breakfast is often preferred for city trips.

Which one suits you? Choosing based on your type of trip

The choice depends on the nature of the holiday. The distinction below is an editorial suggestion, not a fixed rule.

All-inclusive may suit you if

• You'll spend most of your day at the hotel, by the pool or on the beach.
• You're traveling with children and want to keep meal times fixed.
• You want to know your spending in advance and don't want to track expenses during your holiday.

Bed and breakfast may suit you if

• You'll be touring the city and out and about all day. For example, in a multi-stop trip like the one in Germany city-by-city route guide, you'll eat most of your meals outside the hotel.
• Trying local restaurants is part of your trip.
• You're going for a short break and will only be sleeping at the hotel.

For short city breaks, such as the 4-day trips with a busy itinerary like those in the October 29th holiday abroad route suggestions, bed and breakfast usually makes more sense.

Common mistakes and exceptions

The most common mistakes made during booking are as follows:

• Assuming that "all-inclusive" means everything is included. Scope varies from hotel to hotel. Alcoholic drinks, a la carte restaurants, spa and water sports may be charged separately.
• Reading the price difference only from the room rate. With bed and breakfast, factor in your daily food and drink expenses and compare the totals.
• Considering bed and breakfast "cheap." If you'll be eating at the hotel often, extra items can raise the total.
• Assuming the mini bar is free. With bed and breakfast, mini bar products are generally not included in the package.
• Forgetting intermediate models. Intermediate options such as half board may also be available; check the options offered by the hotel on the booking screen.

As an exception, some hotels provide limited service at certain hours to all-inclusive guests. Service may be closed late at night. This detail is stated in the hotel's own terms.

Step by step: choosing the right board type

1. Map out your itinerary. Write down how many days you'll be at the hotel and how many days you'll be out.
2. Count your meals. Estimate the number of meals you'll eat at the hotel. With bed and breakfast, only 1 meal is included.
3. Open the hotel page. List the options for your dates on the hotel search page and read each hotel's board description.
4. Compare the scope. Check which drinks, restaurants and activities are included in the package.
5. Calculate the total cost. Add your estimated food and drink spending to the bed and breakfast price and compare it side by side with the all-inclusive price.
6. Get written confirmation. Ask the hotel about any unclear items and have the answer added to your booking notes.

Checklist before setting off

Before confirming your reservation and arriving at the hotel, review the following:

• Is the board type (BB or AI) clearly stated on the booking document?
• Is the list of included drinks and service hours clear?
• Are a la carte restaurants, spa and activities included in the package, or are they paid?
• Is an extra charge applied for the mini bar and room service?
• Do child and extra bed conditions affect the board scope?
• Is any additional fee or deposit requested upon arrival?

Close to arrival, it's also useful to check the online check-in steps; however, hotel check-in processes may work differently from flight check-in processes, so rely on the hotel's own notification.

Practices such as all-inclusive wristbands or cards vary from hotel to hotel. Ask at check-in to find out and check your account for any additionally charged services.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fundamental difference between all-inclusive and bed and breakfast?

With bed and breakfast, the price includes only accommodation and morning breakfast. With all-inclusive, 3 main meals and, depending on hotel policy, drinks are also included in the price. Scope varies from hotel to hotel.

Are food and drinks charged separately with bed and breakfast?

Yes. Food and drinks taken from the hotel other than breakfast are charged extra. Mini bar, room service, spa and paid activities are also generally not included in the package.

Are drinks completely free with all-inclusive?

Not always. Local drinks throughout the day are generally included, but which drinks are covered depends on hotel policy. Imported or special drinks may be charged, so check the hotel's terms.

Does all-inclusive also cover activities?

In some hotels, yes. In addition to main meals, all-inclusive may cover drinks, snacks and some activities throughout the day. Check the hotel's page to see which activities are free.

Which is more sensible for a city trip?

If you'll spend most of your day outside the hotel, bed and breakfast is generally more flexible. You won't pay in advance for meals you won't use. This is a suggestion; calculate the total cost based on your own itinerary.

Can the board type be changed after booking?

This depends on the hotel's terms and the type of reservation. Find out whether a change is possible and what the price difference would be from the channel where you made your booking or directly from the hotel.

Sources

• Hotel Accommodation Terms You Should Know — bud.org.tr
• Hotel Accommodation Types: RO, BB, HB, FB, AI, UAI — vodafone.com.tr
• What Does Bed and Breakfast Mean? Hotel Accommodation Concepts and Details — avruparuyasi.com.tr
• What Does Bed and Breakfast Mean, What Does It Cover in Accommodation? - Haydi Maldivlere — haydimaldivlere.com
• All Inclusive in Hotel Accommodation - DB — dogushanbalci.com