Room Only, Half Board and Full Board: What Do They Mean?

Room only, half board and full board describe the number of meals included in the hotel price: room only has 1 meal, half board has 2 meals, and full board has 3 meals. Below we explain what the three terms mean, along with their abbreviations, who should choose which option, and a pre-booking checklist.

In brief

• Room only includes only breakfast, half board includes breakfast and dinner, and full board includes three main meals.
• Don't compare hotels with different board types on price; first filter by the same type.
• Room only suits city tours, while half or full board is more suitable for days spent at the hotel.
• Check the hotel's current rules for drinks, snacks and children's conditions.

The essence of the three board types

The board type tells you which meals are added to the accommodation price. Even if the room price stays the same, the total amount changes when meal coverage changes. That's why, when comparing two hotels, you first need to equalize the board type.

• Room only: Only the morning meal, i.e. breakfast, is added to the accommodation price. Other meals are not included in the price.
• Half board: 2 meals, breakfast and dinner, are included in the accommodation price.
• Full board: 3 main meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—are included in the accommodation price.

You pay out of your own pocket for any meal not included, whether at the hotel or outside. If you don't eat a meal that is included, generally don't expect a refund; the hotel's own conditions apply here and should be asked about at the time of booking.

These three types are the most common. Some hotels also offer different packages beyond these. If a package name doesn't sound familiar, read its coverage in the hotel's description.

Abbreviations: BB, HB, FB

On booking sites, the terms mostly appear as English abbreviations. In the filter list or room description, you'll encounter these:

• BB (Bed & Breakfast): Room only.
• HB (Half Board): Half board.
• FB (Full Board): Full board.

Hotels abroad use these abbreviations instead of the Turkish term. If you're planning accommodation abroad, be sure to match the abbreviation on the screen with its coverage. For example, when you see HB, you should know that breakfast and dinner are included, but lunch is not.

Which meal is not included?

In room only, lunch and dinner are outside the price; in half board, lunch is outside the price. In full board, three main meals are included; check the hotel's conditions for snacks, drinks and other details. This detail can vary by package.

Finally, don't skip the small notes written next to the abbreviation. Information such as service hours, open buffet or menu style is usually found in the room details.

Which option suits whom?

The right choice depends on where you'll spend most of your day. The suggestions in this section are editorial advice, not rules.

Room only

This is the most flexible option if you're doing a city tour. While moving between museums, markets and restaurants during the day, you can eat lunch and dinner wherever you like. It's also sensible for routes covering multiple cities, for example as described in the Germany city-by-city route guide, if you want to eat in a different place each day.

Half board

This is suitable if you'll be out all day and want to return to the hotel in the evening. It solves the dinner problem at hotels with few restaurant options nearby or far from the center.

Full board

This makes sense if you'll spend most of your day at the hotel, that is, in a resort or rest-focused accommodation. If you plan to eat out, you may not be able to use some of the included meals.

Before deciding, roughly calculate how many days you'll be at the hotel and how many days you'll be out.

Common mistakes and points to watch

Misunderstandings about board type mostly arise when comparing prices.

• Comparing different board types: It's misleading to put a room-only hotel in the same basket as a half-board hotel. First filter by the same type.
• Assuming a meal is included: It's a common mistake to choose room only and assume dinner is also included. Other meals are not included in the price.
• Missing the service time: The included meal may have specific hours. If you're planning a late arrival or early departure, check the hotel's current conditions.
• Skipping the children and extra bed rules: Meal conditions for children vary from hotel to hotel. We don't give figures on this; ask the hotel at the time of booking.
• Relying only on the abbreviation: There can be coverage differences under the same abbreviation. Read the room description.

If you'll need food while waiting at the airport, checking airport lounge entry conditions can also make your meal planning easier.

Step by step: choosing the right board type

Follow this order before booking.

1. Map out your daily plan. Which days will you be away from the hotel, and which meals will you eat out?
2. Look at the hotel's location. Are there restaurants nearby, and how's transport to the center? At a hotel far from the center, half or full board may be more convenient.
3. Filter by board type. Enter dates and city on the hotel search page and look at the results; place options showing the same type side by side.
4. Verify the coverage in the room details. Read the description next to the BB, HB or FB abbreviation.
5. Check cancellation and change conditions. It may not be possible to change the board type afterward.
6. Report special needs. Write matters such as allergies, diet or children's menu in the booking note.

For a short holiday, most travelers find room only sufficient. This isn't a rule, just a common preference.

Checklist before you set off

Review these items before confirming your booking and setting off.

• Does the booking confirmation show BB, HB or FB?
• Have you confirmed which meals are included? Room only includes only breakfast, half board includes breakfast and dinner, and full board includes three main meals.
• Have you thought about where you'll eat during the day for meals not included?
• Have you learned the breakfast and dinner service hours?
• Have you asked the hotel about the coverage of drinks and snacks?
• Have you gotten the children, extra bed and special diet conditions in writing?
• Have you noted the cancellation and change conditions?

If your travel date is approaching, don't forget your documents either. If you're traveling to Schengen countries, check whether the ETIAS regulation affects Turkish citizens. If you're looking for a short holiday route, October 29 holiday abroad route suggestions may be useful.

Frequently asked questions

What does room only mean?

Room only is the board type where only the morning meal, i.e. breakfast, is added to the accommodation price. Other meals are not included in the price. It appears on booking sites as BB or Bed & Breakfast.

What does half board cover?

Half board includes 2 meals, breakfast and dinner, in the accommodation price. Lunch is left out of the price. Its abbreviation is HB, i.e. Half Board.

What does full board cover?

Full board includes 3 main meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—in the accommodation price. Its abbreviation is FB, i.e. Full Board. For drink and snack coverage, you need to check the hotel's conditions.

Is half board or full board more advantageous?

This depends on where you'll spend most of your day. If you'll be out and about during the day, half board; if you'll mostly stay at the hotel, full board may make more sense. It's important not to pay for a meal you won't use.

What do the BB, HB and FB abbreviations mean?

BB is Bed & Breakfast, i.e. room only. HB is Half Board, i.e. half board. FB is Full Board, i.e. full board.

If I don't eat an included meal, will I get a refund?

This varies according to the hotel's conditions, and there's no general rule. Find out from the hotel or from the conditions on the booking page before making a reservation. Asking beforehand prevents a dispute later.

Can I change the board type after booking?

Not every hotel may allow this. If a change is possible, a price difference may arise. Check the change and cancellation conditions in your booking confirmation.

Sources

• Hotel Accommodation Types: RO, BB, HB, FB, AI, UAI — vodafone.com.tr