How does the all-inclusive system work? What is included in “All Inclusive” in different hotels in Turkey. Meals a la carte

Accommodation

Of course, the service is different in many countries. However, there are standards according to which the tourist is required to provide all the services for which he paid. The all-inclusive system means a room with all amenities. The rooms must have a bathroom, bed linen, a place to rest, dishes and bath accessories. This system assumes only what is in the room. With all inclusive it is a completely different story. He assumes that the hotel, in addition to in-room amenities, has a swimming pool or sauna, as well as a restaurant and recreational and entertainment areas. Of course, not all hoteliers are honest with guests and tourists, so they often attribute to themselves something that is not really there. That is why before buying a tour, you need to check the availability of all services.

Service

These two types of holidays differ in the range of services. With all inclusive, you cannot use the bar for free (or the list of drinks is limited) or visit beauty salons and spas, but according to the rules of all inclusive, all this is provided for free.

Nutrition

Quality - very important factor, which distinguishes "all inclusive" from all inclusive. Both of these systems imply Buffet and drinks. However, according to the first system, food and drinks are provided to guests only during breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you are traveling to a hotel with a second system, the bar and buffet should be in free access during the day. On Russian resorts both of these concepts are very blurred, so hoteliers take advantage of this and change the names, hoping to deceive tourists. There is no uniform rule for services regarding the number of dishes and their types. For example, at lunch you will have several buffets with a variety of side dishes, and during the day they will serve burgers and fries, this will also be all inclusive.

Booking a tour to Egypt or Turkey almost never raises questions among tourists: all inclusive is a phrase familiar to everyone. But you can get confused if you see unfamiliar abbreviations next to the hotel name.

To prevent your vacation from being overshadowed by unpleasant surprises, we recommend that when choosing a tour, you always look at the type of food served in hotels.


A standard naming system has been adopted throughout the world. You may encounter the following options:

  • without food;
  • breakfast only;
  • breakfast + dinner;
  • Three meals a day;
  • all inclusive.

And also many different variations of all these types of food in hotels. We have compiled the abbreviations into a small cheat sheet to make it easy for you to navigate.

Hotel stay only: what are the designations?

Are you planning early departures or late returns to the hotel or want to try local cuisine? Then your choice is a room without food - this is the most cheap option at the hotel.

If you see the following letter abbreviations in the hotel description, meals are not included in the price of your stay:

  • OR (RO)

From English, all these designations can be translated as: “room only” or “price per room”.

You can order food separately or cook it yourself in the shared kitchen or in your room. If the hotel has such an opportunity, this is indicated additionally in the description and is designated by the abbreviation SC (self catering).

Explanation of food designations in hotels with breakfast

The mysterious letters BB mean bed and breakfast.

If you are not going to be in a hotel all day or are staying for one night, BB is an ideal choice. This is one of the most common categories in European cities, where tourists come for excursions or walks. The cost of breakfast is included in the room price.

Breakfasts can be different:

Name of breakfasts Letter designation What does breakfast include
English (aka American) breakfast EB /AB = english (american) breakfast Fried bacon or sausage, an egg dish (most often scrambled eggs, but sometimes an omelet), hot drinks (tea, coffee). Additional ingredients vary depending on the region (for example, toast), but eggs and bacon are always present in the English breakfast.
Continental breakfast CB = continental breakfast Croissants or mini buns, butter, jams and all sorts of additions to them, yogurt, a few pieces of cheese and sausage, hot drinks. The most common option in budget European hotels.
Buffet BBF = buffet breakfast Many different dishes are displayed nearby, you go to the table and put the food you like on your plate. Usually the choice of food is quite large: fruits, muesli, buns, cheese, sausage, boiled eggs, a variety of drinks, etc.

What is boarding?

The slightly old-fashioned word board in the hotel business means meals two or three times a day. It’s easy to guess that the first, reduced option is half board, the second is full board.

This type of nutrition has its own designations and classifications:

Meals at all-inclusive hotels

The favorite type of food in hotels for many tourists - after all, you don’t have to worry about finding food and drinks for the entire vacation. The price of your stay includes three standard meals, a variety of snacks, barbecue, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. alcoholic drinks.

The decoding of the food designation in the all-inclusive system is very simple:

  • ALL, AL, AL- all inclusive. This is everything listed above: three meals a day, snacks, alcohol, drinks, etc.
  • UAI, UAL- ultra all inclusive - expanded selection of alcoholic drinks and dishes.
  • ALL De Luxe/High Class/Royal Class/Superior- VIP service: in addition to full all inclusive meals, these packages include various services that are provided only by hotels of the highest class. This could include chocolate, ice cream, fruits and drinks in the room, free alcohol in the minibar, etc.
  • Mini all inclusive- and this, on the contrary, is a stripped-down version. Something between full board and all inclusive, with a limited number of drinks.

Other categories of food in hotels

Some types of food serving are not so common, but they are also worth knowing about:

  • Brunch dinner+ (breakfast leading into lunch) - often practiced in hotels on ski resorts. In addition to food, brunch includes drinks. And in individual regions They also offer local low-alcohol drinks (wine or beer).
  • A-la-carte- à la carte service in the hotel restaurant. Sometimes the room price may include several free visits restaurant, sometimes all dishes are paid.

How to choose the right type of food at a hotel?

So, you have decided on your vacation plans. How to choose the right service so as not to overpay, but also not to waste a lot of time searching for food?

We have developed a small table for you with rest parameters and suitable food options. Check it out to make your vacation as comfortable as possible:

Vacation plans Without power Breakfast Half board or full board All inclusive
Watch your figure or go on a diet + +
Do you want to go on many excursions or walk around the city? + + +
Do you want to get to know the local cuisine? + +
You have no dietary or budget restrictions + +
You don't like local cuisine + +
You don't want to worry about finding food and spending money at a restaurant + +

Remember also some important points:

  • ⭐ If comfort comes first for you, and your travel budget is unlimited, choose high-class all-inclusive programs - you will always have fresh fruits and drinks for every taste. This is especially important in exotic countries- after all, there is always a risk that the local cuisine will not be to your taste, but in luxury hotels they will serve food according to your wishes.
  • ⭐ If you do not drink alcohol or have food restrictions, do not overpay for all inclusive - choose breakfast or half board, and the rest of the time cook yourself or test the local cuisine.
  • ⭐ Don’t overestimate your strength - if your vacation consists of active walks, and you only come to the hotel late in the evening, don’t overpay for dinner. It is better to choose hotels that have their own restaurant or the ability to order food for an additional fee.
  • ⭐ Do you like to sleep longer? Ask what time breakfast is served until. They usually last from 7 to 10 am (sometimes until 11). If you are not willing to sacrifice sleep for breakfast, choose other types of meals or have breakfast outside the hotel.
  • ⭐ When choosing all inclusive, remember not only the advantages of this system in the form of comfort, but also the disadvantages: high cost and the risk of gaining extra pounds.
  • ⭐ Half board or full board is an excellent choice for those who are not ready to overpay for “all inclusive”: you definitely won’t go hungry and will save money.
  • ⭐ In some countries, for example in the UAE, visiting restaurants will cost much more than eating at a hotel. Therefore, choose HB, FB or all inclusive.

To avoid making a mistake in your choice, take a look at our instructions when choosing a tour. We wish you only comfortable and pleasant trips!

What to do if you allow yourself to eat junk food, what dishes are the most dangerous on the buffet and how to resist the temptation to constantly snack, why you shouldn’t give up dessert, what food to choose for children at the resort - blogger Tatiana Rybakova about these and other healthy lifestyle hacks that will help you maintain your health and figure.

How I eat during flights and what helps me copejet lag

When I travel, I don’t follow a special diet, I look at food from the point of view of its benefits and always pay attention to the local cuisine. I stick to a healthy diet, but if there is an opportunity to try something interesting and traditional, I will definitely do it, even if the food is not very dietary. The main thing is to maintain balance.

I was recently in Korea - it’s just a paradise for gourmets. The cuisine is very varied - first they bring kimchi (all kinds of pickles and pickles), then soups, main dishes - rice and noodles with toppings. I really liked the national Korean dish bibimbap - rice with a huge amount sprouts, vegetables, meat or seafood.

The main rule that will help you cope with jet lag is to drink more water. I also take melatonin with me to restore the natural balance of hormones and adjust to the regime of the new country.

Cut down on fatty foods - I try not to eat at all on a plane, but if the flight is long, then I choose lean fish, meat or vegetables.

Basic rules for eating at the resortall inclusive

Variety and moderation are basic health rules that apply to all food groups (especially when on vacation).

Properly “fill” your plate when eating at a buffet - it must contain lean protein, eggs, fish, and seafood. Place the salad on half the plate, but check with the waiter what it is seasoned with - often the sauce can add a lot of calories to even a light dish.

Always carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated (this is a common problem at these resorts). Drink it before meals, and if you allow yourself alcohol, increase the amount of water.

How to stick to your diet and resist the urge to constantly snack

If you plan your diet wisely, you will not feel hungry.

Don’t forget that high-quality food fills you up much better - there’s simply no point in taking bites.

What to eat in the heat and on the beach

Be sure to reduce your alcohol consumption. You can afford natural ice cream (for example, in Korea, ice cream with matcha green tea is very popular - it is a very tasty and low-calorie dessert).

Fruits (especially citrus fruits), vegetables and nuts are perfect for hot weather - you can snack on them on the beach.

Pay attention to seasonal fruits and berries of the country where you are. In Asia, it is definitely worth eating local fruits, even the most exotic ones - let it be a small gastronomic adventure! During my last trip, I visited the Korean island of Jeju, which is famous for its abundance of varieties of tangerines - I did not miss the opportunity to try.

I believe that a person needs to eat at least 400 grams of vegetables per day - be sure to include them in your diet while on vacation. Lettuce and greens should also be on your plate. If you have digestive problems and the abundance of fiber causes discomfort, choose cooked vegetables rather than raw ones.

If you go to Korea, be sure to try the local dish - quickly fried vegetables. It is not only very tasty - this method of preparation preserves almost all vitamins (besides, Koreans do not overuse oil).

Avoid feeling thirsty - if you are very thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Drink constantly throughout the day, at least one and a half to two liters of water.

The most dangerous dishes on the buffet

Fried foods and sweets - on vacation it is especially advisable to limit yourself to these. Changing time zones and stress from flying do not have the best effect on the body - help it with wholesome and healthy food, and you can avoid swelling, heaviness in the stomach and other unpleasant “side effects” from vacation.

What to eat for breakfast and dinner?

I usually choose porridge, toast with fish and avocado, and eggs. Often found at hotels for breakfast national cuisine, but keep in mind - the dishes can be hard on the stomach (this was exactly the case in Korea).

By the evening, you will have spent a lot of energy - you need to replenish it, but with healthy food (fortunately, in all-inclusive hotels there is a huge selection). Put vegetables and lean protein (white fish or turkey) on your plate - such a balanced dinner will satisfy your first hunger.

After a full dinner, you can indulge in a small dessert - it will be a wonderful end to a day during which you have spent a lot of calories. Although I am impressed by the Korean approach - the lack of a culture of eating desserts after the main meal.

There is no need to give up sweets completely - with an active lifestyle, you can and should eat them at any time, there is nothing wrong with that. But if you overindulge in sweet and salty foods before bed, you are likely to experience swelling in the morning.

What should children choose at the buffet?

Follow the child’s usual diet - the variety of dishes in the all inclusive system will help with this. But fatty and sweet foods (especially if it’s very hot) should be kept to a minimum.

Now even in Asian countries it is possible to feed a child safe and familiar food. In Korean hotels, I noticed that mothers feed their babies fresh vegetables, steamed meat and fruits, and for little European guests they offer different types cereals (not just rice).

Hi all! When planning a vacation, tourists sometimes have questions: What kind of food system is available in modern hotels? What is a buffet, continental or American breakfast? What does RO BB HB FB AI UAI mean?

For a long time I was confused myself; I couldn’t remember what letters meant breakfast, dinner, or three meals a day. Therefore, I decided to write a short post where I will decipher all these “hieroglyphs” and describe the possibilities of this or that option.

Modern hotels provide guests with different food concepts. Here is a short table; I will explain each point in more detail below.

RO (room only)
RR OB EP BO AO NO
without power
BB (bed breakfast)one meal - breakfast
HB (half board)two meals a day - breakfasts, dinners or breakfasts, lunches and soft drinks during meals
HB+ (half board plus)two meals a day - breakfasts, dinners, local soft drinks and alcoholic drinks during meals
FB (full board)three meals a day - breakfast lunch dinner and soft drinks with meals
FB+ (full board plus)
EXTFB (extended half board)
three meals a day - breakfast lunch dinner, local soft and alcoholic drinks during meals
AL (all inclusive)three meals a day with intermediate
snacks -
breakfast lunch dinner, additional meals, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during the day
UAL (ultra inclusive)enhanced three meals a day with snacks -
breakfast lunch,
dinner, free meals in A-lacarte restaurants, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks around the clock

Room only (RO) – translated means “room only”. Accordingly, meals are not included in the price.

Bed breakfast (BB) – translates as “bed and breakfast”. Moreover, breakfast is at different countries or even hotels can be either buffet, continental (CB), American (AB) or English.

  • CB (Continental breakfast) - translated as “continental breakfast”. Everything is modest: a cup of coffee or tea, toast, a bun, butter and jam.
  • AB (American breakfast) - differs from the continental breakfast only in the presence of hot dishes: omelet, sausages.

Half board (HB) – in Russian “half board”. In some hotels you can choose: “breakfast dinner” or “breakfast lunch”. Coffee, tea, water are usually included in the price, but in most hotels you can get them for free only during your meal. In other cases, payment is required.

Half board plus (HB+) - “half board plus”, differs from HB only in that the price includes some alcoholic drinks. Usually locally produced and most often only during meals.

Full board (FB) – translated as “full board”. The price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus coffee, tea, water. The conditions are the same as in NV, only three meals a day.

Full board plus (FB), Extended half board (EXTFB) - “full board plus” or “extended board”, locally produced alcoholic drinks are added to the previous concept.

All inclusive (AI) – translated means “all inclusive”. The name fully justifies itself. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, intermediate meals: late breakfast, afternoon snack, late dinner, and other snacks. Unlimited soft and alcoholic drinks throughout the day. As a rule, this food system implies the opportunity to eat from 6 am to 12 midnight.

Ultra inclusive (UAL) - “ultra all inclusive”. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, with the opportunity to visit A-lacarte restaurants (themed restaurants on site) for free. This concept includes more choice and greater variety in nutrition than AI. Of course, any drinks are included in the price.

Food regulations in hotels may vary. Most often, especially in resort areas, the buffet food concept is common. The buffet is an opportunity to independently choose and compose your diet. With this system, dishes are placed in the hall, and tourists themselves choose and put food on a plate.

This meat has an elastic structure, so it can be fried several times in a row.

Shark meat is served instead of trout and other local fish.

It is boiled in salt water to reduce the taste. It is almost impossible to detect a forgery.

We don’t throw away 50–60 kg of meat left over from yesterday’s buffet. This is wasteful.

We wash the sauce off the meat, and the next day we cook it with a new sauce.

Pike perch and squid in the kitchen are canned products.

These are canned goods pre-soaked in beer.

Dishes with potatoes dominate the menu, as they are very high in calories and keep you feeling full for a long time.

In the kitchen where I work, three people spend the entire day solely peeling potatoes. I add potatoes to at least 3 meals a day.

There is no waste left in the meat department; all pieces of the carcass are used.

Usually the cutlets contain veal brisket, shank and a lot of other things that you won’t like, so try not to eat cutlets in hotels, but choose only whole pieces of meat. I repeat: it’s better not to eat cutlets.

Take your time to devour snacks on a Turkish night.

Let's figure it out. It takes 2 hours to cook 1 kg of “Turkish raw cutlets”. Depending on the number of guests, you need to prepare at least 20 kg of cutlets. All ingredients are mixed in a large cauldron. To do this, the younger ones in the kitchen put plastic bags on their feet and climb into this very cauldron. The consistency is excellent, but I don’t know the taste, since I haven’t tried it. But the guests like it.

Don't eat salads with mayonnaise.

It would be naive to believe that in a hotel where food is prepared for 2,000 people, everything is done properly in terms of hygiene standards. It is foolish to aggravate the situation by choosing salads prepared with mayonnaise, which promotes the growth of bacteria.

And now about the sweets...

Stale cakes that are left over from yesterday are collectively collected from display cases, mixed again, decorated with pralines, chocolate drops, fruit, whipped cream and sent back to the buffet.

Still, costs are inevitable.

To deceive our customers, we prepare an abundance of watermelon and pumpkin decorations. According to my calculations, for 20 dishes there are 50 decorations. First, you need to satiate your eyes, and then your stomach. We know a lot about this.

Choose dishes prepared by chefs in front of you, accompanied by a gastronomic performance.

I know that I have to line up. I know that this is not the most delicious thing on offer. However, the most hygienic you will find in a hotel.

Even worse than with food, the situation is with drinks.

As you know, the all-inclusive system most often includes locally produced drinks, and imported alcohol is poured for a fee. In practice, even if a tourist pays, the first 1-2 glasses turn out to be imported. Then the person loses his vigilance, and he is topped up with low-quality local alcohol.

It is also unknown what kind of water is used to dilute juices for breakfast, or how often the tanks in which drinks are placed on the buffet are washed. And finally, what kind of water is used to freeze ice?

I will say finally, do not eat the small cakes that are usually prepared for birthdays. I won’t tell you why, because I might get into trouble...