When you book a hotel or a package holiday, a big part of the decision is what else you want included.
Here’s what you can expect from half board, full board and All Inclusive packages so that you can get the most value for money from your next trip.
Half Board vs Full Board vs All Inclusive: What’s the Difference?
Which board you book for your next holiday totally depends on how much time you expect to stay at your hotel and how much you hope to consume. Be that breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks, and even things like activities, gym or spa access and car hire.
Let’s take a look at what’s included in these accommodation options:
What is half board?
Half Board includes your
- Room
- Breakfast
- Dinner
In most hotels, half board means you’ll get dinner each evening as well as breakfast but it is possible that some places might let you swap that out for lunch instead.
Why should I choose half board?
Half board is a popular choice for lots of reasons.
If you like to leave the hotel and explore your surroundings, it means you aren’t paying for a midday meal that you’ll never be around to eat. Plus, for that lunchtime meal you get to try local places, which is always nice – and can be very cheap depending on your destination.
That, or you can make your own lunchtime meal with supplies from the breakfast buffet, ahem, I mean local supermarket. This is a great easy option if your accommodation has a kitchenette.
Why shouldn't I choose half board?
If you’re someone who wants to spend all their time at the hotel, then you may prefer the next option.
What is full board?
Full Board includes your
- Room
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
In most hotels, full board means you’ll get lunch and dinner each day.
Why should I choose full board?
If you aren’t planning to leave the hotel, then being served all your meals as part of a full board package is going to be a smart choice for you. This option is ideal if the hotel isn’t especially near shops and restaurants, or if you don’t want to hire a car to get places. Or if you have small children and you don’t want the pressure of having to get everyone out in time to eat. It’s definitely a convenient option.
Why shouldn't I choose full board?
If you’re hoping to get a few (alocholic) drinks in, you’ll have to pay for them in addition to your room rate, so make sure you check their prices to see how that might impact your spend. Is the total adding up quite quickly? Well, then it may be worth checking out the next option…
What is All Inclusive?
All Inclusive includes your
- Room
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Alcoholic drinks
Yep, an All Inclusive package means you get all your meals included, as well as snacks and drinks in between.
It’s worth saying that there are lots of different interpretations of what the term All Inclusive actually includes, ranging from budget resorts offering just wine and beer, to Ultra All Inclusive resorts that extend to things like premium booze, free car hire and local activities. So always check with your specific hotel as to what’s included for your stay.
Why should I choose All Inclusive?
All Inclusive is great if you don’t want to think about what you’re spending, and instead you want to have sorted your budget upfront.
It’s great for families with kids as it means everyone’s eating patterns and preferences can be catered to, but also for couples, solos and groups who want to be able to have whatever they want when they want, and not think about the cost.
It’s also ideal for resort holidays where you’re realistically not going to be leaving the hotel.
Why shouldn't I choose All Inclusive?
If you’re someone who likes to get up and about, exploring the local area, then you may find that you don’t take full advantage of the All Inclusive offering. All Inclusive should feel like convenience, not something that ties you to the hotel.
What is Ultra All Inclusive?
Ultra All Inclusive is where you can pay up front for even more inclusions. Some hotels will be Ultra All Inclusive as standard, some offer it for an extra fee alongside other types of stay.
An example of Ultra All Inclusive is Ikos Resorts, which are Ultra All Inclusive as standard, including things like gym classes, spa access and car hire as well as all food and drink.
Tiered Hotel Packages
Some hotels, particularly larger and more luxurious resorts, operate tiered concepts within the hotel.
Let's say you book an All Inclusive package, within their standard offering. Well they may offer higher-level packages - often called things like Premium or Club - which will have additional benefits.
So even though you’ve paid for All Inclusive, you don’t necessarily get access to everything.
The higher-level packages can include things like access to specific floors or areas of the hotel, private pools or restaurants, upgraded drinks and priority restaurant reservations.
Know the Difference Between Half Board vs Full Board vs All Inclusive
Understanding exactly what’s included in half board, full board and All Inclusive will help you stick to your holiday budget and know exactly what you’re getting.
From half board with just breakfast and dinner included to Ultra All Inclusive with everything paid for, there’s an option to suit you.
