Plan EP, CP, MAP, AP Full Form: Hotel Meal Plans Explained

When booking a hotel room, you often see terms like EP, CP, MAP, and AP mentioned next to the tariff. These codes represent different meal plans, and understanding them helps guests choose the right option—while helping hotels clearly communicate what is included in the rate.

This guide explains the full forms, meanings, inclusions, differences, and uses of each hotel meal plan used worldwide.

What Are Hotel Meal Plans?

A hotel meal plan defines what meals are included in the guest's room rate. It helps guests know whether their stay includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, or no meals at all.

Hotels use these standard plans globally for simple, transparent pricing.

1. EP – European Plan

Full Form: European Plan

Includes: Room Only

Meals Included: ❌ None

The EP rate means the guest pays only for the room. All meals, beverages, and extras are charged separately.

Best For:

• Business travelers with meetings outside

• Guests who prefer exploring local restaurants

• Long-stay guests who want flexible dining options

Benefits for Hotels:

• Can upsell breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Lower base room rate attracts more bookings

2. CP – Continental Plan

Full Form: Continental Plan

Includes: Room + Breakfast

Meals Included: ✔ Breakfast Only

Under the CP plan, the guest gets the room and a complimentary continental breakfast, which may include:

• Bread/Toast

• Butter/Jam

• Juice

• Tea/Coffee

• Cereals

Many hotels today offer a buffet breakfast even under CP plans.

Best For:

• Families

• Transit travelers

• Leisure guests who want an easy morning start

Benefits for Hotels:

• Increases average room rate (ARR)

• Enhances guest satisfaction

• Adds value without a high cost

3. MAP – Modified American Plan

Full Form: Modified American Plan

Includes: Room + Breakfast + One Major Meal

Meals Included: ✔ Breakfast + Lunch OR Dinner

MAP is ideal for guests who want two meals included in their stay.

Best For:

• Tourists traveling full day

• Corporate groups

• Couples & family vacations

Benefits for Hotels:

• Higher food revenue

• Convenient for group bookings

• Prevents guests from dining outside

4. AP – American Plan

Full Form: American Plan

Includes: Room + All Meals

Meals Included: ✔ Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Also known as Full Board, the AP plan offers a complete dining experience.

Best For:

• Resorts

• Pilgrimage hotels

• Retreat centers

• Remote destination hotels where restaurants are limited

Benefits for Hotels:

• Maximum F&B revenue

• Easier meal planning and forecasting

• Ideal for long-stay or full-service guests

Comparison Table: EP vs CP vs MAP vs AP

Meal Plan	Full Form	Meals Included	Best For
EP	European Plan	No meals	Budget travelers, business trips
CP	Continental Plan	Breakfast only	Families, transit guests
MAP	Modified American Plan	Breakfast + one meal	Groups, tourists
AP	American Plan	All three meals	Resorts, long stays

How Hotels Use Meal Plans

Meal plans help hotels in:

✔ Pricing & Packaging

Hotels create competitive packages for different guest segments.

✔ Revenue Management

Meal plans increase F&B revenue and guest spending.

✔ Guest Convenience

Clear meal inclusions improve guest satisfaction.

✔ Group Bookings

Travel agents prefer plans like MAP or AP for easy cost control.

Which Meal Plan Should Guests Choose?

Choose EP if:

You prefer eating outside or want a low-budget stay.

Choose CP if:

You want a simple stay with breakfast included.

Choose MAP if:

You spend your day sightseeing but want one major meal at the hotel.

Choose AP if:

You want an all-inclusive stay without worrying about meals.

Understanding EP, CP, MAP, and AP helps both guests and hoteliers make better decisions. The right meal plan enhances the guest experience, supports hotel revenue, and offers transparent pricing.