What Is BB, HB, B&B, and FB in Hotels? A Complete Guide to Hotel Meal Plans

When booking a hotel, guests often see abbreviations like BB, HB, B&B, or FB. These terms define meal plans and directly affect room pricing, guest expectations, and hotel revenue. Understanding these plans is essential for guests, hotel staff, and sales teams.

This POST explains what BB, HB, B&B, and FB mean, their inclusions, differences, and best use cases.

What Are Hotel Meal Plans?

Hotel meal plans indicate which meals are included in the room tariff. They help:

• Guests choose the right package

• Hotels control food cost

• Sales teams create competitive offers

1. BB – Bed & Breakfast

Meaning

BB (Bed & Breakfast) includes:

• Overnight stay

• Daily breakfast only

What’s Not Included

• Lunch

• Dinner

• Snacks & beverages (unless specified)

Best For

• Business travelers

• Short stays

• Guests exploring outside

Pricing Impact

• Lowest priced meal plan after Room Only

2. B&B – Bed and Breakfast

Meaning

B&B is another way of writing BB.Both terms mean the same.

Included

• Room + Breakfast

Some hotels use BB in rate plans and B&B in marketing content.

3. HB – Half Board

Meaning

HB (Half Board) includes:

• Room

• Breakfast

• One major meal (Lunch or Dinner)

Meal Choice

• Usually breakfast + dinner

• Lunch may be offered on request or in resorts

Best For

• Leisure travelers

• Tour groups

• Resorts & hill stations

Pricing Impact

• Higher than BB

• Lower than FB

4. FB – Full Board

Meaning

FB (Full Board) includes:

• Room

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

What’s Usually Not Included

• Alcoholic beverages

• Minibar

• Room service (unless mentioned)

Best For

• Resorts

• Destination hotels

• Pilgrimage & group bookings

Pricing Impact

• Higher room rate

• Predictable food revenue for hotels

Quick Comparison Table

Meal Plan	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner
BB / B&B	✔️	❌	❌
HB	✔️	✔️ / ❌	✔️ / ❌
FB	✔️	✔️	✔️

Meal Plans vs Room Only (RO)

Plan	Inclusions
RO	Only room
BB / B&B	Room + Breakfast
HB	Room + 2 meals
FB	Room + 3 meals

Important Notes for Hotels & Guests

• Meals are usually fixed menu or buffet

• Timings are as per hotel SOP

• Unused meals are non-refundable

• Child meal policy may differ

Common Guest Confusion Explained

• BB and B&B are the same

• HB does not include all meals

• FB does not include drinks unless specified

• All-inclusive ≠ FB

Meal Plan Strategy for Hotels

• BB for corporate & OTA bookings

• HB for leisure & tour operators

• FB for resorts, groups & pilgrimages

• Upsell lunch/dinner to BB guests

Understanding BB, HB, B&B, and FB helps guests book smarter and hotels price better. Clear communication of meal plans avoids disputes and enhances guest satisfaction.

Right meal plan = happy guest + controlled food cost.