Key Difference – Full Board vs Half Board
Full board and half board are important terms in the hotel terminology. The term ‘board’ refers to the table on which meals are served in a home or hotel. The phrase ‘room and board’, which refers to both accommodation and food, comes from this word. Thus, full board and half board refer to the type of meals provided by a hotel or resort. You should know the difference between full board and half board in order to decide which board basis is most cost-effective. The key difference between full board and half board is the number of meals they serve; full board offers three meals whereas half board only offers two meals.
What is Full Board?
Full board lodging includes three meals: breakfast, lunch and evening meals. All three of these meals are included in the price, but any snacks or drinks outside of these meals may cost an extra price. Most establishments include tea or coffee for breakfast in the full board option.
Full board is ideal for customers who are happy to spend the day at the hotel or resort, or those who spend short durations of time away from the hotel. This option is also preferred by guests who prefer to go out at night and enjoy the nightlife after dinner. Some establishments also provide packed meals, specially packed lunches, so that the guests can go out and eat. Full board can be a good option for those who want to save money. But, it might also stop you venturing out far from the hotel, so this is not a good option for those who love to explore and experience new things.
The types of meals, serving times and other services provided may also vary according to individual hotels and resorts. Therefore, it is always a good idea to contact the hotel first and get a good idea of what is included in the full board option.
Full board should not be confused with all inclusive. In all inclusive, all your meals and locally produced drinks (alcoholic and soft) are included in the price.
What is Half Board?
Half board only includes two meals: breakfast and dinner; any food or drinks you order out of these meals will cost you extra. However, this will typically include tea or coffee at breakfast. Half board is ideal if you are planning to leave the hotel after breakfast, go sightseeing, and return in the evening. Since half board doesn’t include lunch, you are free to make your own arrangements. You can also save money by having a light snack for lunch since you can have a hearty meal for breakfast and dinner.
It is always better to contact the hotel and get to know different options they have. For example, details regarding the menu choices, times of meals, etc. may change according to different hotels.
What is the difference between Full Board and Half Board?
Number of Meals:
Full Board offers three meals.
Half Board only offers two meals.
Type of Meals:
Full Board offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Half Board offers breakfast and dinner.
Preference:
Full Board is ideal for those who want to spend their whole day at the hotel.
Half Board is ideal for those who want to go sightseeing and return at night.
Image Courtesy:
“Breakfast in Bed at Idwala” By IdwalaGH – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
“Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu breakfast buffet 20150430-001” By J o – Photo taken by J o.(GFDL) via Commons Wikimedia
