Is a meal plan in which accommodation includes two daily meals, typically breakfast and dinner, while lunch and most beverages are charged separately. Widely used in hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, this board basis is designed for travelers who wish to balance convenience and flexibility: key meals are taken care of within the property, yet guests remain free to explore local cafés and restaurants during the day. In the language of hospitality, it is often contrasted with bed and breakfast, full board, or all-inclusive arrangements, each reflecting a different level of service bundling and price positioning.
Within the business logic of accommodation providers, this option plays a strategic role. It allows hotels to forecast food and beverage demand more accurately than with à la carte dining alone, optimize kitchen operations, and encourage guests to spend evenings on property, where additional revenue can be generated through drinks, specialty dining, or entertainment. For guests, it offers cost predictability and peace of mind—particularly in resort destinations or remote areas where external dining options may be limited or more expensive—while still encouraging daytime excursions, sightseeing, and gastronomic discovery beyond the hotel.
In practice, the specifics can vary by region and property: some establishments may offer a buffet-style dinner with a wide selection, others a set menu or a choice of courses; drinks may or may not be included, and occasionally guests can swap dinner for lunch, subject to availability and hotel policy. For travel planners and tour operators, accurately communicating what is and is not included under this plan is essential, as it directly influences perceived value, guest satisfaction, and the overall positioning of a package in a highly competitive market.
Example: “The boutique hotel on the Adriatic coast offers rooms on a half board basis, with breakfast overlooking the sea and a seasonal, locally inspired dinner each evening.”
Synonyms: HB, partial meal plan, breakfast and dinner included, limited board, two-meal plan.
