Hotels offer several different “Meal Plans” depending on the hotel or resort. Having some meals included can make a big difference in your overall vacation expenses.  Check to see what time of the day the meals are offered. There is no sense paying for something you won’t be there to eat. Find out how many people staying in the room the “Meal Plan” will include. Many times the room will hold more people than the “Meal Plan” will provide for so you may be required to pay for additional guests.

(AL) All inclusive Plan (also called Full Pension, or Full American Plan) Check what they mean by all inclusive it could be just 3 meals a day with drinks, dessert, snacks etc. or it may include some meals but not drinks

(EP) European Plan – No meals included

( CP) Continental Plan – Continental Breakfast: This varies by hotel. Usually it is pastries and coffee. I have been in several hotels where it includes fruit and cereal, tea, coffee, juices and hot chocolate so you will have to check with the hotel.

(AP) American Plan – Includes three meals daily

(MAP) Modified American Plan (sometimes called demi-pensions, half pension or half board depending where you are in the world) – Includes some meals

(B&B) Bed and Breakfast – Some sort of breakfast is included with your hotel night stay. The breakfast can range from a drink or coffee with a roll to a full breakfast buffet.

Each hotel, resort or accommodation may interpret the meaning of these terms differently so this is another reason to check exactly what is included before you book your hotel. We always try to have meals included as it usually costs more to purchase meals independently than to have them included in the room rate. It is always good to check and see if the meals that are included in the rate make it a better deal than booking a hotel without.

Before you book a hotel or resort be sure that you know what the price quote includes. You want to know the total that your stay will cost before making a decision on which property to book for your vacation. Extra fees and charges can make one hotel cost substantially more than another. Sometimes you can’t tell by just the basic quote given.  Here are some questions you will want the answer to before booking your hotel or resort.

What Amenities does it include? Amenities can be anything from a microwave, coffee maker, hair blower, refrigerator, air conditioning, spa, exercise facility, breakfast, shuttle service, or swimming pool just to name a few.

 Does it include all taxes? Local, State, Government, Tax Recovery Charge

Does it include resort fees? Resort fees and hotel service fees are mandatory at many hotels even if you do not use any of the amenities. These are often charged at the hotel or resort and cannot be prepaid and are not listed as a cost on the hotel room quote. You have to ask the travel agent or check with the hotel directly to be sure if these will be added to your bill later.

What is the number of people included in the rate? Most times the quoted price is for only two guests and they charge an additional fee for each additional guest with a cap on the total number allowed per room.

Other fees to watch for are – booking fee, transactions fee, processing service fee, facilitation fee, extra person fee, extra bed fee, parking fee, energy surcharge, telephone fees, internet fee, room service, mini-bar use, In room safe, movies and games, gratuities, shuttle fee, bellman, concierges, use of amenities such as workout facilities or the spa, housekeeping charge, air conditioning or heating fee, short stay fee, snack bar, business center, over time stay, breakfast, snacks, etc.

What are the change and cancellation charges? Most hotels have a specific time that you must cancel before or you will be charged a minimum of one night and even up to the full reservation time depending on their policy. You may also be charged for changing your reservation in any way. This is something that you should know before booking.

Extra fees, charges and taxes can be hidden and can add up to a substantial amount. It is important to be informed as to the total amount so that you don’t get a rude, financial slap in the face when you see the total charged to your bill by the end of your stay. Knowledge is power and you want the power to be in your hands.

I had a friend stop over to visit and said that she had booked a trip to Italy. When they got there the hotels she stayed in were “scary terrible.”

She said that when they got there it didn’t have a restaurant nor were there any in the area. Not knowing the area they thought they would have to go hungry that night. Luckily there were place that delivered.

She asked me how I find a good hotel. Here are some tips I gave her on finding reviews and being informed before you book a hotel:

Check my website and travel videos to see if I have reviewed the area that you are traveling to. I always try to give reviews that are fair but accurate along with area information that will help you enjoy your vacation but if I haven’t reviewed the hotel then check: