Quick Answer: What is AP in Hotel?
AP = American Plan
A hotel rate plan that includes your room along with all three meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Room
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
AP (American Plan) is the most comprehensive meal plan available at hotels. When you book AP, all your food needs are taken care of - you don't have to worry about finding restaurants or paying for any meals during your stay.
The term "American Plan" originated in the United States during the 19th century when American hotels traditionally included all meals with the room, unlike European hotels that charged separately for food.
All-Inclusive Experience: AP is the closest thing to an all-inclusive stay. You pay one price and all meals are sorted. Some luxury resorts also include afternoon tea, snacks, and welcome drinks with AP.
What's Included in AP?
When you book a hotel room on AP basis, you get:
- Room accommodation for the night
- Breakfast - usually buffet style
- Lunch - buffet or set menu
- Dinner - buffet or set menu
Typical AP Meal Schedule
7:00 - 10:30 AM
Breakfast
Buffet with Indian & continental options, fresh fruits, juices, tea/coffee
12:30 - 3:00 PM
Lunch
Multi-cuisine buffet or set menu with starters, mains, desserts
7:30 - 10:30 PM
Dinner
Buffet spread or a la carte options, often more elaborate than lunch
Note: Some premium resorts on AP also include afternoon tea (4-5 PM) with snacks, cookies, and beverages. Check with the hotel for exact inclusions.
AP Variants: APAI
APAI - American Plan All Indian
APAI means all three meals will be Indian cuisine. Expect:
- Breakfast: South Indian, North Indian items - idli, dosa, parathas, poha
- Lunch: Dal, rice, rotis, sabzi, regional thalis
- Dinner: Indian curries, biryanis, tandoor items, Indian desserts
Tip: APAI is typically ₹200-400 cheaper than standard AP since continental and international items (which use more expensive imported ingredients) are not included.
AP vs Other Meal Plans
| Plan | Meals Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EP | None | Budget travelers, food explorers |
| CP | Breakfast only | Business trips, city stays |
| MAP | Breakfast + Dinner | Resorts, day-trip vacations |
| AP | All 3 meals | All-inclusive resorts, remote locations, relaxation trips |
AP vs MAP: Which to Choose?
The main difference is lunch:
- Choose MAP if you'll be out exploring/sightseeing during the day and won't be at the hotel for lunch
- Choose AP if you want a true resort experience where you stay on property and have everything sorted
AP Pricing: Is It Worth It?
AP is the most expensive meal plan, but it can offer good value at resorts with limited dining alternatives.
Example: 4-Star Beach Resort in Goa
EP (Room Only)
₹8,000/night
CP (+ Breakfast)
₹9,000/night
MAP (+ Breakfast + Dinner)
₹11,500/night
AP (+ All Meals)
₹14,000/night
Value Analysis: AP vs Eating Separately
EP Room
₹8,000
Walk-in Breakfast (₹900)
₹900
Walk-in Lunch (₹1,200)
₹1,200
Walk-in Dinner (₹1,500)
₹1,500
Total (EP + All Meals)
₹11,600
Verdict: In this example, AP at ₹14,000 costs ₹2,400 more than EP + walk-in meals. However, AP often includes better quality, unlimited servings, and convenience. Worth it if you value a hassle-free experience!
International Equivalent: Full Board (FB)
When booking international hotels, AP is called Full Board (FB):
| Term | Used In | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| AP (American Plan) | India, USA | All 3 meals |
| FB (Full Board) | Europe, UK, Cruises | All 3 meals |
| Pension Complète | France | All 3 meals |
| All-Inclusive | Resorts worldwide | All meals + drinks + activities |
AP vs All-Inclusive: AP includes meals only. True "All-Inclusive" (AI) resorts include meals PLUS unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), snacks, and often activities. AI is more expensive than AP.
Who Should Book AP?
AP is Perfect For:
- Resort vacations: When you want to relax without leaving the property
- Honeymoon trips: Romantic, hassle-free experience
- Remote locations: Hill stations, wildlife lodges with no restaurants nearby
- Family trips with kids: Predictable meal times, no searching for kid-friendly food
- Senior travelers: Convenience and comfort matter most
- Wellness retreats: Focused on relaxation, not restaurant hunting
- Bad weather destinations: Monsoon trips where going out for food is inconvenient
AP is NOT Ideal For:
- City stays: Too many great restaurants to try - don't be tied to hotel meals
- Foodies: Want to explore local cuisine, street food, specialty restaurants
- Day-trippers: If you'll be out sightseeing and miss lunch anyway
- Budget travelers: Local food is much cheaper than hotel meals
- Business trips: Client meetings and dinners make fixed meals impractical
Tips for Hoteliers: AP Revenue Strategy
Revenue Manager's Perspective: How to maximize AP revenue.
When to Push AP:
- Resort properties: AP should be prominently offered - it's expected
- Remote locations: Where guests have no alternative dining options
- Honeymoon packages: Bundle AP with room upgrades and romantic experiences
- Monsoon/off-season: Guests staying in prefer all-inclusive convenience
- Group bookings: Easier to manage fixed meal counts
Pricing Strategy:
- Price AP lunch at 15-20% discount vs walk-in price
- Create "AP Upgrade" offer at check-in for MAP guests
- Bundle AP with experiences: "AP + Spa Package" or "AP + Boat Ride"
- Consider APAI variant to capture price-sensitive market
Operational Tips:
- Track meal pickup rates - if many AP guests skip lunch, reconsider pricing
- Offer packed lunch option for AP guests going on day trips
- Vary the menu daily to avoid guest fatigue on longer stays
- Consider meal vouchers for AP guests who want to try different on-site restaurants
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of AP in hotel?
AP stands for American Plan. It is a hotel rate plan that includes room accommodation along with all three meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
What does APAI mean in hotel booking?
APAI stands for "American Plan All Indian." It means your room comes with all three Indian-style meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets featuring Indian cuisine like dal, rice, rotis, curries, and regional specialties.
What meals are included in AP?
AP includes all three main meals: breakfast (usually 7-10:30 AM), lunch (12:30-3 PM), and dinner (7:30-10:30 PM). Some premium properties also include afternoon tea or snacks.
What is the difference between AP and Full Board?
AP (American Plan) and Full Board (FB) are exactly the same - both include room with all three meals. AP is the term used in India and America, while Full Board is used in European and international hotels.
Is AP same as All-Inclusive?
No, AP and All-Inclusive are different. AP includes meals only (breakfast, lunch, dinner). All-Inclusive (AI) includes meals PLUS unlimited drinks (often including alcohol), snacks throughout the day, and sometimes activities and entertainment. AI is more expensive than AP.
Can I get a refund if I skip a meal on AP?
No, meals on AP are prepaid and non-refundable if skipped. However, some hotels may offer a packed meal if you need to leave early or go on a day trip. Always ask the front desk about alternatives if you'll miss a meal.
Is AP worth the extra cost?
It depends on your travel style. AP offers great value if you're staying at a resort and want a hassle-free experience, especially in remote locations. For city stays or if you love exploring local food, MAP or CP may be better choices.
What is the difference between AP and MAP?
AP (American Plan) includes all three meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. MAP (Modified American Plan) includes only breakfast and dinner - lunch is not included. MAP is better if you'll be out during the day; AP is better for full resort stays.