Quick Answer: What is CP in Hotel?
CP = Continental Plan
A hotel rate plan that includes your room along with complimentary breakfast.
Room Accommodation
Breakfast
CP (Continental Plan) is the most popular meal plan for business travelers and short stays. It gives you a hassle-free start to your day with breakfast included, while leaving lunch and dinner flexible for your own plans.
The name "Continental Plan" originally referred to the light European-style breakfast (croissants, bread, coffee) that was common in continental Europe. Today, most Indian hotels offer a full buffet breakfast under CP, not just the light continental spread.
What's Included in CP?
When you book a hotel room on CP basis, you get:
- Room accommodation for the night
- Complimentary breakfast - usually buffet style
Note: Lunch and dinner are NOT included in CP. You pay separately for other meals or eat outside.
What's Typically Served for CP Breakfast?
Despite the name "Continental Plan," most Indian hotels serve a comprehensive breakfast buffet:
Typical CP Breakfast Timings
| Hotel Type | Weekday Timing | Weekend Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Business Hotels | 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM | 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
| Resorts | 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM | 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Budget Hotels | 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM | 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM |
CP Variants: CPAI
CPAI - Continental Plan All Indian
CPAI means your breakfast will be Indian cuisine only. Expect:
- South Indian items: Idli, dosa, vada, uttapam
- North Indian items: Poha, upma, parathas, chole
- Regional specialties based on location
- Indian beverages: Chai, filter coffee, lassi
Tip: CPAI is typically ₹50-100 cheaper than standard CP since continental items (eggs, bacon, imported cereals) are not included.
CP vs Other Meal Plans
| Plan | Meals Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| EP | None | Budget travelers, food explorers |
| CP | Breakfast only | Business trips, city stays, flexibility |
| MAP | Breakfast + Dinner | Resorts, vacations |
| AP | All 3 meals | All-inclusive, remote locations |
CP vs EP: Is Breakfast Worth It?
Let's do the math:
Example: Business Hotel in Bengaluru
EP (Room Only)
₹4,500/night
CP (Room + Breakfast)
₹5,000/night
CP Premium = Breakfast Cost
₹500
If the hotel restaurant charges ₹600-800 for walk-in breakfast, CP saves you money. But if you prefer grabbing a quick ₹100 breakfast from a nearby cafe, EP might be better value.
International Equivalent: Bed & Breakfast (BB)
When booking international hotels, CP is called Bed & Breakfast (BB). They're the same thing:
| Term | Used In | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| CP (Continental Plan) | India, Asia | Breakfast |
| BB (Bed & Breakfast) | Europe, UK, USA | Breakfast |
| B&B | Small inns, guesthouses | Breakfast |
Who Should Book CP?
CP is Perfect For:
- Business travelers: Start your day without worrying about finding breakfast spots
- Corporate bookings: Most companies reimburse CP as standard
- Early morning departures: Grab breakfast before your flight or meeting
- City hotels: Where you'll likely explore restaurants for lunch and dinner anyway
- Families with kids: Convenient morning meal without dressing up to go out
- First-time visitors: One less thing to figure out in a new city
CP May Not Be Ideal For:
- Late risers: If you'll miss the breakfast timing anyway
- Intermittent fasters: If you skip breakfast regularly
- Foodies: Who want to try local breakfast joints (street food, cafes)
- Budget travelers: If cheaper breakfast options exist nearby
Tips for Hoteliers: CP Revenue Strategy
Revenue Manager's Perspective: How to optimize CP for your property.
Why CP Should Be Your Primary Rate Plan:
- Best price-value perception: Guests feel they're getting something "free"
- Higher booking conversion: CP often converts better than EP on OTAs
- Predictable F&B revenue: Know your breakfast covers in advance
- Competitive edge: Many travelers filter for "breakfast included"
Pricing Strategy:
- Price CP breakfast at 20-30% less than walk-in buffet price
- Create clear value: If walk-in is ₹700, CP upgrade should be ₹450-500
- Offer CPAI variant at ₹50-100 less to capture price-sensitive segment
- Show "Breakfast Worth ₹700 Included" on your website
OTA Listing Tips:
- Always list CP as a separate rate plan - don't bundle silently
- Use photos of your breakfast spread in the gallery
- Mention cuisine type: "Includes multi-cuisine breakfast buffet"
- Highlight timing: "Breakfast served 7 AM - 10:30 AM"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of CP in hotel?
CP stands for Continental Plan. It is a hotel rate plan that includes room accommodation along with complimentary breakfast.
What does CP meal plan mean?
CP meal plan means your hotel booking includes breakfast with your room. You don't pay extra for breakfast - it's part of your room rate. Lunch and dinner are not included and must be paid separately.
What does CPAI mean in hotel booking?
CPAI stands for "Continental Plan All Indian." It means your complimentary breakfast will be Indian cuisine - items like idli, dosa, poha, parathas, and other regional breakfast dishes. Continental items like eggs, cereals, or bacon may not be available.
Is CP same as Bed and Breakfast?
Yes, CP (Continental Plan) and BB (Bed & Breakfast) are essentially the same - both include room accommodation plus complimentary breakfast. "BB" is more commonly used in European and international hotels, while "CP" is the standard term in India.
What is the difference between CP and MAP?
CP (Continental Plan) includes only breakfast, while MAP (Modified American Plan) includes both breakfast and dinner. Choose CP if you want flexibility for lunch and dinner; choose MAP if you want two meals sorted.
Can I skip breakfast if I'm on CP?
Yes, you can skip breakfast, but you won't get a refund or reduction. The breakfast is prepaid as part of your room rate. Some hotels may offer a packed breakfast if you need to leave early - ask the front desk.
Is CP breakfast buffet or set menu?
It varies by hotel. Most 3-star and above hotels offer buffet breakfast under CP. Budget hotels may offer a set menu or limited options. Always check with the hotel or read reviews to know what's included.
What time does CP breakfast end?
Typically, CP breakfast is served until 10:00-10:30 AM on weekdays and slightly later on weekends. Business hotels may start as early as 6:30 AM for early risers. Check with your specific hotel for exact timings.