Quick Answer: What is MAP in Hotel?
MAP = Modified American Plan
A hotel rate plan that includes your room along with breakfast and dinner.
Room Accommodation
Breakfast
Dinner
MAP (Modified American Plan) is one of the most popular meal plans at resorts and vacation hotels. It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flexibility - you get two meals sorted while having the freedom to explore local food options for lunch.
The term "Modified American Plan" comes from the original "American Plan" (AP) which includes all three meals. MAP is the "modified" or reduced version with one less meal.
What's Included in MAP?
When you book a hotel room on MAP basis, you get:
- Room accommodation for the night
- Breakfast - usually buffet style, served in the morning
- Dinner - typically buffet or set menu, served in the evening
Note: Lunch is NOT included in MAP. You pay separately if you eat lunch at the hotel, or you can eat outside.
Typical MAP Meal Timings
| Meal | Typical Timing | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Buffet / A la carte |
| Dinner | 7:00 PM - 10:30 PM | Buffet / Set menu |
MAP Variants: MAPAI and MAPI
In Indian hotels, you'll often see variations of the standard MAP:
MAPAI - Modified American Plan All Indian
MAPAI means both breakfast and dinner will be Indian cuisine. Expect:
- Breakfast: Idli, dosa, poha, upma, parathas, chole bhature, South Indian items
- Dinner: Dal, rice, rotis, paneer dishes, vegetable curries, regional specialties
MAPI - Modified American Plan Indian
MAPI is essentially the same as MAPAI - just a shorter abbreviation. Both indicate Indian meals.
Tip: If you prefer continental or international cuisine, look for "MAP" without the "AI" suffix, or confirm the menu with the hotel before booking.
MAP 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, vacations, hill stations |
| AP | All 3 meals | All-inclusive, remote locations |
Why Choose MAP Over AP?
- Flexibility for lunch: Explore local restaurants, street food, or cafes
- Lower cost: MAP is cheaper than AP since one meal is excluded
- No food waste: If you're out sightseeing all day, you won't miss a prepaid lunch
MAP Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
MAP typically costs more than CP but less than AP. Here's a realistic example:
Example: 3-Star Resort in Mahabaleshwar
EP (Room Only)
₹3,500/night
CP (Room + Breakfast)
₹4,000/night
MAP (Room + Breakfast + Dinner)
₹5,200/night
AP (Room + All Meals)
₹6,500/night
Value Check: In this example, dinner alone would cost ₹1,200 if added to CP. If the hotel restaurant charges ₹800+ for dinner walk-in, MAP offers good value. Always compare before booking!
International Equivalent: Half Board (HB)
When booking international hotels (especially in Europe), MAP is called Half Board (HB). They're exactly the same:
| Term | Used In | Meals |
|---|---|---|
| MAP (Modified American Plan) | India, USA | Breakfast + Dinner |
| HB (Half Board) | Europe, UK, Cruises | Breakfast + Dinner |
| Demi-Pension | France | Breakfast + Dinner |
Who Should Book MAP?
MAP is Perfect For:
- Resort stays: When you want relaxed mornings and evenings at the property
- Hill station trips: Munnar, Ooty, Manali - where you're out exploring during the day
- Family vacations: Kids are sorted for breakfast and dinner, lunch is flexible
- Beach holidays: Goa, Kerala backwaters - enjoy local seafood for lunch!
- Honeymoon trips: Romantic dinners at the hotel, lunch at local spots
MAP May Not Be Ideal For:
- Business trips: You might have client dinners - CP is more flexible
- Foodies: If you want to try different restaurants for dinner too
- Short city stays: Better to have flexibility with EP or CP
Tips for Hoteliers: MAP Revenue Strategy
Revenue Manager's Perspective: How to optimize MAP for your property.
When to Push MAP:
- Resort properties: MAP should be your primary offering - guests expect it
- Remote locations: If few dining options exist nearby, MAP adds value
- Peak season: Bundle meals to increase ADR and F&B revenue
- Long weekends: Families prefer hassle-free meal plans
Pricing Strategy:
- Price MAP dinner at 15-20% discount vs walk-in restaurant price
- Create a visible "savings" when comparing EP + meals vs MAP
- Offer MAP upgrade at check-in for guests who booked EP/CP
OTA Listing Tips:
- Use clear descriptions: "MAP - Room with Breakfast & Dinner"
- Mention cuisine type: "MAPAI includes Indian buffet meals"
- Highlight value: "Save ₹500 vs ordering meals separately"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of MAP in hotel?
MAP stands for Modified American Plan. It is a hotel rate plan that includes room accommodation along with breakfast and dinner (two meals per day).
What does MAPAI mean in hotel booking?
MAPAI stands for "Modified American Plan All Indian." It means your room comes with Indian-style breakfast and dinner buffets, typically including dishes like dal, rice, rotis, curries, and regional Indian specialties.
Is lunch included in MAP?
No, lunch is NOT included in MAP. You only get breakfast and dinner. If you want all three meals included, you should book AP (American Plan) instead.
What is the difference between MAP and Half Board?
They are the same thing. MAP (Modified American Plan) is the term used in India and America, while Half Board (HB) is used in Europe and international hotels. Both include breakfast and dinner.
Can I skip a meal if I'm on MAP?
Yes, you can skip meals, but you won't get a refund or discount. The meals are prepaid as part of your room rate. Some hotels may offer a packed breakfast if you need to leave early - ask at the front desk.
Is MAP cheaper than AP?
Yes, MAP is cheaper than AP since it includes only two meals instead of three. If you don't plan to eat lunch at the hotel, MAP offers better value than AP.
What time is dinner served in MAP?
Dinner timings vary by hotel, but typically it's served between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM. Buffet timings are usually stricter than a la carte. Check with your hotel for exact timings.