Many tourists, before going on vacation, look at the offers of various hotels and encounter incomprehensible abbreviations of food forms. And often they ask themselves: “What does RO nutrition mean?” Which is not surprising, because the proposals with this designation are the most profitable.
What is RO nutrition?
The abbreviation “RO” stands for Room Only, which means “only a room”. It follows that the hotel offers room service only, and meals are completely excluded. The hotel probably lacks a kitchen. Or the hotel has its own cafes and restaurants, but you can eat there only at your own expense. In addition, no one guarantees you availability in them, especially during peak hours. The hotel completely relieves itself of the obligation to provide a free
catering service
, which means: RO
catering is an independent concern for your diet.
A number of other notations may also have a similar meaning, for example, OB (Only Bed) or AO (Accommodation Only). For a correct understanding of all abbreviations encountered, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with their decoding.
Hotel Food System
RO power system | Room only | Lack of power |
Power supply system | Only bed |
NA Power System | Not available |
AO Power System | Accommodation only |
EP Power System | European plan |
BB power system | Bed & breakfast | One-time food. Breakfast only |
BT power system | Breakfast & therapy | Disposable food and care. Breakfast and treatments |
HB power system | Half board | Two meals a day. Breakfast and dinner |
HB + Power System | Half board plus | Two meals a day with drinks. Breakfast, dinner, and local spirits |
HBT Power System | Half board & therapy | Two meals a day and care. Breakfast, dinner and treatments |
FB power system | Full board | Three meals a day. Breakfast lunch and dinner |
AP Power System | American plan |
AI power system | All inclusive | Three meals a day and drinks. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and local spirits |
FB + Power System | Full board plus |
UAI Power System
| Ultra All Inclusive | Three meals a day and any drinks. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, local and imported spirits |
FBT Power System | Full board & therapy | Three meals a day and care. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and treatments |
There are also various breakfast signs that are also worth knowing. And to deal with all the tricks is even before the trip. Otherwise, you may be disappointed with a too meager set of products, as, for example, with a continental breakfast. Or, conversely, you don't need a hearty breakfast if you are used to drinking only a cup of coffee in the morning.
Types of breakfast in hotels
So, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the information, which will subsequently be useful to you repeatedly.
CB - Continental Breakfast | Continental breakfast | Drinks: tea or coffee, juice. Food: buns, toasts or croissants. Additionally: butter, honey or jam. May include: boiled egg, cereal, fruit, cheese, yogurt, milk. |
AB - English breakfast | American breakfast | Drinks: tea or coffee, juice. Food: fried eggs of two eggs to choose from (fried eggs, talkers, poached or scrambled eggs), bacon, sausages or sausage, beans in tomato, tomato, fried champignons, 2 toasts. Additionally: butter, honey, jam. |
UAI - Buffet | Ultra all inclusive | Drinks: tea, coffee, milk, juice. Food: scrambled eggs or scrambled eggs, cereal, bacon, sausages, oatmeal, pastries, cold dishes, fresh vegetables and fruits, toasts. Additionally: butter, honey, jam. |
It should be borne in mind that different hotels in different countries have their own food system rules. The diet of the menu, the quantity and quality of dishes, as well as drinks can vary significantly. Therefore, you will find out specific information only if you contact the hotel. As a last resort, check out their website.
Pros RO
An RO system is a type of power supply that has both advantages and disadvantages. The positive aspects include the fact that during the holidays we can visit various cafes and restaurants of the city, and not just one hotel. And each time you are free to choose the time of visiting this or that institution, you can order any dish you like, which is not always possible with meals included in the price. Often, buffet work is limited in time, for example, breakfast is only from 8 to 10 in the morning. If you are used to getting up later, then you will remain hungry. In the case of RO this does not happen, you do not have to change your schedule and preferences. In addition, there will be more opportunities to get to know the local cuisine. After all, at the buffet tables, as a rule, there are exclusively classic European dishes.
Cons of RO
RO nutrition has several disadvantages. The concern for daily food rests only on your shoulders. This is not very convenient for those who do not like to actively seek food, starting in the morning. In addition, in some cities and countries it is not so easy to find an open cafe at 9 a.m. Also, a separate meal, most likely, will cost you much more than the included in the price of the permit. And if you do not have too much stock of available funds with you, you run the risk of not fitting into the budget. If you are planning a calm, measured vacation, without surprises and unnecessary expenses, then it is better not to risk it and choose a hotel that offers food that is already included in the price.
Who should use the RO power system?
The lack of power is perfect for short and very active trips, when you initially plan to walk a lot and get to know the city as best as possible. This is the best way to get acquainted not only with local cuisine, but also with the national flavor, and maybe even some customs. You will have more opportunities to take beautiful and original photographs. You can rest assured that after such a holiday you will definitely not feel that you have missed something. On the other hand, if you are terribly exhausted for a working year, and stable three meals a day, a pool and a bar counter at your side are all that you need, then there is no point in spoiling your vacation by constantly searching for inexpensive and high-quality restaurants. You are not insured that the local cuisine is not suitable for you.
Also , the RO power system is suitable for business trips and professional congresses, teambuildings or conferences. In this case, the professional reason for the meeting can remove the host's concerns about the nutrition of the participants.