When booking a hotel, travelers often come across different meal plans such as CP, EP, and the MAP Plan in Hotel. Among these, the MAP plan is quite popular since it usually covers both breakfast and dinner, making your stay more convenient and budget-friendly.”
If you’ve ever booked a hotel, you’ve probably seen confusing terms like EP, CP, MAP, or AP attached to your room options. Most of us just scroll past them without giving much thought, right? But these plans can actually change your whole travel experience.
One of the most popular among them is the CP Plan in hotel bookings. I’ve tried it myself on a couple of trips, and honestly, it’s a pretty practical option if you like flexibility. Let me explain what it means, what you get, and why you might want to choose it for your next stay.
What Does CP Plan in Hotel Mean?
The full form of CP Plan is Continental Plan.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- You get your room stay
- You get a complimentary breakfast (continental style)
And that’s it. Lunch and dinner are not included—you either pay separately for those or head out to explore local restaurants.
This setup is great because your mornings are sorted, but you still have the freedom to eat wherever you want later in the day.
What’s Usually in a Continental Breakfast?
When you hear “continental breakfast,” think of something light and simple, like what you’d find across Europe. Most hotels serve:
- Bread, toast, or croissants
- Butter, jam, or spreads
- Fresh fruits or juice
- Tea or coffee
- Cereals with milk
Now, depending on where you’re staying, hotels often add a local twist. For example, in India you might find parathas or idlis alongside the croissants, which is honestly the best of both worlds.
So yeah, you won’t get a heavy meal, but you’ll get a clean, fresh start to your day.
Facilities You Can Expect with CP Plan
Apart from breakfast, CP Plan in hotel bookings usually covers the basics you’d expect:
- A clean and comfortable room
- Daily housekeeping
- Wi-Fi (sometimes free, sometimes paid)
- Access to hotel facilities like the gym, pool, or lounge (depends on the property)
- Room service for other meals (charged separately)
Of course, the experience totally depends on the type of hotel. A 3-star budget hotel will keep it simple, while a luxury 5-star might give you an elaborate breakfast spread that feels more like brunch.
Why I Like CP Plan
Here’s why CP Plan has worked well for me and many other travelers:
- Breakfast is stress-free – No running around looking for food in the morning.
- It saves money – Complimentary breakfast means one less meal to pay for.
- Freedom for the rest of the day – You’re not tied to hotel dining. You can try street food, cafes, or local restaurants.
- Perfect for busy days – Whether you’re sightseeing or heading to meetings, you can grab breakfast quickly and leave.
- Good for families – Kids don’t have to wait for food in the morning—it’s already sorted.
CP Plan vs Other Meal Plans
If you’re wondering how CP compares to other options, here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- EP Plan (European Plan): Only the room, no meals.
- CP Plan (Continental Plan): Room + breakfast.
- MAP Plan (Modified American Plan): Room + breakfast + one major meal (either lunch or dinner).
- AP Plan (American Plan): Room + all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
👉 CP Plan sits right in the middle. Not too basic like EP, not too restrictive like AP.
Tips for Booking CP Plan in Hotel
If you’re planning to book CP Plan, here are a few things I’ve learned from experience:
- Always check the breakfast spread – Some hotels only give toast and coffee, while others have buffets.
- Check the location – If the hotel is near cafes or local food joints, CP Plan is perfect.
- Ask about extra meal prices – Lunch and dinner at the hotel can sometimes be pricey.
- Compare plans before booking – For longer stays, MAP or AP might actually save you money.
- Best for short stays – CP Plan works great for business trips or weekend getaways.
Who Should Choose CP Plan?
- Business travelers – Quick breakfast before meetings.
- Tourists – Start the day with breakfast, then explore local food later.
- Budget travelers – Free breakfast makes your stay more affordable.
- Families – Hassle-free mornings with kids.
Final Thoughts
The CP Plan in hotel bookings is honestly a sweet spot. You get a comfortable stay plus a complimentary breakfast every morning, which takes away one big hassle of traveling. At the same time, you’re free to explore different restaurants for the rest of your meals.
If you’re on a short trip, a business stay, or just someone who doesn’t want to think about breakfast every day, CP Plan is a fantastic choice. Next time you’re scrolling through hotel options, don’t ignore those little letters—CP Plan in hotel might just be exactly what you need.