When travelers book a hotel, they are usually most concerned with factors like room size, location and price. Although those things are important, there is a detail that often gets overlooked and could significantly impact your budget and comfort. That detail is the meal plan that comes with your stay. Out of all the available plans for hotel reservations, EP plan is one of the most desired options and it’s widely used by business class people and solo travellers due to their flexible nature.
In this EP plan in hotel guide, you will learn what the EP Plan is in hotel with a simple definition, when to choose it, how it stands against other available options like AP Plan in hotel and how Hotel Indraprastha type of hotels usually set up different kinds of plans for different guests.
What Is an EP Plan in Hotel?
The hotel EP plan is European Plan. Under this scheme, the hotel bills you only for the room stay. Note: Breakfast, lunch & dinner is not included in the room rate. Guests can also order food separately from the hotel restaurant and eat outside, whenever they like.
This plan allows for the freedom to set your own schedule and choose where and when to eat. Whether you love to explore the local cuisine, treat yourself from time to time or are on a tight budget and prefer to cook your own meals, the EP meal plan gives you total flexibility over your food and drink during your stay.
What Is the EP Plan in Hotel So Popular?
Hotel bookings with EP plan are commonly used since it caters to the travellers of today who prefer flexibility than packaged offers. Here’s why some guests choose this plan.
Clear and Simple Pricing
In an EP plan, you are charged just for the room. There is no dirtying of the food in the tariff. It’s a big help to travelers who don’t want to have to pay in advance for meals they might not eat.
Freedom to Explore Local Food
It is indeed likely that many of those who travel their do so in order to sample the local cuisine. The EP (European or Extended Plan) makes it simple to walk out and explore nearby cafes, restaurants salad bars, and street food wagons without fretting about wasted pre-paid meals at the hotel.
Perfect for Business Travelers
Business guests often have meetings, conferences or dinners elsewhere besides the hotel. The EP plan in hotel reservations prevents them from losing money on meals they would not partake.
Flexible Meal Timings
No need to worry about the hotel meal time, with the EP plan. Very handy for guests who are arriving late, leaving early or eating at strange times.
EP Plan vs AP Plan in Hotel: What is the Difference?
In order to select the correct plan one needs to first understand how EP plan is different from AP plan in the case of hotel reservations.
EP Plan in Hotel
- Includes only room accommodation
- Meals are paid for separately
- Great choice for those who like flexibility
- Typically comes with lowest starting price
AP Plan in Hotel
- Room, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included
- Perfect for people that want all meals provided
- Great for families and leisure travelers
- More convenient but less flexible
For hotel stays, the AP plan could be hassle-free and perfect for guests who like to have everything arranged. But for travelers who spend most of their time beyond the confines of the hotel, an EP plan frequently proves to be a more judicious choice.
Who (and when) should pick the EP plan in Hotel?
The EP plan is most useful for particular kinds of travelers.
Solo Travelers
If you are someone who likes to wander around the city and eat where ever your heart desires, hotel bookings with EP plan is best option as it will provide total freedom.
Business Professionals
With meetings, travel plans and client dinners, business travelers appreciate the opportunity to pay for the room rather than unused meals.
Budget Conscious Travelers
Meals are optional, this allows the traveler, to manage their daily costs and selection of food that fits their budget.
Short Stay Guests
Paying extra for board on a one or two night break may not be cost effective. The EP plan is a simple, cost-effective approach.
When Does the AP Plan in Hotel Make More Sense?
While the EP plan in hotel reservations gives you flexibility, there may be instances when the AP plan proves to be an ideal option.
Families with kids generally like set meal times. Those staying at resorts or in homes away from the city may not find as many options for meals outside. Visitors who are seeking to unwind and enjoy a carefree stay often select the AP plan when booking at hotels. It may also be more convenient for old guests to have foods cooked and served from the hotel.
Your reason for traveling is a big factor in determining which plan is right for you.
EP Plan With Hotel Pricing: What to Expect
Most important, an EP plan is typically how a hotel will price itself. Because meals are not included, the price for a room is cheaper than the rate of other plans. But guests should take into account a couple of things.
Food ordered at the hotel restaurant will be billed separately. Room service and taxes on food bills could add to the cost. If you dine only at the hotel, a plan in hotel reservations AP can, however be cheaper sometimes.
One such hotel is Hotel Indraprastha, with the most transparent pricing you can immediately see and compare the plans side by side before making a choice.
EP Plan at Hotel Indraprastha
The EP or the European Plan is an offering used by many popular properties like Hotel Indraprastha that provide this service to cater to all the needs. With this plan, rooms are comfortable, the environment is clean and guests who have this package can eat where they want.
Hotel Indraprastha also offers cookery facilities for EP customers who prefer home-cooked food. Because of this freedom the EP plan is popular for business people, visitors staying short-term and tourists visiting the city.
How to Maximize an EP Plan in a Hotel
If you’ve selected the EP plan, a bit of planning can make your stay even better.
Check local restaurants before you arrive so you know where to eat. Ask the hotel for their restaurant menu and prices if you plan to eat there. Some hotels provide reasonable breakfast add-ons for EP guests. You can also try loosely tracking your food budget, for an easy way to control spending.
Misconceptions Associated with the EP Plan in Hotel
A lot of people have misguided notions about the EP plan.
Some believe EP guests can’t dine at the hotel, when in fact they can. You can order food at any time, paying separately. Some people are convinced that the EP plan is always less expensive, but this all depends on how much and where you typically eat at the hotel. Yet the common myth is that EP plans are available only in budget properties, which is incorrect as many star hotels also offer this plan.
Final Thoughts
The EP booking plan in hotels is freedom, flexibility and smart spending. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy playing with their schedule, discovering local food and paying only for what they use. Considering the AP plan available at hotels, it’s obvious that depending on how you travel, one of these is better than the other.
Hotels like Hotel Indraprastha know that each guest has different requirements and, hence, offer a variety of plans to best serve varying needs. Consider your itinerary, dining habits and budget before booking. Saving money isn’t all there is to picking the right hotel plan — it’s about traveling smarter and making your stay more comfortable.