What Is the Difference Between Half Board and Full Board?

In a full-board hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided to all guests. In a half-board hotel, the innkeeper serves breakfast and dinner, but guests are free to make their own arrangements for lunch. A bed and breakfast provides only the first meal of the day.

The term "board" refers to the table on which meals are eaten in the home or hotel. This is also the origin of the term "room and board," implying that both accommodations and food are provided to the lodger.