I was at a hotel this weekend that had some of its 1930s stationary/letterhead on display. Along with a posted nightly rate of $14, there was the phrase “American plan.” What’s that?
-KXL
Usually, “American Plan” means that three meals are included in the payment rate (and that would make sense for $14 in the 1930s, when a room at the Ritz-Carlton, a top-of-the-line hotel in Manhattan, cost $7).
“Modified American Plan” means you get breakfast and dinner (this makes sense if you plan to be out during the day and don’t want to have to go back for lunch). “European Plan” (rarely used) meant no meals.
The modern equivalent ( in Europe anyway ) is " full board " - three meals and " half board " - Breakfast and dinner. Nowdays I have noticed that most holiday packages to the US from the UK are usually on a room-only basis, while holidays to Europe from the UK usually include the breakfast and sometimes a dinner as well.
In other words European hotels are on the American Plan, and American hotels are on the European Plan. 