All-inclusive resorts can be a relaxing and convenient way to vacation. But before booking your next all-inclusive getaway, consider these 5 things to determine if an all-inclusive resort is the right type of resort for you.
Food and Drink
Pros
The best thing about all-inclusive resorts is that you always have access to food and drinks. AND, it’s included in the price you pay for your reservation. Most all-inclusive resorts that I’ve been to have a breakfast and lunch buffet, multiple restaurant options for dinner, and multiple bar and grills that stay open for most of the day and night to satisfy those random food cravings. Most resorts even have people serve you on the beach! If all else fails, room service (and mini bar!) is included in the cost of your room as well.
Cons
You get what you pay for! There are tons of deals on the internet that tout all-inclusive getaways at amazingly low prices. However, remember that the lower end all-inclusive resorts generally have way fewer options, poor quality food, and bottom shelf drinks. I wouldn’t bother staying at any all-inclusive resort that is rated less than 4 stars.
Another thing to note is that although most of the higher end all-inclusives have lots of different food options, such as Japanese, Italian, “American”, etc, the resort more than likely will not have a ton of options for local cuisine. They may have a local themed meal here and there, but do not go to an all-inclusive thinking you’re going to experience real local food.
Resort Activities and Services
Pros
Most all-inclusive resorts have daily events and activities. From early in the morning until late in the afternoon, guests can participate in activities such as yoga, water aerobics, beach volleyball, and snorkeling, all included in the price of your room. There is often some type of performance or event most evenings, and most resorts have a club or disco for the guests to visit.
Also available are spa services, motorized water sports, such as catamaran rides, jet skiing, parasailing, etc.
Cons
Make sure you know what activities are included in the cost of your reservation before you leave! In my experience, most fitness classes, beach activities, and non-motorized water sports are included in the price of your room. Other services such as spa services, motorized water sports and excursions cost an additional fee. In most cases, they are worth it, but keep that in mind when planning your trip.
Overall Experience
Pros
What you are paying for when you book an all-inclusive is convenience. You pay one price, and don’t have to worry about where to get food, drinks, or most activities. This takes a lot of stress off of planning the trip. It also helps you stay within your budget, because you already know what you’ll have to pay up front for food and drink.
Cons
If you want to get a feel for the local food and culture, you may want to think twice about booking an all inclusive. Most of the time, you can save money by booking at a regular hotel and find your food, drink and entertainment yourself.
All-inclusives, while convenient, do not really lend themselves to learning about the local culture and people. The instinct is to think about how you’ve already paid for your food and drink up front, so why go out and spend more money out in town?
Before you book all-inclusive, think about what kind of experience you want at this destination. If you just want to spend the week lounging on the beach with a drink and good food, then the all-inclusive is all you. If you want to explore and experience the local culture and food, you may want to consider booking at a regular hotel or an Airbnb.
Thanks for your honesty! Never booked an all inclusive but it is tempting. Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks! All-inclusive resorts definitely have their place, but you definitely have to think about what you want out of the trip.
Excellent points here! I stayed all-inclusive in Cabo San Lucas and in Fiji, and I totally agree… you get what you pay for. In Fiji at least most resorts made an effort to immerse you in their culture, but it still felt a little bit like a performance. Great post!
Where did you stay in Fiji?? I saw a couple that I thought looked really good, but I chickened out. I was going solo and got nervous about going so far alone and being disappointed.
Completely agree with this list. Must admit, not a huge fan of all inclusive resorts!
This is great as I’ve been thinking about this lately and have never been to an all-inclusive resort. Would like to experience it at least one time.
All-inclusive resorts have never been for me. We’ve had some less-than-pleasant experiences, and I would second what you say about getting what you pay for. We are however, looking into something for a multi-generational trip, and I think an all-inclusive vacation would make sense.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve only stayed in an all-inclusive resort once, and I think we really lucked out because we had a great experience but did very little research/planning before deciding to stay there. Will consider these factors before I book my next all-inclusive stay!
These are good tips, especially if you are about to spend good money!
I found few all inclusive deals which are worth to get again. I love the convenience of it but I guess, I still prefer doing it by my own and somehow personalised the things to do.
Appreciate this honest post! I love making pros and cons so it was very appreciated haha. I have yet to stay at an all-inclusive resort but I’d definitely consider it!
Great summation! We generally share a love hate relationship with All inclusive resorts because they are so impersonal and we always have to make do what is on offer. Although we’ve encountered some brilliant resorts in Mauritius but judging from all the reviews we’ve seen, such resorts are few and far in between