Are all-Inclusive Resorts Really Worth It?
All-inclusive resorts are extremely popular across many vacation destinations. But why? What do you get with your all-inclusive vacation? What exactly is covered during your stay? Is it worth it compared to other accommodations? Well, keep reading to get all your questions answered!
There may be many names out there for the same concept, some hotel chains may add or substitute some services and amenities however, most of them will include at least a few of the following elements in their rates to be considered all-inclusive resorts:
Room
When purchasing an all-inclusive package, you are entitled to the room category that you booked. The rate per night depends a lot on the category you choose and the number of guests who will stay in the same room.
Booking a higher level accommodation will cost more money, but will certainly provide you upgraded bath amenities, much larger suites, better views, and other perks.
Taxes
In some destinations, taxes are prepaid before arrival. In the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, home of Cancun, Tulum, and other gems there are two taxes guests have to pay during their trip.
Sanitation Tax is meant to fund the protection of the ecosystem and to remove the seaweed from the beach. The amount varies according to the room type you book, approximately you will be spending $2.7 USD to $7 USD per room per night (depending on the exchange rate). It must be paid directly at your resort.
There is also VISITAX, a $10 USD fee charged to non-Mexican visitors over 15 years old. You can learn more and PAY YOUR VISITAX HERE. You can do it directly at the airport while waiting for your bags or clearing customs.
Minibar
A key component of an all-inclusive vacation is the minibar. How nice it is to satisfy a midnight chocolate craving, right? Or be able to have your morning espresso covered in a plush bathrobe, watching the sunrise from your balcony? Heaven!
According to each resort, minibars can be as simple as a few bottles of water, different sodas, and some beers, or as well-stocked with local snacks, premium chocolates, chips, top-shelf liquors, and specialty coffees and teas.
Make sure you confirm during check-in if the minibar is included, to avoid any surprises on your way out!
Food and Drinks
All-inclusive resorts provide several culinary options to ensure your taste buds are pleased! With buffets and gourmet, more formal concepts. Some upscale resort brands may also offer 24-hour coffee shops and room service.
It’s almost guaranteed you will never get bored with all the many restaurants and delicious dishes to try.
Whether you are having a dip at the pool, lounging at the beach, or waiting for your dinner table, bars and servers will be available to offer you an ice-cold beer or a tropical cocktail for those Caribbean days.
Items on the menu like lobster, prime meat cuts, imported liquors, or vintage wines can have a surcharge, ask your server before he pours that Chateau Petrus in your glass!
Activities and Entertainment
All-inclusive resorts take entertainment very seriously. They make sure to fill your day with many activities, such as aqua aerobics, beach volleyball, cooking lessons, Spanish lessons, tequila tastings, kayak, snorkel tours, and many more…
There may be some activities that require a supplemental fee, but even if you don’t pay for that, there will still be plenty of free adventures to join.
Also, state-of-the-art fitness centers, personal trainers, and health coaches are pretty standard amenities. No excuses, you can keep your fitness routine right on track.
There’s a whole different story for the evenings, where infinity pools become live performance stages, theatres open their curtains for Vegas-style shows and lobby bars fill with live music, bands, and trivia games.
Night-owls will be pleased to know some resorts offer movies under the stars, nightclubs open until late at night, karaoke contests, or trendy activities like silent parties. You’ll find as much or as little to do during your all-inclusive vacation. It’s your choice!
Kids
Resorts take special care of the young ones. Board games, treasure hunts, and crafts are a few of the supervised activities they organize, sometimes you have a whole water park for you!…the not-so-little kids can find video games, virtual reality experiences, sports matches, and much more.
Most kid clubs’ schedules operate so you have time for an adults-only dinner, while the kids are having fun. Imagine what you’ll save in nanny fees.
Others
This is where brands and hotel chains get really creative, providing special services and accommodations aimed to anticipate your needs, these conveniences consist of:
- Free transportation from and to the airport
- Green fees at on-site or nearby golf courses
- Use of Spa hydrotherapy areas or a massage
- Welcome bottle of sparkling wine
Just some of the added touches you could find during your next all-inclusive vacation. Are you ready to start planning your next stay? Contact us.
Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities to the staff are included. So you don’t have to worry about carrying around your purse or wallet and risking forgetting it by the pool or restaurant.
Should I give an extra tip? Maybe. Although it’s not mandatory, it is customary to tip the beach waiter that kept refilling your drinks without even asking, the room attendant that carefully tidied your entire suite in mere minutes, or the spa therapist that brought you back to life with a glorious massage.
You may not see it, but even a small tip to those deserving hard-working staff can really go a long way!
So, are all-inclusive resorts really worth it?
If your idea of a vacation is being in a nice place with a beautiful beach, day and night fun, mimosas for breakfast, all-you-can-eat fish tacos, beers at the beach, and nice dinners. Then definitely YES!
Couples and families will find vacation planning is a breeze when hotel staff is available to book dinners, and activities and keep you entertained from sunrise to sunset. Since you already love all-inclusive resorts, why not get married at one? Read 10 reasons to have a destination wedding.
Work with a travel agent, they can lead you to the best property according to your personality, interests, and budget, but most importantly, they can save you headaches and thousands of dollars, so you can truly rest in paradise. Travel agents are your friends! #HappyTravels
