Let’s Talk All Inclusive Value
“All inclusive resorts are too expensive.”
Whenever someone tells me that all-inclusive resorts are too expensive, my immediate reaction is usually… what do you mean?
Because when you look at the price of an all-inclusive vacation, you’re not just looking at the cost of a hotel room. You’re looking at your accommodations, food, drinks, snacks, entertainment, activities and, depending on how your vacation is packaged, possibly even your transportation between the airport and resort.
Basically, most of the important things you need to survive your vacation are already accounted for.
And I think that’s where people get tripped up.
They see the total price of an all-inclusive vacation and compare it to the price of a hotel somewhere else. But that’s not really a fair comparison. You have to compare the total cost of the vacation.
Because that hotel might look cheaper until you start adding everything else.
The Number People Forget
The Hotel Price Isn’t the Vacation Price
Let’s say you’re planning a trip somewhere in the United States.
You find a hotel and think, Okay, this isn’t bad.
But now we need breakfast. And lunch. And dinner. And drinks. And snacks. And parking. And possibly a resort fee. And whatever you’re doing for entertainment while you’re there.
Those expenses can add up SO quickly, especially if you’re traveling as a family or you’re a big eater like me.
That doesn’t automatically mean an all-inclusive resort will always be cheaper. It depends on the destination, resort, length of stay and how you personally travel.
But I do think people underestimate how much they spend once they’re actually on vacation.
With an all-inclusive, a huge portion of that spending has already happened before you leave home.
And there’s something really nice about that.
What Your Vacation Price Covers
So What Are You Actually Paying For at an All-Inclusive?
This is where all-inclusive resorts can offer a lot more value than people realize.
At many resorts, your meals are included throughout your stay. That means breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus snacks throughout the day. Your alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are generally included, too.
Your minibar? Usually included and replenished.
And yes, at many resorts, room service is still included.
That last one is important because there is something absolutely wonderful about ordering food to your room after a long travel day, eating breakfast on your balcony or deciding that you simply do not feel like leaving your swim-out suite.
But the inclusions don’t stop at food and drinks.
Depending on the resort, you may also find activities like painting classes, tequila tastings, fitness classes, non-motorized water activities, poolside entertainment and nightly shows included in your stay.
You could theoretically spend several days at your resort without needing to spend much additional money at all.
Notice I said could.
Because we need to talk about the fine print.
“All-inclusive does not mean every single thing at the resort is included.”Every resort is different
Read the Fine Print
“All-Inclusive” Does Not Mean Literally Everything Is Included
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions I see.
Every resort is different.
I cannot stress that enough.
Just because two properties both call themselves all-inclusive does not mean they include the exact same things.
There are certain extras you can generally expect to pay for. Spa treatments are usually additional. Excursions outside the resort are additional. Gift shops and onsite convenience stores are obviously going to cost you, too.
And please do yourself a favor and pack enough sunscreen because resort gift-shop sunscreen prices can hurt your feelings.
You’ll also commonly see resorts offering premium bottles of wine or other upgraded dining experiences for an additional charge.
Some resorts even have specialty restaurants that aren’t part of the standard all-inclusive package. At Live Aqua Cancun, for example, Carnivore is a specialty dining experience available at an additional cost.
Room service is another one you need to watch.
At many resorts, it is included. Others may charge a flat delivery fee or a per-plate fee.
This is why I always say you need to know what your specific resort includes before you book it.
Don’t assume.
Because finding out after you arrive is a really quick way to start your vacation annoyed.
One of my favorite parts of an all-inclusive? Dinner is a decision, not a chore.
The Adult Luxury Nobody Talks About
My Favorite Part? I DON’T HAVE TO COOK.
Listen.
There are beautiful pools. There are beaches. There are swim-up bars. There are gorgeous rooms.
But do you know what I really appreciate as an adult?
Nobody is asking me what we’re having for dinner.
I don’t have to cook it. I don’t have to grocery shop for it. I don’t have to clean it up. And when the meal is over, nobody drops a giant bill on the table that I have to think about.
My biggest concern is basically: What do I feel like eating tonight?
Italian? Asian? French? Steak? Seafood?
Do I want dessert from one restaurant and then somehow find myself ordering room service later because vacation calories don’t count?
These are the kinds of problems I want to have on vacation.
“The cheapest resort and the best-value resort are not always the same resort.”
Price vs. Value
But Aren’t All All-Inclusive Resorts Basically the Same?
Absolutely not.
And this is where the phrase “you get what you pay for” can become very real.
You might find an all-inclusive resort for $1,500 for four nights and think you found an incredible deal.
And maybe you did!
Or maybe you arrive and discover that every restaurant requires reservations, the reservations you want are already full, room service costs extra, the food is mediocre and the drinks taste like cough syrup.
Meanwhile, another resort might cost more upfront but offer better-quality food, better drinks, more dining flexibility, included room service, better service, nicer accommodations and fewer restrictions.
That’s why I don’t like choosing resorts based entirely on which one has the lowest price.
I want to know what you’re actually getting for that price.
Two resorts can both call themselves all-inclusive while delivering very different experiences.
Spend Smarter
Sometimes Spending More Upfront Gives You More Value
Sometimes spending a little more upfront gives you a dramatically better vacation experience.
And sometimes choosing the cheapest option ends up costing you more anyway because you start paying for things you assumed would be included.
This is why I want travelers to stop looking at the price tag in isolation.
A lower price doesn’t automatically mean you found a better deal. A higher price doesn’t automatically mean the resort is worth it either.
You have to look at the complete experience you’re getting for the money you’re spending.
Yes, Even If You Don’t Drink
“But I Don’t Drink. Is an All-Inclusive Still Worth It?”
I hear this one a lot.
I’ve even had clients ask whether their price can be cheaper because they don’t drink alcohol.
The answer is no—but that doesn’t mean you’re paying for something you can’t enjoy.
People tend to associate all-inclusive resorts with unlimited margaritas and frozen drinks, but beverages are only one piece of the experience. And even within the beverage category, alcohol isn’t your only option.
Mocktails have come a LONG way.
You can have frozen drinks without alcohol, smoothies, juices, sodas, specialty coffees, milkshakes and all kinds of other options depending on the resort.
Many resorts can also remove alcohol from your minibar if you request it ahead of time and replace it with additional sodas, juices or other non-alcoholic options. I’ve even seen sparkling cider available at certain properties.
So whether you simply don’t drink, you’re sober or in recovery, or alcohol just isn’t an important part of your vacation, that does not automatically mean an all-inclusive isn’t for you.
You’re still eating. You’re still using the pools. You’re still enjoying the beach. You’re still participating in activities. You’re still watching the entertainment.
And you’re still enjoying the convenience of having so much of your vacation included in one price.
Who Benefits Most?
Almost Anyone Can Get Value From the Right All-Inclusive
Personally, I think almost anyone can get value from an all-inclusive if they’re staying at the right resort.
Families
If you have multiple kids, not having to pull out your wallet every single time someone announces they’re hungry can be a HUGE benefit.
And if you find a resort or promotion where kids stay discounted—or even free—the value can get even better.
Honeymooners
You just spent months making decisions about venues, flowers, seating charts, vendors, timelines and approximately 9,482 other wedding details.
You know what you should be deciding on your honeymoon?
Pool or beach.
That’s about it.
Destination Wedding Groups
Destination wedding groups benefit because everyone is staying in one place and so much of the guest experience is built right into the resort.
Your guests can eat, drink, relax and spend time together without everyone constantly trying to coordinate where they’re going next.
Couples and Friend Groups
And for couples, friend groups or adults who just want to disappear for five days and sit beside a pool?
This is your environment.
When Cheap Stops Feeling Cheap
When Choosing the Cheapest Resort Goes Wrong
I’ve seen people choose resorts based almost entirely on the price tag and realize after they arrive that they didn’t actually book the experience they thought they were getting.
Maybe certain restaurants cost extra. Maybe reservations are required and everything is booked. Maybe room service isn’t included.
Maybe the food isn’t great.
Maybe the drinks aren’t great.
Or maybe that gorgeous beach they saw online isn’t exactly… beaching.
And now they’re standing there thinking, Wait. I thought this was all-inclusive.
Technically, it is.
But again: all-inclusive is a category, not a guarantee that every resort offers the same experience.
This is exactly why researching the actual resort matters just as much as researching the destination.
About the Author
Meet Melissa
Hi, I’m Melissa, a Travel Advisor and the founder of Beyond the Wedding Travels and Destination Brides Club.
I specialize in all-inclusive vacations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, including destination weddings, honeymoons, bachelorette getaways and adult-only escapes.
My job isn’t to send you 500 resorts and hope one works. I help travelers understand the differences between resorts so they can choose the property that actually fits their budget, travel style and the experience they want.
Because the cheapest resort isn’t always the best value—and the most expensive resort isn’t automatically the right one either.
The Real Question
So… Are All-Inclusive Resorts Actually Worth It?
For me, an all-inclusive resort is worth it when you want to go on vacation and actually relax.
You don’t want to cook. You don’t want to plan every meal. You don’t want to constantly pull out your wallet. You don’t want to spend half your vacation calculating how much money you’ve already spent.
You want to wake up, decide whether you’re going to the pool or beach, figure out where you’re eating and enjoy yourself.
If you’re looking at the price of an all-inclusive vacation right now thinking, There is no way I’m spending that much for five nights in Mexico or the Caribbean, I want you to do one thing before you write it off.
Calculate the other vacation.
Not just the hotel.
The whole vacation.
Add your accommodations. Add breakfast. Add lunch. Add dinner. Add snacks. Add coffee. Add drinks or mocktails. Add parking. Add resort fees. Add entertainment.
Then compare the two totals.
Find the Right Resort for You
Don’t Just Look for the Cheapest Price. Look for the Best Value.
The right all-inclusive should fit your budget, your travel style and the kind of vacation you actually want. If Mexico or the Caribbean is calling your name, let’s find the resort that makes sense for you.