All-Inclusive Resorts: 5 Pros and Cons to Consider

Over the years, we’ve taken numerous getaways to all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Central America. From the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba and Mexico to Panama and Costa Rica, these vacation options worked for us at the time, and we took them frequently. During these trips, we made great friends and enjoyed numerous adventures that will last a lifetime.

The popularity of all-inclusive resorts has skyrocketed in recent years. When you have limited time off, you want to make the most of it. These types of holidays offer a great mix of value and convenience, particularly for budget-conscious travellers. But, they have also gotten a lot of criticism lately. Should you choose this travel style for your next trip? Here are some pros and cons to consider.

What are all-inclusive resorts about?

All-inclusive resorts offer comprehensive packages that cover most of your major expenses upfront. This price typically includes your room, meals, drinks and many activities. Unlike regular hotels, where you pay additional fees for each service separately, all-inclusive hotels bundle everything together.

These are typically beachfront resorts located in popular tropical destinations, such as the Caribbean and Central America. Think places like Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic or Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Many of these resorts cater to different groups – some welcome families while others are adults-only.

What does an all-inclusive vacation mean?

When you book an inclusive resort vacation, you’re choosing a stress-free getaway where most things are handled for you. The inclusive experience means you don’t need to worry about finding local restaurants or budgeting for every meal and drink.

Your resort stay includes access to pools, beaches, restaurants, bars, and various forms of entertainment. Many resorts offer a variety of activities, including water sports, dance classes and live music, as part of their all-inclusive packages. Some might have a water park, hot tub and kids club for families.

The pros of all-inclusive resorts

There is no denying that all-inclusive resorts offer numerous benefits, making them a great option for many travellers.

They offer great value for money

One of the reasons we often went on inclusive vacations was that they were very cost-effective. We were limited by vacation days and funds, so this was a great way to get away without breaking the bank. It was also cheaper for us to get a week-long package deal to fly south than it was to travel across Canada or go to Europe.

Many vacation packages include flights, transportation to and from the resort, food, drinks and resort entertainment. The companies offering these deals do so in bulk, making it easy to get great deals. You don’t have to spend time figuring out how to get to where you’re staying from the airport and risk getting ripped off by a shady cab driver.

Once you’re at the resort, you can simply enjoy the amenities and focus on relaxation. You also don’t have to worry about procuring your food as there are plenty of choices available at the various restaurants, buffets and snack bars at the resorts.

If you’re a big eater, this inclusive option works exceptionally well. The same goes for drinks. If you like to enjoy an alcoholic beverage or a few on your next vacation, you know that this can get pricey. At the all-inclusive resorts, beverages are included. Always a good bonus when you’re trying to stay on budget.

They prioritize convenience

All-inclusive vacations are all about convenience. From the moment you get to your resort, everything is done for you. Want to lounge by the pool or snooze on the beach? Lounge chairs, umbrellas and towels are provided by the hotel and you don’t even have to get up to get your own drinks.

Someone else prepares your food and drinks, cleans your room and provides clean towels. For many, that alone is a rewarding break from their daily grind. You are there, after all, to relax and unwind. All resorts offer a varying degree of services for you to enjoy. You can go for a workout at the gym, enjoy a massage at the spa or get your hair done. Spa treatments are often available, though sometimes at additional cost.

Want to get off the resort and explore? There are always numerous excursions available that fit every taste. Whether you want to go ziplining or enjoy a sunset cruise with your partner, you can book that at the resort and then show up on the day of the adventure.

You can easily make new friends

While every vacation offers an opportunity to make new friends, at all-inclusive resorts, you are even more likely to do so. By spending time in close proximity to others for an extended amount of time, you’re more likely to bump into different people who jive with you than you would by yourself in a foreign city. We were lucky to meet many great people during our stays at all-inclusive resorts. Some of those people became very close friends with whom we have travelled to other destinations.

Resorts are great for socializing with other travellers. Whether you’re travelling with friends, your special someone or on a family vacation, you can easily connect with other resort guests. Friendships formed during travels are often with people you wouldn’t necessarily encounter if you hadn’t ventured away. Even if those people live in the same city as you.

There is something there for everyone

Just like cruise ships, inclusive vacations offer a variety of entertainment options for guests. Some resorts cater to families with kids by providing on-site kids clubs and child-friendly amenities that make it easier for parents to relax. Your kids are likely to make new friends as they play, while you can take a breather. Many resorts offer 24-hour room service and water parks for the entire family.

No kids? There are adults-only resorts that cater to couples and adults without kids. Be sure to read the fine print to ensure that the resort meets your expectations. You might want an adults-only resort while vacationing with your friends, or you might be looking for one geared towards couples and singles hooking up with others. There is a resort out there with your name on it, no matter what you’re into.

Great option for first-time travellers

All-inclusive resorts are great for first-time travellers and those feeling overwhelmed about planning a vacation. This is a great way to get your travel feet wet since everything is done for you. All you have to do is pick your dates, select your destination and book. Your vacation awaits.

Resorts come in many different shapes and sizes, depending on the country you select. You could go to a very exclusive, five-star hotel with all the bells and whistles, or opt for a large, family-friendly resort that caters to a variety of travellers. The prices of inclusive vacations also vary depending on when you plan to travel, so be sure to keep an eye out for deals and offers. Different price points make this vacation option accessible to a range of budgets.

The cons of all-inclusive resorts

As with everything else, there are two sides to everything. While inclusive resorts offer numerous advantages, they also have several drawbacks that can deter some travellers from this type of vacation. Keep in mind that not all inclusive resorts are made equal. The country you travel to, the type of hotel you stay at and when you travel all play a factor in your experience.

Not everything is always included

Always read the fine print. Even all-inclusive resorts might have additional costs for certain services or products. Your resort may have specialty restaurants that are not included in your package and require a separate payment for dining there. The same goes for alcohol. If you like top-shelf liquor, you might have to pay extra for the brand you want instead of the standard brand used in the bar.

If you prefer not to disconnect while travelling, check the hotel’s WiFi access and availability. Your resort may only offer WiFi connections in select hotspots in public areas or charge an additional fee for its use. Do research before you book to avoid unexpected costs and frustration.

Depending on your package and resort, you might have to pay for the premium services (think spas or treatments). The same applies to excursions and experiences offered by the hotels. These are often considered as extras. All these unexpected costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful.

They can feel less authentic

Many all-inclusive resorts cater to tourists from North America and Europe. They cater their menus to appeal to guests, which means you’re not getting an authentic local cuisine experience. The quality of food, especially at the buffets, can suffer because it’s often prepared in large quantities and is intended for as many people as possible.

Many all-inclusive resorts are often situated in secluded parts of the island, making it challenging to explore local culture and connect with the local people. By not leaving the resort, you miss out on trying new foods from local restaurants and experiencing more authentic experiences with the local community. This can make your trip feel less connected to the actual destination you’re visiting.

They are not sustainable

One of the biggest issues I have with all-inclusive resorts (this also applies to cruises) is their lack of sustainability. Drinks with straws served in plastic cups are everywhere and there is no effort (at least on the resort) to recycle any of it. There is tremendous food waste, which is especially easy to spot in the buffet, as people pile food on their plates without bothering to eat it.

When someone else does the laundry, it’s easy to request fresh towels in your room every day of your stay. Grab a new towel every time you go to the pool or the beach. Many people don’t even consider the amount of unnecessary laundry that gets done every day at these resorts, not to mention the resources, such as water and electricity.

All-inclusive resorts are often owned and operated by large international companies that don’t boost the local community. Even the souvenirs you buy from on-site gift shops go to those companies, not to the locals. You also won’t have the same type of authentic interaction with the local people working at the hotel since many of them are encouraged to upsell and promote activities and services that make money for the resort.

Your experience may feel limited

Staying at an all-inclusive resort can feel limiting, especially if you don’t venture beyond the resort’s grounds. Doing the same thing every day and seeing the same people can get monotonous. The food can get tiring and repetitive, especially if the options are limited and you can’t go off to find your own, nor do you have the ability to prepare your own meals.

Inclusive vacations are ideal for those who want to relax, but may not be suitable for those seeking more adventurous experiences. There is no guarantee that you’ll find exciting excursions, and even if you do, you’ll likely have to pay extra to participate in them. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on excursions, you’ll have to rely on daily entertainment, which may not be your thing. 

They are not for everyone

Ultimately, inclusive vacations may not be suitable for everyone. One of the big draws for many is the unlimited alcohol, which means lots of heavy drinkers will spend the whole week getting drunk at the bar. In addition to drunks, you’ll likely run into your share of obnoxious travellers who use the resort as their personal playground. While that can happen anywhere, it’s worse when you’re stuck with them at the same resort for days.

Depending on the size of your resort, you might be surrounded by people all the time, which makes it harder to find solitude. Not to mention finding free beach umbrellas or pool chairs, or signing up for free activities. We always avoided huge resorts for this reason. Still, even smaller ones can present similar challenges if you visit during high season.

Tips for choosing all-inclusive vacations

As with any vacation, do your research before picking a destination and the right resort. We have visited all-inclusive resorts within walking distance of small towns. However, we’ve also visited very remote resorts, which made it difficult to venture out on our own. We’ve travelled with friends and alone. Here is what I recommend.

• Consider your travel style and what matters most to you. Do you want a boutique hotel experience or a larger resort with more amenities?

• Consider whether leaving the resort is important to you and whether it’s safe to do so alone.

• Read reviews and check out other travellers’ photos. Pay attention to what others say about service quality, attractions and offerings.

• Ask your friends and family who have travelled to the destination you are considering about their experience.

• Confirm whether the resort has age restrictions that may affect your group.

• When in doubt, consult a travel agent who specializes in all-inclusive vacations. They are likely to provide you with more detailed information about the resorts, locations and paid extras.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, there is also nothing wrong with wanting to stay at a resort and sit by the pool or a private beach if that’s what you’re looking for. Not having to worry about paying for your drinks, meals and activities makes it definitely easier to relax and unwind. After all, that’s what vacations are for.

All-inclusive resorts are also situated in stunning locations, making them highly appealing to a wide range of travellers. They offer an opportunity to see a country without having to plan everything, deal with language barriers and figure out all your meals.

It’s up to you to decide if the predictability of all-inclusive resorts is what you want or if you wish to explore a new place with more independence. Both approaches can lead to great experiences, and there is no reason why you can’t try both at some point. Do your research and plan ahead.