Everything You Need to Know About All-Inclusive Resorts By Lara Grant
A
ll-inclusive resorts have just as many super fans as major haters. While we’ve had some disappointing experiences at huge megaresorts with mediocre food and watered-down drinks, we’ve also stayed in luxurious properties with phenomenal food, topshelf alcohol, and even spa treatments included in the rate. So if you’re wondering whether an all-inclusive hotel should be in your future, you’ve come to the right place. We asked all-inclusive and travel experts the what, when, where, and whys of allinclusives so you can learn everything you need to know about all-inclusive resorts before booking your next getaway.
What’s Included at an All-Inclusive Resort? Though it varies from hotel to hotel, typically rates at all-inclusive resorts include the room, all meals and snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages (beer, wine, spirits, coffee, juice, soda, and water), and non-motorized water sports if it’s along the beach. Access to resort features such as the gym, pool, and sports facilities is also typically free, except when there are premiumlevel upgrades that often have their own pool, lounge, and section of the beach. Former Editorin-Chief of FamilyVacationCritic.com, Lissa Poirot warns, “Although the term is ‘all-inclusive,’ not everything is included — such as golf and the spa — which can sometimes catch guests off-guard.” Certainly the most surprising is when hotels don’t include premium liquor, Wi-Fi, or a la carte restaurants in the rates. For instance, though we love the all-inclusive Villa Buena Onda in Costa Rica, you’ll be forking over your credit card if you want to have a beer or glass of wine at dinner (unless you specifically book the all-inclusive package with alcohol included. So basically, do your homework beforehand and study the list of
rate inclusions. If it’s unclear, reach out the hotel to confirm if there are any extra charges for specific restaurants, beverages, and activities. Though be aware that rounds of golf and spa treatments are almost always additional fees.
Should You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts? Tipping at all-inclusive resorts is generally expected, unless staying at one of the properties that expressly prohibits tips. Expect to tip between $1-10 to bartenders, waiters, room attendants, etc. While it’s not always expected, most past guests of all-inclusive resorts have found the staff very much appreciate the gesture and they’re often rewarded with extra attention. If you’re wondering how much and how often to tip hotel staff, check out our guidelines for tipping like a pro.
When Does It Makes Sense to Go the All-Inclusive Route? So when are all-inclusives worth it? If planning which restaurants to go to or how much money to budget for food and drinks is causing stress, you may want to go with an allinclusive package. Families budgeting for more than two people may particularly enjoy the ease of all-inclusive resorts. “It makes it easy to stay on a budget — especially when traveling with kids because so much is included, you don’t have to worry about saying ‘no’ to their requests,” said Poirot. And since a kids’ club, non-motorized water sports, and poolside activities are typically included, the kids will be plenty occupied. If you’re looking to simply relax at a resort and aren’t looking to do much in terms of exploring or dining outside of the hotel, booking an all-inclusive getaway will almost undoubtedly save you some money and cut significantly down on research and organizing time.
36 | ABA Publications | Africa TRAVEL | May 2021
