18 Reasons Why Some People Love All-Inclusive Resorts and Others Hate Them

Whether you love them or hate them, all-inclusive resorts are a massive market generating billions of dollars every year. You can find these big resorts almost anywhere, from the white sandy beaches of Los Cabos to the clear blue waters of the Maldives. But are they the right choice for your next trip? There are good reasons both for and against staying at an all-inclusive resort. Let’s go over what makes them worth it — or not — so you can decide what’s best for you.

Great Food

If your idea of all-inclusive food is a boring buffet, you may want to revisit one of these establishments. Nowadays, these resorts offer plenty of gourmet options to their guests, with Michelin-starred chefs often serving their latest creations here. There is no way you’ll get bored of food at these resorts.

Relaxation

If your idea of a holiday is all about relaxation and recharging, these establishments are the perfect option for you. You can check in and never leave the property for your whole stay. However, those who prefer immersing themselves in the local culture may find this aspect negative.

No Interaction With Locals

The same can be said with your interactions with the locals. While some people in your chosen resort may be originally from that country, your chances of talking and interacting with locals are basically zero. Again, this may not be the best option for you if your idea of a holiday is all about immersing yourself in a different culture.

Entertainment

There is no way of getting bored in the majority of these all-inclusive properties. Every resort has plenty of activities and events to offer that guests can join, but this is not all. People also have the chance to take part in several excursions to explore their surroundings, such as snorkeling, diving, boat tours, city tours, and much more.

Prices For (Almost) All

Today, there are so many all-inclusive resorts in the market that you can easily find one suitable for your budget. But there’s a ‘but’. This accommodation type remains relatively expensive and cannot be compared to cheaper options like hostels and Airbnbs.

Kids Clubs

Are you traveling with kids but still want to spend some romantic solo time with your loved one? No problem! Plenty of all-inclusive resorts offer kids’ clubs where your children can be entertained, and you can enjoy some private time with your partner. You can also participate in any activity together.

No Need To Plan

If you hate planning or simply have no time to do so due to your busy schedule, these establishments are the ideal option for you. Just head there, and everything will be ready for you. On the other hand, if you love filling every minute of your holiday with attractions and activities, you should probably opt for another accommodation.

Cash-Free

Who doesn’t hate dealing with money when on vacation? First, you need to figure out the exchange rate, meaning how much you are actually paying for everything you buy. Then, you need to find an ATM accepting your card and hoping it won’t charge you crazy fees. Plus, the stress of traveling with lots of money may make you a target for local pickpocketers. It’s way better to do without.

Set Budget

Another great advantage of all-inclusive resorts is that you can get a pretty good idea of how much you will spend on your holiday before leaving. Just think about it; everything is included, so you probably won’t have to spend an extra penny or anything. It’s one cost with pretty much everything included.

They Give You Privacy

All-inclusive resorts also give you plenty of privacy. You can spend hours in your room with no one bothering you or just find a quiet spot somewhere where you can just relax. This can be a blessing, especially for extroverts traveling to countries where people tend to be extremely extroverted.

Too Many Drinks

Most people would be thrilled to know they can have a set number of free alcoholic drinks for every day of their holiday. But not everyone will agree. Those on a diet or trying to limit their alcohol intake may find it quite challenging to resist the temptation of drinks when they’re all out.

Lack of Local Food Experiences

One drawback of all-inclusive resorts is that the food tends to be geared towards international flavors, so you might miss out on the traditional dishes and street food that the place is known for. If you’re someone who loves trying new, authentic cuisine, this can feel a bit underwhelming. If you want to get the real taste, you may consider eating outside the resort.

Restrictive Dining Hours

Even though all-inclusive resorts cover all your meals, they often have set dining hours, which can be a hassle if you’re not hungry right at those times. If you’re used to eating whenever you feel like it, having to plan around meal schedules can feel restrictive. It can take away from the “do-what-you-want” vibe you expect on vacation.

Familiar Faces

After a few days in one of these all-inclusive properties, you will probably get to know a few of your fellow guests. While this can be a plus for those happy to socialize with other couples and families, people wanting privacy may find other tourists quite annoying and may not get along that well.

Limited Flexibility

All-inclusive resorts can sometimes feel a bit too rigid. Your days might be too planned out, leaving little room for the spontaneous adventures that make vacations memorable. This rigidity can take away the sense of freedom and relaxation that you may need on your vacation.

Crowded Spaces

Pools, beaches, and on-site restaurants can get really packed, especially during peak season. It can be tough to find a good spot to relax or enjoy a meal without feeling rushed. Crowded spaces all around the resort can definitely kill the peaceful vacation vibe you’re hoping for.

Environmental Impact

Many all-inclusive resorts are located in pristine natural areas, and their large-scale operations can have a negative impact on the environment. From excessive water use to generating waste, the environmental footprint of these resorts is a concern for eco-conscious travelers. If sustainability matters to you, you may want to reconsider staying at one of these establishments.

Quality Of Rooms

The quality of rooms can really be hit or miss. Sometimes, they don’t live up to the luxury that’s advertised, which can be a huge letdown after a long journey. You might find outdated decor, uncomfortable beds, or even cleanliness issues. It’s frustrating to pay for a premium experience that is far from what it is worth.