Is It Worth Doing an All-Inclusive Resort? Real Costs, Hidden Traps, and When It Actually Saves Money

How many times have you scrolled through an all-inclusive resort ad and thought, ‘This seems too good to be true’? You see the photos: turquoise water, endless cocktails, buffet spreads that look like they’re straight out of a food documentary. The price? $200 a night. You do the math in your head-meals, drinks, activities… this has to be a scam, right?

Here’s the truth: all-inclusive resorts aren’t a scam. But they’re not always a steal either. Whether they’re worth it depends on your travel style, your budget, and what you actually plan to do. Too many people book them expecting a luxury escape and end up feeling trapped in a plastic-wrapped vacation with overpriced water and a line for the shrimp station that never moves.

What You’re Actually Paying For

An all-inclusive resort doesn’t just mean ‘food and drinks included.’ It’s a bundled package with layers. Most include:

• Accommodation in a standard room (sometimes upgraded for extra cash)
• Three meals a day, plus snacks
• Basic alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, house spirits, soda, juice)
• Non-motorized water sports (kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding)
• Land activities (yoga, tennis, trivia nights, live shows)
• Gratuities (sometimes, but not always)

But here’s what’s usually not included: premium brands (like top-shelf whiskey or imported wine), off-resort excursions, spa treatments, Wi-Fi (yes, really), and meals at specialty restaurants-unless you pay extra. Many resorts now charge $25-$50 per person just to eat at their steakhouse or sushi bar, even if you’re on an all-inclusive plan.

So you’re not paying for unlimited everything. You’re paying for predictability. If you drink three cocktails a day, eat three meals, and spend your time lounging or doing basic activities, you’re saving money. If you want to explore, eat local food, or sip a $12 gin and tonic, you’re paying more than if you’d just booked a hotel and ate out.

When an All-Inclusive Resort Makes Sense

Let’s be real-most people don’t travel to relax. They travel to escape. If you’re burnt out from work, juggling kids, or just need to unplug, an all-inclusive resort can be a lifesaver. Here’s when it actually works:

• You’re traveling with kids and don’t want to stress about meals or snacks
• You’re on a tight budget and want to avoid surprise costs
• You don’t like planning and want everything handed to you
• You’re not a foodie and are fine with standard buffets and grilled chicken
• You’re going to a destination where local food is expensive or hard to find (like the Caribbean or Mexico’s Riviera Maya)

One couple I know booked an all-inclusive in Punta Cana for their 10th anniversary. They didn’t leave the resort for five days. They swam, napped, drank piña coladas, and watched the sunset. They spent $1,200 total-$240 a night. If they’d stayed at a nearby boutique hotel, eaten out, and rented a car, they’d have spent at least $1,800. For them, it was perfect.

When It’s a Waste of Money

Now, here’s the flip side. All-inclusive resorts can feel like a prison if your idea of a vacation is exploring. If you fall into any of these categories, skip it:

• You love trying local cuisine and street food
• You want to visit markets, museums, or historic towns
• You drink craft beer, premium spirits, or wine
• You’re traveling with someone who needs space and quiet (all-inclusives are loud, crowded, and packed with families)
• You’re going to a place like Bali, Portugal, or Italy, where food and lodging are affordable and delicious outside resorts

Take a friend of mine who booked an all-inclusive in Cancun. She’s a food blogger. She spent $2,000 on the resort, then spent another $300 on taxis to find real tacos, ceviche, and mezcal bars. She ended up spending more than if she’d just stayed at a guesthouse and eaten out. The resort food? Overcooked, bland, and the same every day. She left feeling ripped off.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About

Most people think the price tag is the whole story. But here’s what gets buried:

• Wi-Fi fees: Many resorts charge $15-$30 per day for internet. If you’re working remotely or sharing photos, that adds up fast.
• Upgrades: Your ‘ocean view’ room might be a tiny balcony facing a parking lot. Pay extra for a real view, or risk disappointment.
• Gratuities: Some resorts include tips, but others don’t. Check before you go. If you’re expected to tip $10-$15 per day on top of your rate, that’s $70-$105 extra for a week.
• Time spent waiting: Buffets get crowded. Drinks take 20 minutes. Activities fill up. You’re not on vacation-you’re on a schedule.
• Low-quality drinks: The ‘all-inclusive’ rum is often a cheap, mass-produced brand. If you care about taste, you’ll be disappointed.

One study from the University of Florida in 2024 tracked 500 all-inclusive guests. Over 62% reported paying extra for Wi-Fi. Nearly 45% said they bought bottled water because the tap water tasted bad-even though it was technically ‘included.’

How to Pick the Right One

If you’ve decided an all-inclusive is right for you, don’t just pick the cheapest. Here’s how to choose wisely:

1. Read recent reviews-not the ones from 2020. Look for mentions of food quality, staff attitude, and cleanliness.
2. Check the drink list. Does it include premium brands? Or just ‘house’ everything? If you drink wine, make sure it’s not just ‘red or white’ with no name.
3. Look for resorts with fewer than 1,000 rooms. Smaller properties tend to have better service and less chaos.
4. Look for ‘adults-only’ options if you want peace. Family resorts are loud, crowded, and not relaxing.
5. Book directly with the resort, not through a third-party site. You’ll get better room assignments and more flexibility.

For example, Secrets in the Dominican Republic is known for better food and quieter pools than most. Iberostar’s ‘Grand’ line offers upgraded drink packages and better room service. If you’re in Mexico, the Grand Velas resorts have real chefs and wine pairings-even on all-inclusive plans.

The Bottom Line

All-inclusive resorts aren’t good or bad. They’re a tool. And like any tool, they’re only useful if they fit the job.

If you want to lie on a beach, sip a drink, and not think about money for a week? Go for it. You’ll save time, stress, and cash.

If you want to taste the culture, wander through markets, sip local wine, and sleep in a quiet room? Skip it. You’ll pay more, feel restricted, and miss out on the real experience.

There’s no universal answer. But there is a simple rule: Match the resort to your vacation goals, not your Instagram feed.