All-inclusive resorts and hotels can be a great way to keep your budget in check. You pay one price for a vacation that includes lodging, dining, drinks, and activities.
I’ve been taking all-inclusive vacations for 20 years, and for a time, every single thing really was included. But these days, that’s not always the case. Certain things that were once wrapped up in the deal now cost extra, and if you’re not careful, your affordable vacation can quickly go way over budget.
Here are five things to watch for on any all-inclusive trip to ensure that your good deal stays that way.
Branded Alcohol
While you can often drink as much alcohol, juice, and soft drinks as you’d like at most all-inclusives, there are some caveats. Namely, that offer won’t extend to top shelf and premium beverages and spirits. That fancy, name-brand cocktail? It will likely come with an extra charge at checkout.
Rules differ by property, so be sure to read the fine print.
Other resorts also limit how much you can drink per day, especially in Europe. In the Balearic Islands in Spain for example, many all-inclusives, including INNSiDe Wave Calvia in Mallorca and the Blau Parc Hotel & Spa in Ibiza, have recently implemented a six-drink rule. This means guests at these resorts are limited to six alcoholic drinks per day as part of their package in an effort to prevent overindulgence. Your six drinks a day are served as three with lunch and three with dinner. You can, of course, still drink as much as you like, you just have to pay extra once you go over six drinks per day.
Alcohol may also be limited in other surprising places. When I stayed at The Corendon Hydros Club Kemer in Turkey, the beverages in my mini bar were included in my vacation, but it was only stocked with water, soft drinks, and beers, no spirits or wine.
Surcharge Restaurants
All-inclusives always have a main buffet restaurant where you can eat as much as you like, nearly whenever you like. Many also come with more traditional restaurants with a la carte dishes and waiter service.
The latter, however, can sometimes come with either cover charges or extra costs based on what you order. In my experience, those add-on restaurants aren’t necessary unless you really want a fine dining option or to eat something not served at the buffet. Often, they’re all prepared in similar ways, and the quality between venues won’t be too dramatic.
And while many all-inclusives in Mexico and the Caribbean include in-room dining, not all do. When I stayed at an all-inclusive in Turkey, for example, I had to pay an extra charge for room service.
Cabanas and Sun Loungers
All-inclusive resorts are usually sprawling resorts with multiple pools, and often, prime beachfront access.
Basic pool and beach chairs are typically included, but at these large, crowded resorts, they can be difficult to snag without waking up at the crack of dawn.
Another option is reserving a cabana, but you’ll pay extra for it. I did it in Turkey, and felt pampered with a ‘press for champagne’ button, but it definitely adds to the overall cost. At my all-inclusive, cabanas with a bottle of champagne were €149 per day for two people.
And at the all-inclusive I stayed at in Spain, even the sun loungers on the private beach came at a charge of €50 per day. In comparison, the all-inclusive I stayed at in Greece, The Giannoullis Cavo Spada Resort, had no charge for the sun loungers on their private beach.
Since this depends on the property, I highly suggest checking before you travel, as spending more on daily sun loungers can really impact your budget.
Spa Access
In almost every instance, with a few wellness resorts as the exception, spa treatments will always cost extra at an all-inclusive resort.
Personally, I think this makes sense, as massages or facials are pricey treatments performed by skilled technicians or with luxury products. However, I have been surprised to find that access to the spa facilities also comes with a surcharge. This can range from a private swimming pool to a sauna, steam room, and other similar amenities, and you’ll pay more to use them.
At an all-inclusive in the UK where I live, I had to pay more to enter their spa garden, even without a treatment, to use the hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, and Finnish sauna.
So if you’re hoping to unwind with a therapeutic session, be prepared to pay for it.
The Shortcut
Premium liquor isn't free at most resorts. You typically get unlimited basic beer, wine, and well drinks, but some European properties now give guests a daily cap on alcoholic drinks.
The buffet is unlimited, but a la carte restaurants and room service often aren't. Confirm which meals are actually covered before you go.
Cabanas and even sun loungers can run $50 to $150 a day at some resorts, while identical setups are free at others. Ask before booking.
Spa treatments almost always cost extra, and at some properties, just walking into the spa facilities does too.
Samantha Priestley was hosted by Giannoullis Cavo Spada and Corendon Hydros. Some expenses were covered. All opinions and recommendations in this article are their own.
