Is An All-Inclusive Resort Worth the Cost?

@moffittjc (117990)
Gainesville, Florida
December 2, 2015 6:39am CST
I am saving up credit card reward points to trade in for a vacation next spring. After carefully sitting down and doing the math, I'll have enough rewards to cash in to book a vacation in the Caribbean at an all-inclusive resort. It's a fancy one on the beach, and it looks like my family and I will have an amazing time. Normal rates at this resort can range anywhere from $400-$1100 a night, depending on the season. Fortunately, we will be visiting when the rates are toward the lower end. Actually, I'm not too concerned about the cost since I'll be using credit card reward points. But what if I didn't have the rewards? What if I had to pay cash out of pocket? Is $400 or $500 a night worth it for an all-inclusive resort? Is that a value? Could I book a similar vacation in a similar location for cheaper? What has been your experience with all-inclusive vacations? Are they worth the price?
6 people like this
5 responses
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
2 Dec 15
It does depend on several factors, making it worthwhile for some but not for everyone. If the meals are satisfactory it can constitute a decent saving, whereas if you prefer to select your own food you could end up eating out often and spending the extra without any benefit. The amount of time spent in the resort is also relevant. If you are sightseeing or wandering around most days then you get less from all inclusive, but for someone spending most of their time in the resort it can be a great saving on coffees and drinks during the day.
2 people like this
• United States
3 Dec 15
If the resort is in an isolated area, then yes, all inclusive is the way to go. But, if it is the center of an area with lots to offer, then, no.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (117990)
• Gainesville, Florida
3 Dec 15
But that's probably why they build so many of those all-inclusive resorts in the middle of nowhere, so you have no choice but to pay their high prices! But then again, it's probably a very good marketing ploy for them as well, as they can promote the fact that you have the whole place to yourself for intimate privacy and relaxation!
@LadyDuck (453792)
• Switzerland
2 Dec 15
We never stayed at an all inclusive resort. When I visit a place I like to look around, see local restaurants and change every day, I am not interested at all in staying all the time in the same place.
@jaboUK (64363)
• United Kingdom
2 Dec 15
We've only done all-inclusive on a cruise, but it was just a drinks package because the food comes with the cruise anyway. We only took this one because it was offered at no extra cost. The holiday we are on at the moment in Spain comes with three meals a day provided. Looking at restaurant prices, this is excellent value. We buy our own drinks.
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
2 Dec 15
It could be worthwhile on a cruise because you will eating there every meal and can also utilise the free drinks options etcetera.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (117990)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Dec 15
@Asylum Cruise lines charge such outrageous prices for their drinks that it may be advantageous to take advantage of any package deals they offer. My wife and I purchased an all-inclusive cruise package when we were on our honeymoon, and we took advantage of everything on the ship, including massages, spa treatments, dining, plays, comedy, dancing, etc. We got every pennies worth out of that cruise!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (117990)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Dec 15
I guess it just depends on the package that is offered. Some deals are irresistible, and provide an incredible value. Some are not such good deals, and include a lot of fluff that you normally wouldn't pay for. Glad you found a deal that is well worth the money!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (323043)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Dec 15
I can't help you I'm sorry but I'll be interested to see what people think.
@moffittjc (117990)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Dec 15
I think that if you do enough research, and plan everything out well in advance, you can have almost the same quality experience for half the price. But, I guess the appeal of an all-inclusive resort is that you don't have to worry about anything...everything is already taken care of for you. But, is that peace of mind worth all the extra cost?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (323043)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Dec 15
@moffittjc It depends on the extra cost really I guess. Some things just aren't worth the price.
@moffittjc (117990)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Dec 15
@JudyEv The other thing that needs to be factored in is that you are paying for ALL the services an all-inclusive resort offers, whether you use that service or not.
1 person likes this