A Newbie’s Guide To All-Inclusive Hotels and Resorts

In many destinations all-inclusive resorts are all the rage – and Playa del Carmen is no exception.

All-inclusive resorts are popping up everywhere and becoming a preferred way of travel.

Here’s PlayaDelCarmen.com’s NEWBIE’S GUIDE TO ALL INCLUSIVE…

Please note that there are exceptions to every rule – we are talking in general terms and cannot be held responsible for the whole of inclusions and exclusions at all the resorts. If you are interested in the details of a specific resort, we are happy to help – just get in touch.

WHAT IS AN ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT?

There are all inclusive resorts of all star ratings and qualities so there may be upgraded inclusions in the higher star rated hotels. The all-inclusive resort will include:

1. Your accommodation, with daily maid service and bathroom amenities.
2. Your food, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks
3. Drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic
4. Sports & Activities: games, certain sports, non-motorized water sports, pool and beach games
5. Entertainment: The “animation” team will host evening shows

You can also choose to combine your flights and airport transportation as part of the package for extra savings.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

As a general rule there are services on site that are not included as part of the package

1. Internet Access and Wi-Fi (varies per hotel)
2. Spa services & Beauty Salon Services
3. More and more resorts are offering exclusive VIP areas ore Premium services at extra charge
4. Motorized water sports (Jet skis, boat tours etc.)
5. Bottles of wine or liquor (you can order 10 glasses of wine, but the wine menu list is extra)

Although TIPS are said to be included at al inclusive resorts – keep in mind that the staff is earning minimum wage which is less than $10US a day. If you get good service, don’t hesitate to leave a few bucks.

Some of the less expensive resorts will even go as far as to charge you a fee to “rent” the safety deposit box in your room, but this is becoming less and less common.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT AN ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT

1. There are schedules. All inclusive does not mean free-for-all. The restaurants will close to turnover between meals. The bars are not necessarily open all the time and not all the services are 24 hours. Ask at reception if you want to find out the specific hours for certain services. Please note that “Mexican-Time” may apply (9am means around 9am)
2. There are activities and sports planned throughout the day if you wish to participate. There will be a schedule to let you know who / what / and where.
3. The alcohol that is included may not be your preferred brand. Some resorts do include premium or International brand drinks but this does vary per resort.
4. Tours and Excursions will be extra. If you plan on heading out and seeing some of the local attractions, this is not included as part of your all inclusive package and you will often pay more if booking at your hotel.
5. Many all-inclusive resorts do incorporate time share or vacation club. If you are invited to a free hotel tour, free breakfast or exclusive presentation, please be aware that this is likely a sales pitch and not part of the all-inclusive package.

TOP 5 TIPS FOR ALL INCLUSIVE NEWBIES

1. Bring $1. The Mexican 10 peso is a coin and not as easy to carry around for tipping
2. Bring your own mug – cut down on trips to the bar where they give you tiny plastic glasses and keep your drink colder!
3. The water served is FINE! Don’t drink the tap water but you can use it to brush your teeth. All water served to you will be filtered – that’s the normal water that all the residents here drink. Drink water and LOTS of it, especially if you are drinking your weight in booze.
4. YES, you can leave the resort. We love all inclusive hotels, don’t get us wrong. BUT, there is more to Playa del Carmen and more to Mexico than what you will see in your hotel complex. Get out and explore!
5. Pineapple, papaya and coconut are all diuretics (they’ll make you poop). Don’t go overboard on tropical fruit or piña coladas and then blame it on having brushed your teeth with the tap water.

You may want to read our post on HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT or contact us, we are always happy to help.

Do you have any top tips about all inclusive resorts that you want to share? Please post your comments below!