All-inclusive packages are what many of the larger resorts in Cancun offer, where you will pay ONE fee that covers your entire stay. In other words, your room, your meals, your drinks, and all of the hotel amenities are usually included in one flat fee.
Why has this concept gotten so popular? Well, it can be very appealing that all the details are taken care of for you and you have very little to worry about! Booking an all-inclusive is a great way to unwind if you live a hectic, fast-paced lifestyle.
If you’re thinking of booking your first all-inclusive vacation in Cancun, this article will give you the lowdown on what to expect.
Perks that Are Often Included at an All-Inclusive Resort
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All-you-can-eat at the buffet(s) [breakfast, lunch, dinner]
All-you-can-eat at any snack bars
Meals at specialty restaurants
Room service
All beverages* at the buffets, hotel bars, and entertainment facilities
Beach towels
Free use of snorkel gear
Free use of kayaks, boogie boards, etc.
Free use of training gym
Access to a private beach
On-site water parks
Free use of beach chairs
Access to children’s clubs
Scuba diving introductory lesson
Wi-fi access
Various activities
Services that Are Often Included at an Extra Cost
Airport transfer
Vintage wine and “top-shelf” spirits
Scuba diving (certification or two-tank dives)
Babysitting*
Sailboats/catamarans
Motorized sea-crafts
*Kids clubs are often free while they are open.
Other Things to Note
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The following amenities vary widely between resorts, so be sure to read the fine print before booking:
Drinking & Dining
Most hotels have more than one restaurant for you to dine in as part of your package; however, some hotels also have a “special” restaurant which costs extra if you wish to eat there.
Most specialty restaurants also sell expensive wines if you aren’t satisfied with the house brands. You can also usually take your own bottle with you if you desire, but be sure to check this with the hotel staff first.
There are usually different levels of guest packages (example: silver, gold, platinum). Depending on what level you pay for, will determine the quality of alcohol you are served.
Mini Bar
Most four and five-star hotels have small fridges in the room. These are known as the mini-bar! Some hotels stock your mini-bar with soda pop, beer, potato chips, and chocolate bars. These items are usually complimentary under the all-inclusive plan. You can usually have the fridge re-stocked every day and even request specific items.
Beach Towels
The way the beach towel system typically works at family-friendly resorts is that you are given a towel card at check-in which you exchange for a towel and one of the towel booths (usually located poolside). You may exchange your towel as many times as you wish. When you no longer require a towel, you trade your towel in for the card. At check-out, you return the card. If you lose it, there is a fee (usually about $20.00 USD).
That is not always the case though–there are now many “adults only” resorts and they usually roll or fold a quantity of towels for easy access. You can grab as many as you need!
Room Safes
We think it’s ridiculous to charge extra for hotel room safes, but some hotels do! If they charge extra, you’ll pay at check-in for X number of days. If you’re checking in with a busload of people, you may want to skip that procedure until you get to your room, because you can get sign up for a room safe at any time during your stay.
There are all kinds of room safe models, ranging from old to new. Some use a lock and key or keypad while others use the room access card. If you lose a safe key, lock, or card, you must pay a fee ($20-$25.00 USD).
Pros & Cons of All-inclusive Resort Getaways
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Trying to decide whether to stay at a top all-inclusive resort in Cancun or rent a private vacation condo? It all depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation experience.
Pros of an All-Inclusive Resort
There are the obvious advantages to an all-inclusive, like not worrying about over-spending or stressing about how much each drink or snack costs! There’s little for you to arrange or organize and the trip budgeting is more streamlined. Another beautiful thing about a resort is that often the service is outstanding. You’ll typically have your own server throughout the day, whether you’re on the beach or by a fabulous pool. With that being said, please be generous with your tips.
A note on tipping: this service is included in your stay. Similar to a restaurant, though, it is customary to make an additional tip. The men and women who tidy your room or bring your drinks and snacks work long hours for low pay, so don’t be stingy.
Cons of an All-Inclusive Resort
If you’re looking for privacy, be aware that a large all-inclusive resort falls short in that category. Depending on the time of year you book (holidays and Spring Break are the busiest), it can be very crowded. Maybe you like the party scene and having kids running around and splashing all over the place, or maybe you don’t!
Due to the nature of all-inclusives, many guests ever leave the hotel grounds or see anything else that the Mayan Riviera has to offer. If you do decide to go out and explore, you may be grossly overcharged for taxi services from the Hotel Zone.
Top Recommended Cancun All-inclusive Resorts
Now you know more about what an all-inclusive hotel is and what you can expect during your time in one, let’s look at the best Cancun hotels:
Best Luxury All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach – a pristine beach area with turquoise waters, full-service spa, and swim-up bar makes this the perfect pick for visitors looking for relaxing vibes.
Le Blanc Spa Resort – perched on a private stretch of white sand beach, you can enjoy perfect ocean views when you stay at this high end Cancun resort.
Best Adults-only All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun
Haven Riviera Cancun – enjoy romantic Caribbean Sea views and suites with direct infinity pool access during your all-inclusive vacation here. The nightlife of the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) is also nearby.
Secrets the Vine Cancun – a five-star AAA Four Diamond spa resort offering water sports and world-class Mexican and international dining from Italian to Peruvian cuisine.
Best Family-friendly All-inclusive Resorts in Cancun
Hyatt Ziva Cancun – the beachfront location and multiple swimming pools ensure that kids have plenty of space to splash around. There are countless dining options onsite for fussy eaters, too.
Moon Palace Cancun – located on the way to Puerto Morelos, another gem on the Riviera Maya, this beach resort provides easy access to the attractions of both places during your family vacation.
You’re All Set for an All-inclusive Cancun Vacation
With our tips and advice, you’re all set for your next vacation on Mexico’s spectacular Yucatan Peninsula. Which all-inclusive resort will you visit next?
The post What Does “All-Inclusive” Mean in Cancun? appeared first on Travel Yucatan.