Disappointing photos show what all-inclusive resorts look like in real life
All-inclusive resorts are popular vacation packages — and for good reason.
They usually include room fare and three meals per day, though details vary from place to place. They also tend to be flush with activities designed to keep the whole family entertained, whether you're seeking leisure ...
... or a nice dose of adrenaline.
The first all-inclusive resort opened in 1950 with the hotel chain Club Med in the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain.
Source: Club Med + Skift Report, Travel Weekly
All-inclusive resorts are popular across a variety of tourist destinations, including tropical spots like the Caribbean islands and Mexico ...
Source: CNN Travel, TODAY
For some vacationers, the convenience of a package that's paid for up front makes the entire experience worth the money ...
Source: U.S. News & World Report
... but money-conscious travelers should do their research: In many cases, creating your own DIY package can be cheaper ...
Source: TODAY, MarketWatch
... especially because there's always the potential of encountering hidden fees or other limitations to packages.
Source: MarketWatch, CNN Travel
You may also have to wait in long lines before you can sit down and enjoy a meal with your family.
Source: CNN Travel
The same can be said for bars.
Guests who are able to book drink packages may find themselves facing wait times and low stock at the resort bars ...
Source: MarketWatch
... or find they have to choose from a limited menu. Beyond that, drinks aren't always made with top-shelf liquor.
Source: MarketWatch
Others may be surprised to learn their all-inclusive drink package doesn’t feature alcoholic options at all, and only includes soft drinks and coffee. Additional drink packages can then cost upwards of $50 per day.
Source: MarketWatch
When it comes to dinner, resorts will often feature an assortment of restaurants spread across the property ...
Source: CNN Travel, TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor
... which is perfect for guests looking for some variety over the course of their stay.
Source: CNN Travel, TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor
However, while empty during the day, the nicest restaurants are oftentimes filled by early evening ...
Source: CNN Travel, TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor
... which can spell trouble for guests who didn't reserve a table with the concierge early in the morning.
Source: CNN Travel, TripAdvisor, TripAdvisor
Some menus will also be subject to restrictions, which could come as an unpleasant surprise to diners. Menu items considered "premium entrees" — such as steak and lobster — can cost extra.
Source: MarketWatch
Then, of course, there's the question of what exactly you're looking for. If it's rest and relaxation, you'll want to do some research before you book ...
... since all-inclusive resorts can get crowded ...
If they don't do their research beforehand, families may be disappointed to find hotels packed with rowdy college students.
Source: Getty Images, TripAdvisor
Instead of a pristine, empty beach like this ...
... guests may be disappointed to find a shoreline littered with garbage.
Regardless of where, exactly, the resort is, the region's natural beauty is sure to be a draw ...
... as many cruise lines dock at islands for overnight or weekend stays.
However, "all-inclusive" does not include special treatment to skip wait lines to board the ship ...
Source: Business Insider
... or at security checkpoints for the return flight home.
Additionally, all-inclusive ski resorts are subject to the same issues, just in colder weather.
Source: Family Skier
While these packages may save you some money on lift tickets, the crowds at these popular resorts can be unbearable, especially during holiday weekends.
Source: Family Skier
Similarly, packages for resorts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City may promise all-inclusive amenities, but do not include additional casino costs ...
Source: Business Insider
And then there's the matter of WiFi. Visitors who plan on getting some work done while on vacation may find themselves stuck without complimentary internet and having to pay a daily fee.
Source: TripAdvisor
Depending on the resort, other common charges include beach chair or cabana rentals ...
Source: TripAdvisor
Even if you are prepared to pay, you may be disappointed to find that some activities aren't quite what you expected. Dolphin "rides," for example, are frequently housed in on-site pools.
Other resorts charge for spa services, which can run upwards of $100 per treatment or session.
Source: MarketWatch
The quality of amenities ranges depending on the hotel, but all-inclusive packages sometimes advertise presidential suites.
Source: NBC News, MarketWatch
Unless you are willing to pay extra to upgrade, you may be disappointed to find you are sleeping in standard hotel room.
Source: NBC News, MarketWatch
While rare, weather emergencies can ruin a vacation at any of these tropical locations. All-inclusive packages tend not to offer full refunds, even under these extreme circumstances.
Source: MarketWatch
Travelers should also be wary of vacation scams when booking stays at all-inclusive resorts. In 2016, NBC News reported a total of 15 million scams costing a total of $1.3 billion, all of which promised unbeatable prices for packages on getaway islands.
Source: NBC News
Ultimately, though, if you feel better paying for the bulk of the trip upfront and know you're not looking to pay for any add-ons, a trip to an all-inclusive resort may be for you.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
The key is simply to be an informed traveler so that no detail of your vacation comes as an unpleasant surprise.
Source: NBC News, CNN Travel
Popular Right Now
Popular Keywords
Advertisement