For those of you new to staying at all-inclusive resorts, you may be wondering what exactly is included for the price you pay?  Very relevant question and one that shouldn’t be taken for granted.  A huge way to ruin a vacation is to have one or a multiple number of expectations about your stay and to be disillusioned as to what amenities and services you expect to receive once you are at a resort.

Here are the basics of what your resort stay will cover at an all-inclusive resort:

• a room for the number of nights you have booked.  You get to choose your preferred room category based on number of people and ages staying in a room unless you are booking a resort stay which offers a “roulette room” or similar category which allows the resort to make your booking choice for you.  A cheaper alternative, but if you are trying to save some $ and don’t care about where you sleep at a resort this may be a great option.
• Three meals and snacks.  All meals and snacks are typically covered in your all-inclusive resort stay.  Be advised that not all menu items at some resorts are included–upgraded cuts of beef like Tomahawk steaks, etc. may be an extra cost, so read the menu carefully or ask your waiter if you have a question about extra $.  Usually, restaurant menus will be clear about what will cost extra.  Confusion can exist when resorts offer all-inclusive optional packages, so don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.  Also Barcelo resorts in particular have a history of limiting access to a la carte restaurants based on upgraded vs. non-upgraded room bookings.  It’s not that it will cost you extra, but you may be limited to eating at the buffet a certain number of nights based on the number of nights you have booked as a non-upgraded guest.
• Drinks are included.  That means alcohol and non-alcohol drinks.  Be advised that doesn’t necessarily mean top-shelf or even medium quality liquor used for your drink, it could mean “well drinks” which are alcohol drinks which use local liquor.  Usually 5 star luxury resorts automatically include all kinds of top-shelf liquor, but unless you specify what kind of liquor you want in your drink resort staff will use the cheaper stuff.  Look carefully at liquor bottle displays at all bars, that will give you an idea of what that bar offers.  Also, be aware that swim-up bars will typically do minimal pours of alcohol, nobody wants a guest to pass out or vomit in a pool.  If you want quality drinks, seek out the lobby bar to get them, or if you have booked an upgraded room category you will typically find quality drinks at private lounges only available for specified upgraded guests.
• Currently, most resorts offer basic WiFi in an all-inclusive stay.  There are a very few exceptions, however.  If you want a quality WiFi experience you may have to pay extra.  Pay attention to the number of devices allowed to use basic WiFi p/room, at some resorts it’s only two devices p/room.
• Most all-inclusive resorts offer some kind of daily “entertainment”.  This word can be used quite loosely; many resorts offer some form of nightly entertainment (usually in an on-site theater/poolside/beach area), but some resorts only offer daytime “entertainment’ in the form of activities directors who schedule and monitor poolside and beach activities like games.  Not all resorts will offer live music or various live performances, so be sure to read past guest experiences if the entertainment factor is important to your vacation.
• Tips are supposed to be included at an all-inclusive resort.  If you have ever stayed at a Sandals resort, tips are forbidden, and employees can potentially get into lots of trouble if they accept them (I’ve always “palmed” tips to select staff which I thought performed above and beyond their job duties at such resorts).  Resort employees in Mexico may not expect tips (at some 5 star resorts they certainly do), but will be very appreciative if you tip them during your resort stay.  For example, housekeeping staff at Mexico resorts currently make anywhere from the equivalent of $464 USD to $670 USD p/month depending on the resort at which they are employed.  Tips help supplement their income, and some resort staff rely on tipping to support their families. Use your discretion.
• Taxes are typically included in an all-inclusive price.  Mexico resorts are currently charging a nominal fee for an Environmental Tax when you arrive for your stay; you can pay it either in Mexican pesos or on your charge card.  This will be a separate charge you cannot pay in advance.

What does your all-inclusive price possibly include?

• Room Service.  Some resorts either charge for it or charge a delivery fee every time you order.  Some resorts will offer you 24/7 free room service.
• Water sports equipment.  There are many Mexican beachfront resorts that offer non-motorized water sports equipment.  The kind of equipment can vary based on location and quality of the resort.
• Mini-bar.  Believe it or not, there are some all-inclusive resorts that do not include an in-room mini-bar unless you upgrade your room category.  They may offer a couple of bottles of water p/day, but no other drinks.
• In-room liquor.  While mini-bars typically include cans of beer, some luxury resorts include in-room bottles of liquor.  Excellence resorts are famous for not skimping on in-room liquor.
• Airport transportation.  Currently there are very few Mexican resorts which offer free airport transportation with a resort stay.

What does your all-inclusive price not include:

• Spa treatments.  I have never stayed at or heard of an all-inclusive resort which offered free spa treatments.  Sometimes resorts, with a room upgrade, will offer complimentary hydrotherapy spa access, but that is the exception.
• Excursions.  Wait, there is an exception, and that is Hotels Xcaret where your admission price to local parks and select excursions is covered in your initial cost.
• On-site shops.  Whatever you purchase at an on-site shop is an extra cost.  Margaritaville resorts, however, have a slight exception when you include points you accrue with your stay (type of room and number of nights) to exchange for mini-bar options.

So, what do you think?  Is this what you expected to receive from booking an all-inclusive resort?  Any surprises?