Are all-inclusive resorts/hotels worth the money?

Is it better to stay in an all-inclusive resort that pays for meals and drinks (and sometimes activities) or is it cheaper to do it yourself?? I'm looking to go on a honeymoon in Mexico or the Caribbean.Are all-inclusive resorts/hotels worth the money?
If you are a big drinker %26amp; eater - they can be. Typically the food is similar to Soup Plantation or lower level cruise ship food, so don't really expect fine dining at the less expensive higher population places. The service can be great or it can completely suck - it just depends on the person. I've done it once and the lack of customer service overall was failry appalling - not incredibly relaxing. It was one of the Palace Resorts in Cancun and we would never stay at one of their properties again. However, something like Sandals or Beaches. . .





If you aren't big drinkers and eaters, then it may not be as worth it. The best thing to do is to figure out the price different per night at two of the places you are considering.





At a non-inclusive hotel, figure you'll spend $40 on breakfast for the two of you


$45 on lunch


and $60 on dinner.


Figure another $25 for a few drinks.





If the all-inclusive is around $150-$250 extra a night, it may be worth it. It certainly was fun to be able to sit on the beach with a plate of chips %26amp; guac and have all the Miami Vices a person could drink (get doubles so they don't skimp on alcohol) and not have to worry about a bill at the end of the stay.





If you just plan on eating at local places and only buying dollar pacificos, then the all-inclusive may not be the best choice.Are all-inclusive resorts/hotels worth the money?
i wanted to answer this but sjane5 pretty well coved it, nice job, i will add this if you go with a resort like Sandals you all so get exchange rights and what i mean by that is you may visit another Sandals resort nearby and be able to drink,eat,swim,and enjoy the grounds for free. this can also break up being at only one resort.all-inclusive resorts depend on the people some love um and some hate um.
I think they're worth it just for the convinence...
It really depends on what you are looking for on your honeymoon. Are you looking to do a lot of siteseeing, visiting different locations, etc. because if this is what you want and you are not the type of person to be happy spending most of your time on a resort, then it may not be for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for a lot of relaxation, drinks by the poolside and just enjoying being in paradise, it may be something to look into. Staying at an all-inclusive resort will save you a ton of money. When you go all-inclusive it includes your flight, accommodations, all your meals, drinks and many activities. To do those seperate would cost you much more, depending on where you're staying as well but I assume that you will be choosing a beach resort town. Resort stays can be fantastic, and keep in mind that you have a range to choose from as well - luxury to budget choices.


I used to wonder myself why someone would choose to do a resort stay when you weren't really going out and experiencing the culture or seeing much of the country; and then i did one. I loved it! To me, nothing beats getting up and going for a swim in the ocean, grabbing breakfast, heading to the pool, have a drink at the swim-up bar, maybe have a snack, do it again before going back to the ocean :) Not to mention all the resort amenities and activities that I was participating in everyday. I've now been to a few and I can say that I haven't had a bad experience, service was great. It will depend on where you go and what you want. I wouldn't recommend staying in a resort that's under 4 stars, maybe 3.5 (no lower than that!!) and do your research. Also, you can always choose to do some day trips, they cost extra but are always worth it! Plus you're off the resort and doing something new. You are also going on your honeymoon, there are always fantastic packages that you can find! If you're looking for a couple theme you might want to look into Sandals Resorts, they are for couples only. If it's Mexico and the Caribbean that you choosing between, I would definitly go for an all-inclusive, especially since you've never done it! And because this is what the Caribbean and Mexico specialize in! There are not many other places in the world that you will find an all-inclusive stay done the way these countries do!! Plus, how easy is the booking situation? No worries about anything else, it's a one shot deal :) I hope that helps you some wilth your decision!
I used one in Cancun and really liked it. I forgot the name, but it is famous for its beach model photography!!! It's next to Bulldogs. The food is fantastic and the drinks are never watered down. Have fun.
I have worked and lived in several all inclusive resorts in Antigua and here is the skinny:


1. Drinks: Despite the suspician and rumours, the resorts I have worked at have had top shelf liquers and they do NOT water down the booze. Drinks are of a good quality.The wine selection is typically a red and white house wine, with nicer wines availble for purchase. Beer is island style, so its all light and Corona-ish


2. Food: The food is good. Sometimes great, but generally good. Only once in 2 years did I have a meal I didn't like. If it happens, tell someone and they will do something about it. If you don't feel like waiting for another meal, they will probably give you a free bottle of champagne.


3. Accomadations: Depending where you go and where you stay you will see pretty big differences in the rooms. Ask when the last time your hotel was renovated, and ask about the types of windows and the style of A/C. Alot of hotels down here have louver style windows, which can let mosquitos in the room and let the cold A/C air run out. What you want is a split unit A/C with HDR or pane windows. Ask for a room that has been painted recently. Depending on the season the hotel may or may not be able to accomadate you, but if you ask the questions they will try and take care of you when you come down.


4. Tip: I have seen hundreds of thousands of guests come and go and I can tell you one truth about all inclusive resorts: You will have a better vacation if you make yourself known. Ask a couple of tough questions like those mentioned above when you are booking the trip. Whether it is or not, tell them it is your anniversary or honeymoon. They will take better care of you. Tell them that your parents came a few years ago. Tell them anything to make yourself standout and convince them that they need to take extra special care of you.
Not if they include, headlice, bedbugs and pinworms