All-inclusive hotels offer a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, especially if you’re looking to relax and unwind without worrying about meal planning and additional expenses. However, not all all-inclusive hotels are created equal. Here are ten things to consider when booking an all-inclusive hotel:
Location: Consider the location of the hotel and whether it’s near the attractions or activities you want to enjoy during your stay.
When booking a hotel, the location is a crucial factor to consider. The hotel’s location can significantly affect your overall experience, so it’s important to choose a spot that suits your needs.
Some essential things to consider when assessing a hotel’s location include its proximity to key attractions or landmarks, accessibility to public transportation or highways, safety and security of the area, nearby restaurants and shopping options, and noise level of the surroundings.
Additionally, you might want to think about the type of atmosphere you prefer and whether the location aligns with your travel goals, such as a beachfront resort or a city-centre hotel.
By carefully evaluating a hotel’s location, you can ensure that you choose the right place to stay and make the most of your trip.
Price: All-inclusive hotels come at varying prices.
Consider your budget and what’s included in the package.The cost of an all-inclusive hotel per night can vary greatly depending on the destination, hotel brand, and level of luxury.
Generally, all-inclusive hotels tend to be more expensive than other types of hotels as they include meals, drinks, and sometimes even activities and entertainment. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from £100 to £500 per night for an all-inclusive hotel.
However, prices can be higher or lower depending on the season, location, and level of amenities offered by the hotel. It’s important to consider your budget and travel needs when determining how much you should pay for an all-inclusive hotel and to research and compare different options to find the best value for your money.
Food options: One of the perks of staying at an all-inclusive hotel is the variety of food options available. Check if the hotel caters to your dietary restrictions or preferences.
Ask yourself these 7 questions and ask yourself if you are happy with your findings.
- Variety: Look for a hotel that offers a variety of restaurants, including different cuisines and dietary requirements. It can get extremely repetitive eating in the same restaurant every meal for 3 meals a day, especially if you are staying for a week or more.
- Quality: Check reviews and ratings to ensure that the food is of good quality and prepared well. You need to read reviews very carefully, as some all inclusive hotels also offer self catering, and they can drag up the rating of a hotel (or bring it down).
- Availability: Consider whether the hotel has multiple restaurants or if the main buffet is the only option for meals. Is the all inclusive 24 hours or only for a certain number of hours per day?
- Special dinners: Some all-inclusive hotels offer special dinners or themed nights, which can add a fun element to your stay. If you are staying over Christmas for example, do they offer a special Christmas dinner and is there any supplement for this?
- Reservation requirements and dress code: Check if reservations are required for certain restaurants or if they have limited hours of operation. Many hotels with a la carte restaurants require you to book in advance and can get fully booked. Also check if a dress code (long trousers for men) is in place so that you can pack accordingly.
- In-room dining: Find out if in-room dining is included in the all-inclusive package, and if so, what the options are. A breakfast in bed can be a special experience, especially if you are on a honeymoon or romantic holiday.
- Snacks and drinks: Look for a hotel that offers snacks and drinks throughout the day, so you can grab a quick bite or a refreshing drink between meals. Also check if Alcohol is premium well known brands or just local spirits. Are cocktails an extra charge?
Activities: Find out what activities are included in the package. Do they have access to a private beach or offer water sports?.
Many all-inclusive hotels offer a wide range of activities, such as water sports, fitness classes, and entertainment programs.
It’s important to check whether these activities are included in the package or if there are additional fees. Additionally, it’s worth considering whether the hotel offers activities for different age groups, such as kids clubs or teen programs.
Some hotels also offer excursions and tours, which can be a great way to explore the local area. By considering the activities available, you can ensure that you have a fun and fulfilling experience at your all-inclusive hotel.
Entertainment: Are there live performances or nightly shows?
This can be a significant factor in determining the overall experience of your stay.
Whilst most all inclusive hotels appreciate good entertainment is important, many reviews for the lower priced all inclusive hotels can have complaints about the lack of entertainment.
All Inclusive hotel entertainment can vary from amateur singers to full on west end standard productions.
Size of the resort:
All-inclusive resorts can range from small boutique hotels to massive complexes. Consider what size would suit your preferences.
Many people prefer a bigger resort for all inclusive holidays as you tend to spend more time in the hotel grounds and it is nice to be able to have a change of scenery throughout your stay.
Room quality: What kind of rooms are available?
Are they spacious, clean and comfortable? Do they offer amenities like a minibar or balcony?
Some all inclusive resorts offer access to exclusive areas for certain upgraded room types.
If you’re travelling with a family or group, it’s important to make sure that there are enough beds to accommodate everyone comfortably. Additionally, consider the amenities that are available, such as air conditioning, a refrigerator, a safe, and a television. It’s also worth considering the view from the room, as well as the level of noise from neighbouring rooms or outside the hotel.
Lastly, consider the bathroom facilities, such as the size of the bathroom, the availability of hot water, and the quality of the toiletries provided. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay at your chosen hotel.
Reputation: Check the hotel’s reputation through reviews and ratings on various travel websites.
- Check travel websites: Websites such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia feature reviews from travelers who have stayed at the hotel.
- Check the hotel’s website: Many hotels have a section on their website where guests can leave reviews or testimonials.
- Check social media: Some hotels may have reviews or ratings on their social media pages.
- Ask a travel agent – they will likely be able to give you a good idea of a hotel’s reputation and may have stayed there or have had past guests.
When checking reviews, it’s important to read a range of comments to get a balanced understanding of the hotel’s strengths and weaknesses. Look for consistent themes in the reviews, such as comments about the cleanliness of the hotel, the quality of the service, or the comfort of the rooms.
By doing your research and reading reviews from other travellers, you can make a more informed decision about where to stay.
Age appropriate all inclusive hotels:
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Some all-inclusive hotels cater specifically to adults, while others are family-friendly. Make sure you know the age restrictions before booking.
If the resort has lots of facilities for kids such as water slides and kids clubs – it is likely that there will be a lot of children staying there even if it is not the UK school holidays.
Adult Only all inclusive hotels can often be a lot more expensive, so you can find a hotel that isn’t exclusive to adults but has very little facilities for children to save some money.
All Inclusive Exclusions:
Finally, check what’s included in the package. Are gratuities, alcohol, hold baggage and airport transfers included? Knowing what’s included will help you manage your expenses better.
