All-Inclusive Resorts: What’s Actually Included?

If you’re looking for a hotel or resort that’s hassle-free and won’t break your budget, all-inclusives are an option. They are particularly popular for incentives, but can work for all types of meetings and events. Many are located in fun-and-sun destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico.

Among the all-inclusive hotel companies that cater to the meetings crowd are AIC Hotel Group (Hard Rock, Unico, Nobu), Club Med, Fiesta Americana, Hyatt Inclusive Collection (includes Hyatt Zilara, Zoetry, Secrets, Breathless and Dreams), Melia Hotels, Palace Resorts, Sandals Resorts and Velas Resorts.

All-inclusives are a great choice for entertaining top clients or rewarding sales performers, according to Kate Postle, business development manager at Bucom International. “You want them to have a memorable and carefree experience. All-inclusives accomplish this goal.”

There are typically a variety of levels – or tiers – of packages available at all-inclusive resorts, such as entry-level, mid-level, luxury and ultra-luxury. Each has its own corresponding services and inclusions.  

What’s Typically Included

• Food – A highlight of all-inclusives is unlimited food. Many have numerous restaurants to choose from, with cuisine ranging from Tuscan to sushi to steak. Meeting groups can arrange takeovers of an entire restaurant, or create an event featuring stations from several of the resort’s outlets.
• Beverages – All beverages, including beer, wine and liquor, are included. Check the fine print if you want to offer top-shelf brands; different resorts offer various options. For example, Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Riviera Maya, Mexico, serves all guests top-shelf brands such as Grey Goose, Absolut and Chivas Regal, while some all-inclusive brands might only offer these to concierge-level guests.

• Games - Resorts often offer Indoor and outdoor games, such as lawn chess, croquet, soccer, tennis, board games, billiards, shuffleboard, table tennis.
• Non-motorized water sport equipment- Paddleboards, kayaks, floats are often available for guests to use at no charge, but at their own risk.
• Entertainment – Many resorts feature live bands and stage shows nightly.
• Fitness center - Most resorts will give guests free access to the fitness center and may also offer scheduled classes such as yoga and dance.
• Limited golf - Mini-golf or practice putting greens are often also available.

What’s Probably Not Included (or Included in Top-Tier Packages)

• Resort fees
• Transfers to and from the airport
• 24-hour room service
• Greens fees 
• Spa treatments
• Motorized water sports equipment or excursions, such as wave runners, jet skis, parasailing, snorkeling or scuba diving, water skiing and tubing
• Tips and gratuities