Getting the most out of an all-inclusive resort hotel

By Kitty Bean Yancey
October 22, 2010

"On vacation, we're all stars."

That's the theme of a new ad campaign for IBEROSTAR's all-inclusive resorts, starring actor Antonio Banderas.

The Spanish chain aims to lure more Americans to its lodgings in the Caribbean and elsewhere by touting what savvy travelers know: Resorts where meals, snacks, booze and most activities are covered, often at jaw-dropping rates, can make budgeters feel like big shots. It's a vacation option that's better every year, as all-inclusives up their games with new properties, fancier rooms and meals that can rival those at chic hotels.

Even traditional chains such as Hilton have dipped their toes into all-inclusive waters, and à la carte resorts (Ritz-Carlton's Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica, for one) have added packages with meals and drinks to woo those who want to know the bottom line before they leave home.

"We see this as a growing market," says Hilton's Danny Hughes, senior vice president of operations for Latin America and the Caribbean. People at all income levels like knowing what a vacation will cost and having an "overall experience" at their fingertips without having to plan or pay extra, he says.

Another draw: You don't have to tip.

Here's advice from veteran travel planners and industry insiders on getting the most from an all-inclusive getaway:

Define your vacation goals

Do you want a gorgeous beach, an adults-only romantic interlude, a family vacation, a wedding that's easy to plan (Sandals Resorts has partnered with Martha Stewart Weddings), a party place? Different chains cater to various ages and proclivities, with everything from suites and butlers to nude beaches, casinos or infant day care.

Find the resort that fits your budget

Clients of Jim Hobbs' Cheapcaribbean.com ask: "Where's the best value?" he says. "People are looking for a high-end vacation at prices they can afford." Because most all-inclusives are in countries with cheap labor and low cost of living, you can stay for less than $100 daily per person.

Luxury lovers can be happy at an all-inclusive, says Arthur Mehmel, founder of TourScan Caribbean Vacations. He has sent wealthy clients to the AAA five-star Royal Hideaway Playacar near Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and booked the all-inclusive option at chic Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. Couples-only Sandals, whose slogan is "luxury included," offers butlers and private plunge pools for $1,000-plus per couple nightly. Its 74-suite Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World. Rates before Christmas start at about $700 a couple nightly.

Know when to go

August through mid-December is deal time, especially in the Caribbean. Fall rates at IBEROSTAR start at $158 a room per night (double occupancy) at IBEROSTAR Paraíso del Mar in Riviera Maya, Mexico. In winter high season, the lowest posted rate is $354 double, at IBEROSTAR Cozumel. Watch for grand-opening specials: SuperFun in Jamaica has a $154 nightly rate for two.

Know where to go

Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia and Mexico are crammed with all-inclusives. Up-and-coming destinations include Brazil and Panama. This year, Hilton made its Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa all-inclusive. It appeals to those seeking outdoor adventures. And for some, "the destination is less important if (the resort) has a great beach," Hughes says. That's the lure of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Negril in Jamaica. As for kids, the Beaches chain has partnered with Sesame Street— meaning mingling with Elmo.

Watch for sales

In this iffy economy, specials are everywhere. Even luxe Royal Hideaway Playacar has rates from $213 per person nightly for November and December, instead of $400.

Check before you check in

That's easy via traveler-review sites including TripAdvisor. Cheapcaribbean.com has a resort finder and thousands of reviews from its customers. Read the fine print: You typically pay extra for spa treatments, greens fees, motorized water sports, fine wine. Sandals includes scuba diving and offers free golf (but requires paying for caddies) at some properties.

Opt for air/lodging packages

Cheapcaribbean, TourScan, Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations and GOGO Worldwide Vacations have cut-rate deals. "Sometimes we can do a week for around $800 a person, including airfare" with a charter flight via Apple or one of the others, Mehmel says. Last-minute deals can be good, too.

Consider pros and cons

If you're looking to explore a destination and its culture, think twice before going all-inclusive. Other than basic classes in local dances or crafts and nightly cruise-ship-like shows, there's usually little cultural immersion. In places such as Punta Cana, there's little to do outside your gated compound other than excursions. You might be ferried to a stable to ride en masse on jaded equines.

Independent sorts may hate wearing a plastic, hospital-style wristband (required at most all-inclusives). Staying and eating at one resort, even with its buffets and specialty restaurants, can be confining. Chains such as Riu or IBEROSTAR combat boredom by allowing resort-hopping when they have several properties in one locale.

Meanwhile, the everything-included concept keeps expanding its beachhead. All-inclusives "have come to realize if they offer better food than average and better service than average for less money, travelers will spread the word," Mehmel says. "And that's what has happened."

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