“All inclusive” sounds simple, but what you actually get can vary between hotels.
The important thing to remember is that every hotel is different.
Don’t assume two all inclusive hotels will offer the same package, even if they’re in the same chain, have the same star rating or are in the same destination.
🍽️ Food
Most all inclusive holidays include:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks throughout the day
- Ice cream
- Selected à la carte restaurants
Some hotels limit how often you can use à la carte restaurants, while others may charge extra for certain restaurants.
🍹 Drinks
Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee are normally included, along with alcoholic drinks.
However, alcoholic drinks in standard all inclusive are usually local or house brands. Don’t expect the same selection of branded spirits you might have at home.
Some hotels offer the option to pay for an upgrade, giving you access to branded spirits, beers and wines.
That said, it really does vary. We’ve stayed at hotels where branded drinks were included in the standard all inclusive package, so always check exactly what’s included.
Premium drinks and certain cocktails can also cost extra.
🏊 Activities
Depending on the hotel, all inclusive can include:
- Swimming pools
- Gym
- Tennis
- Table tennis
- Beach volleyball
- Kids’ clubs
- Daytime activities
- Evening entertainment
Some activities, particularly motorised water sports, will usually cost extra.
❌ What Isn’t Normally Included?
You may have to pay extra for:
- Spa treatments
- Massages
- Excursions
- Premium drinks
- Premium restaurants
- Motorised water sports
- Some activities
- Room service
- Certain minibar items
- Special dining experiences
✈️ Are Flights Included?
Only if you’ve booked them as part of a package.
“All inclusive” describes the hotel’s board basis. It doesn’t automatically include flights.
The same applies to airport transfers. Some packages include transfers, while others don’t.
👨👩👧👦 What About Families?
All inclusive can be particularly useful for families because food, drinks, snacks and many activities are covered.
Many family resorts also include:
- Kids’ clubs
- Children’s pools
- Children’s entertainment
- Sports and activities
- Ice cream and snacks
⭐ What Is Ultra All Inclusive?
Ultra or Premium All Inclusive usually means more is included than standard all inclusive.
This could include:
- Premium branded drinks
- More à la carte restaurants
- 24-hour food and drinks
- Minibar
- Additional activities
- Premium services
There is no standard definition of “Ultra All Inclusive”, so always check what the individual hotel actually includes.
🍴 All Inclusive vs Half Board
All Inclusive:
Breakfast + lunch + dinner + snacks + selected drinks + some activities and entertainment.
Half Board:
Usually breakfast + dinner. Lunch, snacks and most drinks are extra.
If you plan to spend most of your time at the resort, all inclusive can offer good value.
If you’re going to be out exploring most days, half board may make more sense.
🏨 Every Hotel Is Different
This is probably the most important thing to remember.
Every hotel is different, even within the same hotel chain or star rating.
We’ve stayed at different hotels within the same chains and found that what’s included can vary.
A 4-star all inclusive hotel isn’t necessarily going to offer the same experience as another 4-star all inclusive hotel.
The same applies to 5-star hotels. A 5-star rating doesn’t automatically mean that everything is included or that the hotel offers a better all inclusive package.
Star ratings are useful, but they shouldn’t be the only thing you look at.
🔎 Check What Other Guests Say
Hotel descriptions don’t always tell you everything.
Our advice is to use TripAdvisor to search for specifics and see what other guests have actually experienced when staying at the hotel.
Look for recent reviews mentioning:
- Which drinks are included
- Whether branded alcohol is available
- What food and snacks are available
- Whether the à la carte restaurants are worth using
- Which activities are actually free
- Whether the minibar is included
- What guests thought of the entertainment
- Whether there are any unexpected charges
Rather than just looking at the overall hotel rating, search TripAdvisor for the specific question you want answered.
We’ve found this particularly useful when researching hotels ourselves.
💡 Our Advice
Don’t assume “all inclusive” means everything is included.
Before booking, check:
- What’s included with the drinks?
- Are branded drinks included?
- Are à la carte restaurants included?
- Are snacks available all day?
- Which activities are free?
- Is the minibar included?
- Are transfers included?
- Are there any additional charges?
The exact inclusions can vary significantly between hotels — even within the same chain or star rating.
Our advice is simple: don’t just ask “Is it all inclusive?” Ask “What exactly is included at this hotel?”
If you’re unsure, we can help check what’s included before you book and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Call or Message Us on WhatsApp
📞+44 7356 013977
✉️hello@tomandmariatravel.co.uk
Tom & Maria Travel – Independent Travel Consultant
