All-Inclusives: What's Included
and What's Not?
Not all all-inclusives are created equal. You'll find that
just how "all inclusive" is defined can vary from resort to
resort. Some will include transfers to and from the airport; some won't.
Some offer meals around the clock; at others, meal times are more limited.
Some resorts offer top shelf liquors; others restrict guests to local
beer and rums. You'll want to do your homework before booking your all
inclusive getaway.
What's generally not included in an all-inclusive package?
Almost without exception, expect to pay for these items:
- Phone calls. Even local phone calls and calls to toll-free
operators or credit card call will bring a charge.
- Spa treatments. A few resorts offer a complimentary
treatment but, in general, expect to pay for all spa treatments.
- Beauty treatments. Whether it's hair braiding or a facial,
expect to pay for all salon treatments.
- off-property tours. A few all inclusives offer limited
tours to nearby attractions but, in general, expect to pay for most
tours.
- Gift shop purchases.
Here's a handy chart of all-inclusive features. Print out
this chart and use it to compare up to three all inclusive resorts:
| All-inclusive feature: |
Resort 1 |
Resort 2 |
Resort 3 |
| Airport transfers |
|
|
|
| All meals |
|
|
|
| Top Shelf Liquors |
|
|
|
| Beer & wines only |
|
|
|
| House wine only at dinner |
|
|
|
| Room service, limited |
|
|
|
| Room service, 24-hour |
|
|
|
| Concierge services |
|
|
|
| Services of an in-house wedding coordinator |
|
|
|
| Free weddings |
|
|
|
| Free vow renewals |
|
|
|
| Motorized watersports |
|
|
|
| Scuba diving, unlimited |
|
|
|
| Scuba diving, limited |
|
|
|
| Golf |
|
|
|
| Use of golf equipment |
|
|
|
| Supervised children's program, if blending
families or traveling with wedding party |
|
|
|
| Sports lessons |
|
|
|
| Snorkeling and use of equipment |
|
|
|
| Sailing |
|
|
|
| Windsurfing |
|
|
|
| Tennis |
|
|
|
| Squash |
|
|
|
| Local tours |
|
|
|
| No tipping policy |
|
|
|
|
