Is All Inclusive Worth It in Cancun? What You Should Know Before Visiting
With pearly-white beaches, great nightlife and Mayan ruins just a short drive away, Cancun really does have it all. First, there’s the lively Hotel Zone with its impressive line-up of oceanfront all inclusive resorts, restaurants, bars and shops. Then, you’ve got the Party Zone, where huge nightclubs rub shoulders with live music venues. Venture downtown, and you can check out colorful markets and local cantinas. And on top of all that, you’ll be within day-tripping distance of some of the most fascinating ruins of the ancient Mayan world, like Tulum’s cliff-teetering temples and the famous, UNESCO-listed Chichén Itzá.
There’s certainly no shortage of places to stay in Cancun, either. With such a wide range of hotel options to pick from, you may be asking yourself if going all inclusive is worth it. And in this article, we’ve got the answer! Read on to find out the pros and cons of going all inclusive in Cancun, who would benefit most from it, and how to decide if it’s for you.
The Perks of All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun
Everything is Included in One Price
Cancun vacations are supposed to be stress-free. Go all inclusive, and even the booking process is a breeze – your accommodation, meals, drinks, snacks, daytime activities and evening entertainment are all bundled into one package, keeping everything nice and simple. Just book, and you’re ready to go! You won’t have to work out how much spending money you’ll need to take with you for food, drink and activities, either. Some all inclusive vacation packages also include your flights, so if you book one of these, it really couldn’t be easier to get away.
Convenience and Relaxation
Ever felt like you needed a vacation to recover from your vacation? Not when you go all inclusive! In fact, all you need to do is show up and chill out. There’s no need to plan what you’ll be doing each day or worry about where you’ll be eating each night, so you can be spontaneous and truly unwind. Plus, because everything’s paid for, you can treat yourself to whatever you fancy without the worry of racking up a big bill at the end of it.
Most of the all inclusive resorts in Cancun sit on the beautiful beachfront, too. Sun loungers and parasols are there for the taking, and some places even include beach waiter service for drinks, which means laid-back days on the sand are firmly on the cards.
Good Food and Lots of Options
If you think all inclusive vacations in Cancun mean you need to hit up the same buffet joint for every meal, think again. Most of Cancun’s all inclusive resorts actually feature multiple restaurants offering a diverse range of around-the-world cuisines, all included as part of the deal. Some chains even take things a step further and let you eat at some of the restaurants in their sister hotels without paying any extra. Upscale dining experiences are also widely available, so you won’t even need to leave your resort for a special evening out. That’s great news for foodies!
The same is true for drinks – there are several bars to pick from at most resorts, so you can mix up where you enjoy your morning coffees and sundown tipples. Plus, if you like to indulge in your favorite brands of spirits or bottled beers while you’re away, you can usually upgrade to a premium drinks package with these included.
Great Value for Families and Groups
If you’re traveling with kids or in a large group, things like going out for dinner can be a bit of a logistical nightmare, especially when everyone wants something different to eat! That’s where all inclusive resorts come in – you can rock up to the buffet restaurant whenever you’re ready, without the hassle of making reservations and getting cabs. There’s no need to keep hungry kids waiting, and they can try lots of new foods without costing you a fortune in the process. Plus, there’s bound to be something on offer for even the fussiest of little eaters. Some resorts even offer reservation-free à la carte dining for when you feel like spoiling yourself with a more sophisticated evening out.
Outside of mealtimes, you can say ‘yes’ whenever your little ones ask for snacks or ice creams, as those are usually included as part of your all inclusive package, too. The same goes for activities – with things like beach volleyball, table tennis, pool games, kids’ discos and family friendly shows included, you won’t need to reach for your purse when they get fed up with sunbathing.
Ideal for Short Stays
Low on PTO? If you’ve only got time for a few days’ stay in Cancun, you probably want to maximize time spent relaxing so you can go home feeling just as refreshed as you would after a week or two away. Here’s where going all inclusive has its benefits. You won’t need to worry about leaving your resort for your meals, drinks and activities if you don’t want to, which means you’ll have longer to spend kicking back at the beach, lounging by the pool, or sipping drinks on your balcony. And with plenty of activities like non-motorized water sports included as part of the package, you can still try something new while you’re there.
Are All Inclusive Resorts Worth It? The Drawbacks
Buffet Mentality Rules the Day
If you like variety, the thought of heading to the same buffet restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day may not be appealing to you. This is especially relevant if you’re going away for a longer period of time, like a week or more.
However, with most resorts offering à la carte restaurants and snack bars as part of the package, mealtimes on an all inclusive vacation don’t have to be boring! In fact, on a typical day, you could be stacking up a plate at the buffet for breakfast, chowing down on tacos by the pool at lunchtime, and tucking into a cooked-to-order steak for dinner. Just check whether you need to make reservations beforehand. Most buffet restaurants also host themed nights, so you’ll always find something different to fill your plate with every day. If choice is important to you, we recommend looking out for resorts with multiple dining options.
Alcoholic Drinks May Fall Short
The quality of drinks at all inclusive resorts can vary widely. While the thought of unlimited drinks sounds like a great idea, you might find them to taste watered down or overly sugary. On top of that, most all inclusive drinks packages only include local beers and spirits.
The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case – you can usually upgrade to a premium drinks package, which includes the likes of cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, bottled soft drinks and international beers. Some high-end resorts even offer premium drinks as standard, so it’s a good idea to do your research so you know what to expect before you book.
Touristy Excursions and Timeshare Pitches
With so much to explore in Cancun and the surrounding area, doing an excursion or two is a must! But resort-promoted trips can sometimes feel a bit commercial or over-curated. There can also be a lot of waiting around on a bus, especially if you’re part of a large group. You can always book a tour with an external provider if you prefer, though – just be sure to read reviews first so you know you’re choosing a reputable company. Many offer small-group or even private tours, so you can see the sights you’re most interested in with an expert guide and without the hassle of driving or organizing things yourself. Another option is to call a cab to drop you off at wherever it is you want to visit. Or, if you’re feeling even more adventurous and your resort has free onsite parking, why not hire a car? Staying at a resort doesn’t take away your options when it comes to exploring.
Another pet peeve of many all inclusive vacationers is the infamous timeshare pitches. And we don’t blame you if these put you off – high-pressure sales presentations can really take away from the vacation vibe! Don’t worry, though – they’re not compulsory. You can always opt out by politely declining and saying no. On the flip side, if you don’t mind sacrificing half an hour of your time to attend one, there might be a freebie in it for you, like a massage at the resort’s spa or a special dinner.
It’s Not for Everyone
All inclusive vacations aren’t for everyone! Cancun has plenty to offer outside the resort bubble for independent travelers and adventure seekers – opt for a self-catering stay, and you can spend every day sampling local restaurants, strolling around markets, soaking up the culture, and seeking out hidden gems. If your number one priority is relaxation, however, going all inclusive will suit you perfectly.
Cancun All Inclusive or Not? Factors to Consider
If you’re still asking yourself ‘Is all inclusive worth it in Cancun?’ here are some factors to consider. The bottom line is that not all travelers will enjoy this type of getaway. If you’re a big foodie, for example, you might prefer to eat all your meals in independent restaurants or check out the local street food scene. If you’re backpacking or long-term traveling in Mexico, you’ll probably want to check into a hostel to save money and meet like-minded people. And if you want to really immerse yourself in the local culture, staying at an all inclusive resort might not suit you well, either.
On the flip side, for other types of travelers or first-timers, all inclusive is, without a doubt, the way to go. Families will appreciate the ease and convenience of having everything in one place and paid for before they fly. Couples might also prefer to go all inclusive to maximize relaxation and quality time together. If you’re short on time, you might want to spend your days lounging by the pool so you can head home feeling refreshed and recharged. All inclusive vacations are also great options for honeymoons and special occasions! If you fall into one of these categories but still want to dip your toes into life outside of the resort, you always have the option to book excursions, hire a car, or spend a few hours exploring the nearby area independently.
So… Cancun All Inclusive Or Not?
All inclusive vacations in Cancun can be perfect for some types of travelers, like families, couples, or large groups, but they don’t suit everyone. Backpackers, culture seekers and long-term travelers might find them too restrictive. Consider your budget, your travel style and what you want to get out of your trip before making a decision.
Remember, you can still venture outside your resort for the occasional meal and explore Cancun’s best bits on an excursion. So, going all inclusive can give you the best of both worlds!
Book Your All Inclusive Cancun Escape Today
Now you know about all the fantastic benefits that come with an all inclusive getaway, all that’s left is to pack your suitcase and start counting down!
Browse through our wide range of all inclusive resorts in Cancun and book your perfect vacation online today at All Inclusive Outlet.
