What Does All Inclusive Mean in Cancun? Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
Palm trees swaying in an ocean breeze. White sand beaches dotted with beach chairs perfect for lounging. Delicious food and cold drinks are waiting for you anytime the mood strikes. An all inclusive beach vacation is the ultimate relaxing getaway. But sometimes, the term “all inclusive” can be a little confusing. If it’s your first time visiting an all inclusive resort, you might be wondering what is actually covered and what kinds of perks you can expect.
If you’re thinking about booking a flight to Cancun, Mexico, keep reading to learn what is included in all inclusive resorts in Cancun, as well as how to pick the right resort to fit your needs.
What Is Included in All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun?
When you book a stay at all inclusive resort, you’ll pay one nightly fee based on the type of room and level of service (like concierge or butler level) that you choose. This nightly fee covers not only your room but many amenities as well. Everything that’s included in your stay at an all inclusive resort can vary a little from resort to resort. However, there are a few common features that most resorts will include.
- Dining & Unlimited Drinks – All meals, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at onsite restaurants and bars are typically included in your nightly fee.
- Pools and Beach Access – Lounge chairs, beach service, and resort-style pools
- Water Sports and Other Activities – Non-motorized options like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling gear, as well as beach volleyball, dance classes, and more
- Entertainment – Nightly shows, music, and themed events
- Kids’ Clubs & Family Activities – Age-appropriate programs for kids and teens
- Wi-Fi – Often free, but sometimes access is limited to certain areas
- Gratuities and Taxes – Sometimes included in your nightly fee
What Is Not Included at All Inclusive Resorts?
It’s important to know what is included in all inclusive resorts in Cancun. But it’s also important to understand what’s not. While many of the amenities that you’ll enjoy during your stay are included in your nightly fee, there are a few extras that you may need to pay for. Some of these are optional or only apply to certain resorts, while others are costs that most guests will need to pay during their stay. Understanding these additional costs that you may face will help you to better budget for your Cancun vacation.
Some additional charges that you may face include:
- Premium wines & top-shelf liquors — Some resorts, like Dreams, Secrets, and Azul, do offer these as standard. However, some resorts do charge for top-shelf liquors and premium wines.
- Motorized water sports — If you want to participate in motorized water sports, like jet skis, or go scuba diving, you may need to pay extra. Some resorts may offer scuba diving for free but charge for scuba diving training, tank refills, and other associated costs.
- Excursions and off-resort tours — Cultural tours, eco adventures, zip lining, and other excursions may be available to book through your resort but are usually an additional charge.
- Spa services and massages — Most all inclusive resorts have a spa where you can enjoy massages and other services for an additional fee.
- Room upgrades or late checkouts — If you want room upgrades like a larger room, a better view, or even a private plunge pool, you’ll pay a higher nightly rate. You may be able to upgrade your room on arrival for a fee or pay for a late checkout if your flight home is later in the day.
- Private dinners or events — Private beach dinners, weddings, parties, and other events may be available to book for an additional cost.
So, Does That Mean I Can Be Cash-Free?
With so many amenities included in your vacation and others available to purchase ahead of time, you might be wondering whether you’ll need to carry cash during your stay. While many people think that all inclusive resorts are cash-free, it is handy to have some cash on hand for tips, souvenirs, and off-site activities you might want to enjoy.
Perks That Are Often Included at an All-Inclusive Resort
In addition to the amenities that you likely know are included in your stay at an all inclusive resort, other perks may be included that can help take your Cancun vacation to the next level. Some little luxuries you might experience include:
- Welcome drinks upon arrival
- Daily stocked mini bar in your room
- Room service (sometimes available 24/7)
- Access to fitness centers and yoga classes
- Airport transfers (at some properties)
What to Look for in a Cancun All Inclusive Package
Now that you know what is included in all inclusive resorts in Cancun — as well as what isn’t — it’s time to look for the perfect resort for your stay. With so many resorts to choose from, it’s a good idea to start by thinking about your and your family’s priorities. Are you planning to spend your time relaxing by the beach, and want a quiet resort with lots of beach access? Maybe you’re traveling with kids and want plenty of family friendly amenities. Or, perhaps you’re a foodie looking for lots of dining options. Let’s take a look at some things to consider when comparing resorts for your Cancun vacation.
- Check if alcohol is truly unlimited — At some all inclusive resorts, alcoholic beverages may not be truly unlimited, so it’s important to check if this is important to you.
- See if restaurants require reservations — If you prefer not to have your meals planned out ahead of time, make sure the resort you’re including doesn’t require advanced reservations at all or most of their restaurants.
- Look for “adults only” vs. “family friendly” features — If you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a truly adults only resort may be a great choice. But some resorts have adults only areas while still welcoming families.
- Verify airport transportation and room amenities — Some resorts offer their own airport transportation, while others require you to find your own transportation. Room amenities, like minibars, plunge pools, or suites, will vary from one resort to the next as well.
- Read reviews for hidden fees — Hidden fees can put a damper on your vacation and hurt your budget. Check out reviews from previous travelers to see if others have reported unexpected costs during their stays.
Is Every All Inclusive Resort in Cancun the Same?
Each and every all inclusive resort in Cancun is unique! This means that room types, packages, amenities, and other features will vary. Your budget will have a big impact on the amenities and level of luxury that you have access to. Cancun has luxury, mid-range, and budget options, allowing you to customize your vacation.
Budget resorts may have fewer amenities, smaller rooms, or less luxurious accommodations and features. Mid-range resorts often offer additional amenities and perks, as well as more room options and upgrades. Luxury resorts often have large, luxurious rooms, many included amenities, and generally a more elevated atmosphere. They may also have more amenities included than other resorts.
Pros & Cons of All Inclusive Resort Getaways in Cancun
If you’re still on the fence about booking an all inclusive resort getaway in Cancun, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Predictable budgeting — With a nightly fee, it’s easy to plan ahead and budget for your vacation compared to other types of travel.
- Convenience and ease — Everything you need, from your room to food to activities, is conveniently located on-site, making it easy to get around and enjoy your vacation.
- Endless food and drinks — From snacks to meals to coffee to alcohol, food and drink are available all day in unlimited quantities.
- Lots of included entertainment — Each resort has its own entertainment, including shows, music, and even family friendly entertainment.
Cons:
- Less cultural immersion — When you stay at an all inclusive resort, you may not get the same level of cultural immersion that you might by staying in local cities and towns in other accommodations.
- Limited dining flexibility — While there are often many dining options at your resort, you may need to make reservations ahead of time for some locations. Others may be available only during certain times of day.
- Possible hidden fees — Some resorts have hidden fees outside of the nightly advertised rate.
- Crowded during peak season — If you’re traveling during peak season in Cancun, which runs from November to April, resorts may be more crowded.
Other Things to Note Before You Book
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, there are a few other things that you should check before you book your stay. Some final things to consider before booking include:
- Is tipping expected even if gratuities are “included”? While this might not be a deal-breaker, you will need to know ahead of time so that you can include tips in your vacation budgeting.
- Does the resort offer adults only or family specific zones? If you’re traveling with kids, you may want to check that they have age-appropriate family zones that your kids will enjoy. Similarly, adults may want adult only areas or even adults only resorts for more chances to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
- Can you dine at sister resorts? Some resorts have sister locations in the area that you may be able to travel to. If your resort does, check whether you can dine at their sister resorts or enjoy other activities and amenities.
- Are there dress codes for dinner? Some resorts or specific restaurants at resorts may have dress codes for dinner that you’ll need to pack for if you want to enjoy those locations.
Ready to Choose Your Cancun All Inclusive Paradise?
Booking a stay at an all inclusive resort in Cancun can be a great beach vacation for families, couples, friends, and more. With everything included in one convenient nightly rate and everything you need, from food to entertainment to activities, right on-site, all inclusive vacations are fun and easy. Enjoy endless food and fun, beautiful accommodations, and stunning beaches, all just hours away from many of the United States’ major airports.
Ready to enjoy your own relaxing beach vacation? Book an all inclusive vacation to Cancun online with All Inclusive Outlet today!
