Usually included
- Room and taxes (confirm at booking)
- Buffet and à-la-carte restaurants (some with reservations)
- Snacks, coffee, soft drinks, house wine, beer and standard cocktails
- Non-motorized water sports (kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear)
- Daytime activities, evening shows, kids’ club at family resorts
- Wi-Fi (now standard at most, but confirm)
Often NOT included (varies by resort)
| Item | What to check |
|---|---|
| Premium liquor & wine lists | “Top-shelf” brands may cost extra or need a club-level room |
| Specialty restaurants | Some resorts charge for steakhouse, teppanyaki or chef’s table |
| Room service | Free at some, limited hours or fee at others |
| Spa & salon | Almost always extra |
| Motorized water sports, diving | Extra |
| Excursions | Extra (cenotes, catamarans, ruins, parks) |
| Airport transfers | Sometimes included, often not |
| Tips | Some resorts include them; many guests still tip staff |
| Resort / environmental fees & local taxes | Some destinations charge at check-in or departure |
Room category changes what’s included
Upgrading to a club, preferred or butler level can add: private lounges, better liquor, reserved beach areas, extra restaurants and room service. For celebrations it’s often worth comparing the upgrade vs. paying extras à la carte.
How we compare two resorts for you
We check the same list for both: restaurants and reservation rules, drinks, kids’ club ages, room size and layout, beach vs. pool, transfer time and every extra fee — then tell you the real difference in price, not just the headline rate.
FAQ
Do I need cash?
A little, in small bills, for tips and optional extras.
Are drinks unlimited?
Standard drinks, yes. Premium brands may not be.
Is all-inclusive always better value than a hotel plus restaurants?
If you eat and drink at the resort, usually yes. If you plan to go out every night, maybe not.