When planning a vacation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing your accommodation. In the case of resorts or hotels, you will have two basic choices – traditional, standard ‘pay-as-you-go’ hotels or resorts, and all-inclusive resorts. Both offer a place to stay obviously, but they are quite different in terms of what they offer and what type of traveler they appeal to.

What is an all-inclusive resort?

An all-inclusive resort is a type of accommodation where guests pay one price upfront that covers all their expenses during their stay. This typically includes food, drinks, activities, and entertainment. Some all-inclusive resorts offer additional services such as spa treatments, golf courses, and off-site excursions, though most guests practically never leave the resort. The goal of an all-inclusive resort is to provide guests with a hassle-free vacation, and one they don’t have to worry about the cost of every meal, drink, or activity.

What is a traditional hotel?

A traditional hotel is a place where guests pay for their rooms and then pay for additional expenses separately. This can include food, drinks, and activities. Traditional hotels vary in size and amenities, ranging from budget-friendly options with just the basics to luxury hotels and resorts with multiple restaurants, spas, swimming pools, etc.

Cost:

One of the most significant differences between all-inclusive resorts and traditional hotels is the cost. All-inclusive resorts can be more expensive upfront, but they often offer better value for your money. With everything included, you can decide on your vacation budget and have pretty much no choice but to stick to it.

You can try budgeting for a medium to long stay at a traditional hotel or resort but costs sure can add up quickly, especially if you’re traveling with a family or a group,

A notorious vacation effect comes into play – people can be mildly euphoric when they’re away, and usually end up splashing out much more than they had initially expected.

Food and Drinks:

All-inclusive resorts offer unlimited food and drinks, so you can eat and drink as much as you want without worrying about the bill. These resorts often have multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, though the quality of the food can of course vary.

Traditional hotels typically offer one or two restaurants on-site, and guests must pay for their meals separately. While some hotels offer free breakfast, you’ll still need to pay for lunch, dinner, and snacks, which add up quickly.

Activities:

All-inclusive resorts often have a variety of activities included in the price, such as water sports, yoga classes, and nightly entertainment. Traditional hotels may have a pool or fitness center on-site, but most activities will come at an additional cost.

Overall Experience:

The overall experience at an all-inclusive resort is geared toward relaxation and leisure. With everything taken care of, you can spend your days lounging by the pool or beach and enjoying the resort’s amenities. Traditional hotels offer a different experience, where guests are generally more inclined to explore the surrounding area and immerse themselves in the local culture, eating out at local restaurants and drinking at local bars being the most obvious examples.

All-inclusive resorts are a much better option for travelers looking for a more stress-free vacation while traditional hotels are ideal for those who want more flexibility and the ability to explore their surroundings.

Both options have their advantages, it all just comes down to what someone is looking for on that particular vacation – Exploration or Relaxation? In short, a guest at an all-inclusive may end up partaking in many things, but mostly within the resort. For a guest at a standard hotel or resort, they may also partake in many things but most will be outside the confines of the hotel.