The choice between hotel and all-inclusive is a hard one.  Some people see the prices and wonder if it’s really worth it. What draws so many people towards this option?

Here are 10 great reasons to choose to stay in an all-inclusive resort:

NO PLANNING

 If you are a novice traveler or are worried about planning a vacation by yourself, an all-inclusive can be the perfect solution since you have all your activities and restaurants in one place. If you don’t feel like planning ahead of time, you can decide daily what you feel like doing. Also, even if you are a planner, after a big trip you may not feel like getting back to the planning board. You may even decide to not plan anything at all (insert gasp…lol)

LEAVE YOUR WALLET IN THE SAFE

No worrying how much anything costs, no questioning the tax, no waiting for the bill, and no needing to stray away from the top shelf ingredients in your cocktails! An all-inclusive resort means everything is provided with your payment and you don’t need to pay while you go.  So don’t feel guilty you make your kids throw out their smoothies when you even suspect for a second they may have gotten a drop of pool water in it.

 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO DO

Choose a resort that has the amenities that best suit your family since some cater specifically towards couples, singles, or families. I try to look for a spa for myself, a beach for my husband, and water activities or crafts for my girls. If there is a Kid Camp at the resort they can spend time with kids their own age and it allows for guilt free adult time.

BEACHES AND POOLS

Most resorts are known for having beautiful pools. Look for resorts that have lots of options.  Many have private adult pools, water parks, lazy rivers, and swim-up bars.  Look at what the beaches are like.  Are they private beaches or public?  Is there security on the beach so you don’t get bombarded with people selling souvenirs?

ACTIVITIES, ACTIVITIES, ACTIVITIES

All-inclusive resorts often provide non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, game rooms, beach sports, water parks, nightly entertainment, crafts, etc. These activities are a great way to fill your day but the cost can add up so an all-inclusive is a wonderful opportunity to try new activities without having to pay for them. So, who cares if you realize kayaking in high ocean waves may not be as relaxing as it sounded and decide to stop doing it after 15 minutes??

RESTAURANTS

This is where it can get tricky. I always like a variety in my food so I make sure there are several choices of restaurants. In the past, all-inclusive would mean buffets, but that is not the case anymore. There are many resorts that pride themselves on high end cuisine. You’ll see French dining, hibachi, sushi bars, lobster bakes, and dining on the sand.  Also,  a restaurant in a family resort will usually have good menu options for kids.

COST EFFECTIVE

 An all-inclusive resort can be significantly cheaper if you take advantage of all they have to offer. If you eat most of your meals on property and use the amenities, you can get a good bang for your buck. If you are planning to go exploring every day and eating out for most meals, then this may not be the option for you.

DRINK UP

For some people this may not be what sways you, but for others (Yep, that’s my hand in the air!) it is a plus. A bar tab can get very expensive, especially if you are trying specialty drinks or using top shelf ingredients. An all-inclusive can let you enjoy your umbrella drink while sitting on your beach chaise without feeling any guilt. It also allows the kids to get drinks…including that Shirley Temple that they insist on having but I know they won’t drink more than a few sips of.

NO CAR RENTALS

Although you may chose to go off property, it is not a necessity so a car rental is not needed. Some resorts will even offer a shuttle from the hotel to the resort.

ENTERTAINMENT AND EXCURSIONS

Many resorts are now offering entertainment such as concerts, luaus, specialty dinners, character breakfasts, and dance lessons. Some resorts will offer excursions at discount prices if you book through them, offer transportation, or arrange for tours of surrounding areas. By booking through the resort you can be assured the excursion is legit and be able to find out feedback from past guests

What have been your favorite all-inclusive resorts?