Episode 34: The Cons of All-Inclusive Resorts and How to Solve Them

Today, I’ll be talking about a post I saw on the Black People Love All-Inclusive Resorts Facebook Page. The post was a question asking what people DON’T like about all-inclusive resorts.

I jotted down some of the responses to the post, and this episode is going to be about how to solve the issues that were brought up.

Here are the top 17 issues and how to solve them:

1. [02:50] The frozen drinks have chunks of ice – they need better blenders.

This sounds like a once-off thing. You couldn’t possibly travel all over and have this exact same experience at every single all-inclusive resort.

2. [03:29] The food is not great.

It’s unlikely that this is the case at all resorts, but it is more likely if you chose the budget-friendly resorts over the more luxury resorts.

There are resorts that have specialty restaurants as well, so you have plenty of options to choose from if one of your food options aren’t up to your expectations.

3. [05:42] They don’t discount excursions.

There are tour companies that offer excursions, and usually they have an arrangement with the resort to sell those to you on the resort property, but they’re not part of the resort’s business. The resort has no authority on the prices of another company’s offers.

4. [07:03] You stay drunk all the time.

How is this even the resort’s fault? There’s a simple solution to this: don’t drink (that much) if it’s going to ruin your stay.

If it’s the drunk, loud people you don’t want to deal with, make sure you book a resort that has a quiet area away from the turn-up crowds.

5. [09:08] They don’t season their food.

There are so many restaurants that don’t season the food, because people should be seasoning their food the way they want to.

I travel with my own salt and pepper shakers, so if you have a problem with unseasoned food, you can do the same. It’s that simple.

6. [10:47] Drinks are weak.

There’s a simple solutions to this: Get your drinks on ice. I do this with my Jack Daniels. You can even get a double shot if it’s not enough.

7. [11:18] I have dietary restrictions.

You’re not alone. I have celiac intolerance, which means if I want a pizza, I have to deal with the consequences. I usually let them know ahead of time, and they make the necessary accommodations if they can. It’s not a big deal.

Nowadays, you can find resorts that have every possible dietary option. 

8. [13:13] The food is too far from other things on the resort.

When you’re making your booking, you can request to be closer to the food. It’s not a guarantee that you’ll get it, but you can still ask.

9. [14:00] They are not stateside.

The concept of an all-inclusive resort isn’t limited to countries outside the US. Right between Miami and Orlando, Florida, there’s an all-inclusive resort called Club Med.

10. [15:30] Entertainment is disappointing.

This can be solved by simply picking the right resort.

If entertainment is your thing, you’re going to want to book a resort that has exactly the kind of entertainment that you’re looking for, whether it’s casinos, nightclubs, shows, or themed parties.

Talk to your travel agent, because they will be able to get you the resort that fits your entertainment needs.

11. [18:09] Wanting a golf cart for larger resorts.

If you’re opposed to walking around large resorts or you have mobility issues, simply choose a smaller resort. If you insist on booking a large resort, find one that has a shuttle service, or golf carts, that can take you around the resort.

Alternatively, you can upgrade your room to include a butler so that they can ensure that you’re able to make your way around the resort in a suitable manner.

12. [20:09] People selling timeshares on-property.

You can ask your travel agent to book a resort that doesn’t offer timeshares. Or, if you happen to be at a resort that does offer timeshares, you could simply ignore them.

13. [21:15] Not getting 24-hour room service.

If you want 24-hour room service, book a resort that offers it.

24-hour room service is my thing when booking a resort. If I want my french fries when I wake up in the middle of the night, then that’s when I want my french fries.

You might have to pay a bit extra, but it’s about the experience that you want, so if you want it, you make sure you have it.

14. [22:49] They want to chill in the jacuzzi, and they don’t like curfews.

Most pools close at 7 or 8 for safety reasons. If you really want your jacuzzi or swim late at night, select resorts that offer jacuzzis in the rooms, or even have swim-up rooms.

15. [24:29] They don’t like doing the same thing every day.

If you don’t want to spend your time at a resort feeling like you’re repeating every day for your whole stay, you can book different activities to do at the resort. You can even leave the property to find tours and activities in the surrounding areas.

16. [26:03] The specialty restaurants are difficult to book.

You can solve this issue by booking a resort that doesn’t require reservations for the restaurants, or you can book a room that includes a butler that can make your reservations for you.

17. [27:32] They don’t like wearing wristbands.

There are so many resorts that don’t require wristbands. You’re going to have to upgrade your resort if you don’t want the wristbands, though, so it’s your choice which you want to experience.

All these issues can be resolved. It’s just a matter of what you’re willing to pay to experience. If you’re booking a budget-friendly resort, you can’t be surprised that you have a list of needs that weren’t met. If you really want to live your best life on a resort with every experience you need, then you’re going to have to be willing to pay a bit more.

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