Return to Home
All-inclusive or All-Indulgence?
by Rhea Heggaton | published: 9/22/2005
 If vacation is synonymous with gluttony, then you may want to consider and all-inclusive resort for your next vacation. In Vallarta there are two types of all-inclusive, large resorts that only offer the all-inclusive option (including Canto del Sol and Marival Grand & Club Suites) and small to mid-size hotels that offer the all-inclusive as an option (including Buenaventura Beach Club and Playa Los Arcos). The latter will have guests that are all-inclusive and guests that are not. For those that are unfamiliar with all-inclusive resorts, here are some answers to frequent questions.Why an all-inclusive resort? In brief, the all-inclusive resort is a good idea for travelers who want to know that everything is taken care of up front. Families are also well served by some all-inclusive resorts, as many have extensive children's activities and Kid's Clubs. The Melia has the Club 4 for children 0-4 years, Mini Club for children age 5-12 and the Teen Club for teens under 16. There is also a kids only Mini Disco, batting cages, rock climbing wall, and video arcade. Non-motorized water sports, like kayaking, are included at most all-inclusive resorts. Some even have bicycles and wind surfing. Guests of the Canto del Sol can take advantage of the tennis courts each day. What is included in my all inclusive?  Most all-inclusive resorts include not only your room, but all meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, non-motorized water sports, daily activities program, entertainment, taxes, and gratuities.What is the food like? Buffet is the order of the day at many all inclusive resorts. For breakfast expect an array of fresh fruit and juices, sweet rolls, French toast, pancakes, meats, yogurt, made to order omelets, and of course cereal. Often there is a buffet for lunch and a poolside grill, serving burgers and hot dogs. Along with the buffet, dinner also brings ala carte options at one or more specialty restaurants. Dinner buffet themes usually change nightly, one night Italian, one night Mexican, Caribbean, the list goes on. Are there exclusions?  Some hotels do not offer room service or do not include room service or the mini bar in the package price. Others charge a surcharge for premium liquors. Many have ala carte restaurants that you must make a reservation for, and only allow one dinner in the ala carte restaurant is allowed during a stay. Fine cuts of meat and lobster often have an additional charge. Dreams Resort, on a secluded cove, offers unlimited dining in their ala carte restaurants.Should I tip? Before making your reservation, check to see if gratuities are included. No matter, I have never seen a gratuity refused by an appreciative waiter or bellman. A tip is a nice and much welcome way to show your appreciation for hard work or an appreciated service. Why the bracelet? Many hotels, especially the all-inclusive hotels, use bracelets to identify who their guests are, so non registered guests are not talking advantage of the services you paid for. The exception is Dreams Resort, which has no bracelets. Can I have guests at the all-inclusive resort? Guests of resort guests are generally allowed at an all-inclusive resort, but they must pay for a day pass. The day pass costs anywhere from $50-$85 dollars, and gives the purchaser full use of the hotels services and amenities for the day. Can I leave the resort?  It is a resort, not a prison. Entire Bay of Banderas area is safe; go exploring. You are missing everything the area has to offer if you stay in your resort. A whole other world lies outside of the resort. Puerto Vallarta is home to hundreds of restaurants, from the humble taco stands to world class gourmet restaurants and everything in between. There is also an abundance of shopping, from the Mercado municipal to plush stores selling diamonds and tanzanite. Take a tour through the jungle, Tarzan style or in the comfort of a luxury motor coach. Vallarta has it all.Are you ready to go? Visit our all-inclusive resort listing to see photos and features of hotels, and make your reservation today! |
Other spotlights |