Is all inclusive worth it in Cancun?

It’s truly a common dilemma for travelers to Cancun: is it better to stay at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun or not?

With numerous resorts and hotels available in one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations, choosing the perfect accommodation can be challenging. I was once in the same boat, trying to weigh up the pros and cons of all-inclusive resorts versus non-all-inclusive options.

However, after taking several trips to Mexico and staying at over 20 all-inclusive resorts and non-all-inclusive hotels in Cancun, I’ve gained valuable insights that I’m excited to share with you. Be sure to read to the end for my tips to make your stay at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun worth it!

Check out these Cancun All-Inclusive Vacation Packages for a combo discount on Flights + All-Inclusive Resorts!

Luxury under Budget aims at helping you get the best deals by maximizing the value of your time and money. My recommendations are based on first-hand experiences and a full analysis of costs vs. benefits. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and enables me to provide more free and helpful content. Now, let’s go get you that luxury travel while staying under the budget!

What is included in an all-inclusive Cancun Package?

When it comes to all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, the packages can vary in what they offer. However, most packages typically include accommodation, food, and drinks, as well as access to on-site amenities like private beaches, swimming pools, game rooms, and fitness centers.

Some upscale and luxury all-inclusive resorts will go above and beyond by including alcoholic drinks and snacks, 24-hour room service, specialty fine dining, personalized butler services, free airport transfer, or even activities and entertainment options.

These can include water sports, live music, dance performances, and themed parties. Some resorts also offer spa services and excursions to Cancun attractions.

It’s worth noting that not all all-inclusive packages are created equal. While food and drinks are commonly included in all-inclusive packages in Cancun, most resorts will charge extra for airport transportation and tours or activities.

💡 Hotel Xcaret Arte, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, and La Casa de la Playa are the only all-inclusive resorts in Cancun that has the All-Fun Inclusive Feature – include free admissions all Xcaret Parks & Tours, which are the most popular excursions in Cancun.

Why Stay at All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun?

One of the top reasons to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun is due to the added safety features they offer. These resorts typically have security measures in place to ensure the safety of their guests, such as gated entrances, security personnel, and surveillance cameras.

Another benefit of staying at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun is the clean private beach it provides.

Since these resorts have their own private beach areas, they are able to control the cleanliness and maintenance of the beach, ensuring that it is a safe and enjoyable environment for guests to relax and swim in.

Additionally, all-inclusive resorts typically offer amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels for their guests to use free of charge.

All-inclusive resorts can also be a great way to save money. With everything from your accommodation to your meals included in the price, you can often get a better deal than if you were to book everything separately.

This can be especially true if you love trying different kinds of food and drinks!

Another benefit of all-inclusive resorts is that they can simplify your planning. Instead of worrying about where to eat or what activities to do, everything is taken care of for you.

This can be a great way to relax and enjoy your vacation without any added stress.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on All-Inclusive

When planning a trip to Cancun, one of the biggest decisions to make is whether to stay at an all-inclusive resort or not. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding on an all-inclusive resort.

Budget

All-inclusive resorts can be more expensive than traditional hotels or resorts. However, they include meals, drinks, and some activities in their rates, which can offset some of the costs of going out and exploring.

Overall, all-inclusive resorts can be a great value for travelers who want to know exactly how much they will be spending upfront.

If you have a set budget that you don’t want to go over, all-inclusive resorts are definitely worth considering.

Food and Drink

One of the biggest draws of all-inclusive resorts is the unlimited food and drink options. It is a great choice if you want to try different cuisines and enjoy drinking.

On the other hand, if you prefer trying local restaurants and bars, then staying at a non-all-inclusive resort or hotel may be a better option.

Activities and Amenities

All-inclusive resorts often offer a wide range of activities and amenities, such as pools, beaches, and water sports.

If you’re planning to take a lot of Cancun excursions that you think you will be out of the resort for most of the days, it may be worth it to consider all-inclusive optional resorts or non-all-inclusive hotels.

How to Make All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It in Cancun

Here are five tips based on my personal experience staying at several all-inclusive resorts in Cancun to help make your stay more enjoyable and worthwhile:

1. Pack formal clothes

 To make the most out of your all-inclusive resort experience, be sure to take advantage of the specialty dining restaurants.

These high-end restaurants are included in your package, so you’ll want to make the most of your money.

However, keep in mind that many of these restaurants have a dress code, requiring formal attire—especially for men, who need a collared shirt (short sleeves are often acceptable).

Don’t miss out on these fantastic dining options, and don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing to ensure you’re able to enjoy them fully!

2. Go to specialty restaurants early

Specialty restaurants are one of the highlights of all-inclusive resorts, but wait times can quickly become a downside.

To avoid lengthy wait times or being turned away due to a full waitlist, try arriving early.

Plan ahead by checking opening times and aim to be there at the start of service to secure a spot. This way, you’ll have maximum time to enjoy your meal without any unnecessary waiting.

3. Make reservations in advance

Make the most of your resort’s amenities and activities by planning your schedule ahead of time.

For example, certain restaurants or beach cabanas may need a reservation in advance. Make sure to check with the receptionist when you check in so you don’t miss out!

Final Thoughts: Is All-Inclusive Worth it in Cancun?

While it may not be the best option for everyone, I found that all-inclusive resorts in Cancun offered a level of convenience and peace of mind that allowed me to fully enjoy my vacation without worrying about additional costs or hidden fees.

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation with minimal planning and maximum comfort, an all-inclusive resort in Cancun may be worth the investment.

However, if you are interested in immersing yourself in the local culture, you may want to consider staying at a traditional hotel or vacation rental and exploring the area on your own.