All-Inclusive Hotels

At all-inclusive hotels and resorts, guests pay a flat rate upfront for their stay that typically includes the room along with unlimited meals, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, a range of recreational activities and onsite entertainment. After booking, guests are free to use most facilities without paying each time.

All-inclusive resorts are generally large properties that provide a wider variety of options from room types, to food, to facilities allowing guests to enjoy different things at no extra cost, all available conveniently within the resort. These properties often have several restaurants providing different cuisines, a selection of bars and cafes, multiple swimming pools, and a range of fun activities for different age groups.

*These are only guidelines as policies and amenities may vary across hotels. For more information, view details listed on each property page.

Usually, the upfront rate includes the room, unlimited food and drinks, a selection of onsite activities and daily entertainment. There's often plenty of options to choose from within each all-inclusive resort at no extra charge.

Note however, there may be some premium items available at your resort which are not included. These cost extra.

Often included: Food, soft drinks and house pour alcoholic drinks. Free-to-use fitness facilities, pools, pool loungers, beach chairs. Kids activities, all land activities, non-motorized equipment like snorkels and volleyballs, some recreation classes. Daily entertainment, live performances, onsite nightclubs.

Often excluded (available at surcharge): Gourmet meals, top-shelf alcohol, special requests, room service. Spa treatments, golf, motorized water sports, tennis lessons, golf lessons, scuba excursions, offsite tours.

*These are only guidelines as policies and amenities may vary across hotels. For more information, view details listed on each property page.

Yes, the all-in-one price usually includes all meals throughout the day.

Most all-inclusive hotels serve buffet-style meals at various restaurants throughout the property, and you can drop in anytime to have a meal during operational hours from morning to night. This means you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner without having to pay anything extra.

Some hotels also offer a la carte options, and/or room service.

Booking an all-inclusive resort typically includes all (or most) food and beverages in the room rate. This means you can eat as often as you like without having to pay each time.

This excludes premium dining options, such as top-shelf alcohol or gourmet meals. They cost extra. Room service and a la carte options may also be chargeable, depending on the hotel.

All-Inclusive hotels offer different packages, some with alcohol and some without. Most of the time, alcohol is included.

Resorts will offer a selection of alcoholic beverages as part of the all-inclusive deal. Anything outside of these house pour drinks is considered a premium beverage and available at a surcharge. Premium beverages usually refer to top-shelf liquor brands, bottled wine and imported beers.

*These are only guidelines as policies and amenities may vary across hotels. For more information, view details listed on each property page.

Top-shelf alcohol is the highest quality of alcohol available in an establishment. The term refers literally to the top shelf in bars where the more expensive labels are kept, further out of reach. What's considered top-shelf or premium brands is up to the establishment they aren't the same everywhere.

At an all-inclusive resort, the rules are a little different. Guests usually get to enjoy unlimited drinks from the selection of house drinks they are serving, from beer to cocktails. Anything outside of this selection costs extra. So almost any well-known brand you request will be considered top-shelf.

You won't need much cash. The upfront booking covers most things you need, from food to activities. However, you may need some small change for tips. It's also a good idea to bring some cash or credit for any additional premium activities you're interested in, as these are available at a surcharge.

This depends on the property. Some all-inclusive resorts have already included gratuities and taxes in the room rates, and some do not. It's best to check the details for your hotel of choice as hotels have different policies on tipping.

Additional tips at the guests' discretion are often accepted. However, some resorts have a strict no-tipping policy. They will usually have signs on the property alerting you to this.

Adults-only resorts do not allow guests under a certain age. This could be for the entire property, or some hotels simply have an adults-only wing. The minimum age varies -- usually 16, 18 or 21.

It basically means there are no children around and everything caters to grownups enjoying an age-appropriate atmosphere conducive for peace, romance or partying. These types of resorts are popular with couples enjoying a romantic getaway, singles and groups of friends on a fun trip, bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Most all-inclusive resorts provide all-inclusive meal plans. There are however some resorts that offer lower tier rooms with limited meal plans.

This is a general guide to what's included in each:

• All-Inclusive Plans: Includes all meals and unlimited drinks, including alcoholic beverages. Often served buffet-style, flexible meal times, and a range of cuisine to choose from.
• American Plan (AP): Includes 3 daily meals at set times -- breakfast, lunch and dinner. This may or may not include beverages. Also known as full board or full pension.
• Modified American Plan (MAP): Includes 2 fixed meals a day included in the price. Usually breakfast and dinner. Also known as half board or half pension.
• Continental Plan (CP): Includes continental breakfast. A continental breakfast includes fruits, bakery items, bread, coffee, tea and juice. Does not include cooked food.
• European Plan (EP): Room only. No food and drinks included.