Are All-Inclusive Resorts In Mexico Worth It?

One of my closest friends got married in Cabo San Lucas. Once I found out the wedding location I was so excited, she would be getting married at an all-inclusive resort, Dreams Los Cabos! I’ve been to Mexico before and have enjoyed varying accommodations, but never an all-inclusive.

The resort was beautiful and upscale, a great wedding venue. We spent our long weekend laying poolside and sipping cocktails from the swim up bar. My friends and I enjoyed early mornings by the beach and late nights at the resort’s music lounge.

Now, while the resort was perfect for a wedding weekend, you’re not always in Mexico for a wedding. Mexico offers a wide variety of accommodations. There are places where an all-inclusive resort may be the best option, and perhaps the only option, but Mexico isn’t one of them. So lets take a look at all-inclusive resort pros and cons and decide are all-inclusive resorts in Mexico worth it?

Are All-Inclusive Resorts In Mexico Worth It?

Table of Contents

Is An All-Inclusive Resort In Mexico Cheaper?

I want to touch on cost very quickly… There isn’t a straight answer to whether or not an all-inclusive resort in Mexico is cheaper. It will depend so much on your travel preferences and where in Mexico you’re visiting.

In my previous experiences in Mexico I spent somewhat less money going at it on my own than I did staying at an all-inclusive resort. Having said that, everyone’s travel circumstances, preferences, and necessities are different, therefore it can vary wildly from person to person.

Why All-Inclusive Resorts Are Good

Overall Convenience

A wonderful part about these resorts is that everything you need is right at your fingertips. The amenities and staff accommodations are endless. There are a handful of restaurants, multiple pools, spas, entertainment, daycare centers, and excursions available. All-inclusive resorts define convenience.

The 24 hour room service was probably the most convenient and my favorite amenity. We often skipped or had a very small lunch because we were busy at the pool. So a late night snack was absolutely perfect, we took advantage of this every night.

Woman drinking from a pineapple drink in pool with palm trees, ocean, and blue sky in background. Dreams Los Cabos All Inclusive Resort, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. — Are All-Inclusive Resorts In Mexico Worth It?

Peace Of Mind

This goes hand in hand with convenience. Everything is easy? Everything you need is readily available? Great! For some, this is what you need to unwind and enjoy your vacation.

If you’re budget conscious and don’t like the idea of unknown costs, then an all-inclusive will give you peace of mind knowing all costs up front. As a tip for the budget conscious, extensively read the resort’s online reviews to find any hidden costs that may have been uncovered by previous resort goers.

Quality Service

From my experience the service at our all-inclusive resort was incredible. I saw more employees than I could count and felt that every one of them was working so hard. Anything we needed was promptly and professionally handled.

Be sure to tip your bartender, server, and room service staff. Doing so will improve your service even more.

Sense Of Security

All-inclusive resorts have top notch security. Most even have private security and controlled access to the property.

While it’s very safe to stay at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico this doesn’t mean it’s the only safe place to stay. Mexico, especially in the tourist areas, is not what’s portrayed on the nightly news. Tourist towns depend on visitors for their local economy and want safety and convenience for vacationers just as much as they do for themselves.

What Are The Disadvantage Of All-Inclusive Resorts?

Lack Of Cultural Experience

To be frank, this is not a great way to experience a new destination. Think of an all-inclusive resort in Mexico as a little American bubble.

Plus, it’s hard to justify leaving the resort since you’ve paid for so much up front, at least this was the case for me. I felt like I wasn’t getting any bang for my buck if I left. I had a feeling of guilt when we discussed the possibility of getting lunch outside of the resort one day. I thought, “Why would I leave for lunch if I’ve already paid for lunch here?” This is far from my normal behavior while traveling. But it’s how the all-inclusive resort made me feel. I didn’t go into town once my entire four days in Cabo.

Food

Don’t get me wrong most of the food was good, some was bad, but some left a lot to be desired. Food in another country is about experience. When I travel I want to eat the way someone who lives there would. While resort food has a Mexican flair, it’s most definitely catered to Americans. Personally, I don’t care to eat the same food I get at home.

Lack Of Diversity Between Resorts

Not only is there a cultural lack, but lets face it, a majority of resorts are more or less the same. With exceptions of course, an ultra luxury resort, a Disney Resort, for example. In my opinion, for the average vacationer the differences aren’t that great. You could go to a resort in four different Mexican cities see four similar resorts and none of Mexico.

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Crowds

Want breakfast and coffee at 8 am? So does everyone else. The pool sounds inviting around 11 am? Oh and how about some poolside food? Yeah, everyone else had the same idea. 7 pm dinner at the best restaurant? I won’t even go there.

When you’re at a resort there’s only so many places to go, which leads to large crowds.

No matter where you decide to stay, Mexico is always a wonderful destination. It’s a country with lush landscapes, soaring mountains, marvelous beaches, and unbeatable culture. Any accommodation is worth it for a glimpse of the magic surrounding this beautiful country.

If you’d like to follow along with my travels in real time, check out @seen.by.amy on Instagram or @seenbyamy on TikTok!

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional guides for Mexico!

Are All-Inclusive Resorts In Mexico Worth It?

Is An All-Inclusive Resort In Mexico Cheaper?