All-Inclusive Holidays: What's Really Included and How to Avoid Hidden Costs
Drinks, à la carte restaurants, room service and excursions – what all-inclusive really covers, the extras that catch people out and how to compare packages.
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Surveys of holidaymakers, including research by the UK consumer group Which?, regularly find that many travellers on "all-inclusive" holidays still spend hundreds extra on food, drinks and activities. All-inclusive can be excellent value – but only if you know exactly what you're buying.
What's usually included
1. Meals at the main restaurant
Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are standard. Snacks and afternoon tea are often included at set times.
2. Local drinks
Local beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks are typically included, usually during bar opening hours. Imported brands are often extra.
3. Pools, beach and entertainment
Sunbeds, towels, kids' clubs, evening shows and some sports are normally covered.
Extras that catch people out
4. À la carte restaurants
Many resorts allow a limited number of à la carte dinners per stay, and some charge a supplement or require booking on arrival.
5. Premium drinks and coffee
Cocktails, branded spirits, barista coffee, fresh juices and bottled water in rooms may cost extra.
6. Spa, water sports and excursions
Massages, diving, motorised water sports and day trips are almost never included.
7. Transfers and tips
Airport transfers may not be part of the package if you book the hotel separately, and tipping staff is customary in places such as Egypt and Turkey.
How to compare packages
8. Read the hotel's own all-inclusive policy
Look for bar hours, the drinks list, the number of à la carte dinners and whether snacks are available late at night.
9. Check recent reviews
Reviews from the last few months show what's really included and how good the food is.
10. Do the maths
Compare the all-inclusive price with half board plus your expected spending. If you plan to explore and eat out, all-inclusive may not pay off.
Where all-inclusive works best
Resort areas such as Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh near Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm el-Sheikh, Antalya, Side and Belek in Turkey are built around all-inclusive hotels, often with few restaurants nearby – so the package makes particular sense there.
Frequently asked questions
Are drinks included in all-inclusive holidays?
Usually local alcoholic and soft drinks are included at set times, but imported spirits, branded drinks, cocktails, bottled water in some places and drinks outside bar hours often cost extra. Check the hotel's exact drinks list.
Is all-inclusive worth it?
It's often good value for families and people who plan to stay in the resort, especially in Egypt and Turkey. If you want to explore and eat out, half board or bed and breakfast can be cheaper.
What is 'ultra all-inclusive'?
It's a marketing term, not a standard. It may add imported drinks, à la carte dinners or minibar refills, but every hotel defines it differently – always read the details.
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