All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean

The Mexican Caribbean is home to a wide array of lodging options, including the infamous all-inclusive resort, a one-stop vacation spot that travelers either love or hate.

All-inclusive resorts are extremely popular among Americans and are appropriately equipped to satisfy American appetites and expectations for safety and consistency. No matter which side you take in the all-inclusives debate, these resorts undoubtedly offer the most options among the bevy of resorts with meal, lodging, and activity packages.

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People like all-inclusive resorts in Cancún, Cozumel, and the Mexican Caribbean for several reasons, but the most common is the billing procedure. Guests receive one simple bill up-front for nearly everything they could want to eat, drink, or do during their stay.

Although you may have to sign a check once or twice - say, after a massage or dinner at an on-site upscale restaurant - you can generally spend your vacation without worrying about how much things cost. Another perk is being able to leave important documents such as your bank and credit cards and IDs hidden in the safety deposit box or safe in your room.

This freedom from constant budgeting is the biggest perk for some visitors. Tropical vacations are about fun in the sun, not about figuring out how much you're willing to pay for each day of that fun. Staying at an all-inclusive gives travelers more time to experience the fun activity options available at such resorts.

All-inclusives are often located on beachfront property near busy tourist districts. Many of the Mexican Caribbean's all-inclusive resorts line the shores of Playa Del Carmen, while others are in Cancún. The location can be a boon for those who like to spend a day shopping and a night out on the town in Cancún or Cozumel. After all, nightlife is what Cancún is known for. Nonetheless, some resorts offer nightlife activities as well.

Visitors traveling to an all-inclusive need to book their trip ahead of time, especially in the winter high season and around Mexican holidays. Many popular hotels and all-inclusives run out of rooms during Christmas and New Year's. In fact, many are booked up to a year in advance during these popular times.

The Flip Side

Travelers who savor their independence may feel that all-inclusive resorts take some of the fun and flavor out of international travel. These resorts do not encourage local excursions, although they do not directly discourage them, either.

All-inclusives are notorious for their lack of local Mexican Caribbean culture. Simply put, guests will need to venture out on their own to taste the local flavor and experience what truly makes Mexico's culture and people so vibrant. This kind of exploring is especially appreciated by local restaurateurs, who often feel that all-inclusives detract from their business.

The typical location of all-inclusives can also be seen as a negative point. After all, some travelers want to be near nature sites, not the club zone. For them, all-inclusives might not be the best choice, since the resorts tend to discourage guests from leaving the grounds.

No matter how you feel about all-inclusives, there's plenty to discuss. And for the right type of traveler, these resorts offer a carefree vacation that puts everything within easy reach.

Guide to Rental Properties and Villas

Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean's rental properties, such as villas, offer vacationers the chance to lodge like a local.