15 Biggest Complaints Guests Have About All-Inclusive Resorts
When booking a vacation at an all-inclusive resort, most vacationers dream of lazy days in the sun, lavish feasts, and perpetual lounging. “A lot of people, especially led by Gen Z, are entering what we’re calling their all-inclusive era,” Melanie Fish, spokesperson at Expedia, says in an interview with Business Insider.
Forty-two percent of Generation Z respondents indicated that an all-inclusive hotel is their preferred type of accommodation. As seductive an escape from reality as these resorts present, they’re not necessarily flawless in practice. With unadvertised extras, lackluster amenities, and a whole lot in between, visitors oftentimes have a rude awakening when reality fails to deliver the dream vacation hyped.
Here are the 15 biggest complaints guests have about all-inclusive resorts.
Lack of Food Variety or Quality
A major complaint many guests have at all-inclusive resorts is the lack of food variety or disappointing quality. Brochures may promise gourmet dining experiences, but in reality, the food often disappoints with repetitive buffets, bland flavors, and uninspired options. Imagine eagerly heading to the resort’s “fine dining” restaurant only to find lukewarm pasta and an uninspired salad bar.
If food quality is a priority, take time to research resort reviews on their dining options. Some properties are renowned for their culinary expertise and specialty restaurants.
Hidden Fees
All-inclusive sounds like a dream—until you’re slapped with unexpected fees for things you assumed were included. Resort guests frequently encounter surprise charges for premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and even beach cabanas. That “free” spa access may suddenly come with a hefty price tag, leaving guests feeling blindsided.
Hospitality service software provider Cvent warns, “Resort fees are charged by resorts, casinos, and other hotels on a nightly basis, not per stay. These fees are also typically charged on a per room basis, not per person, and may be disguised as ‘destination fees,’ ‘facility fees,’ or ‘amenity fees.’”
Make sure to read the fine print before booking and ask about additional charges to avoid any surprises during your stay.
Overcrowding
Nothing ruins a relaxing vacation like an overcrowded resort. Pools packed shoulder-to-shoulder, hour-long waits for a dinner reservation, and endless lines at the bar can quickly turn a dream getaway into a stressful ordeal.
Overcrowding tends to be especially bad during peak travel seasons, with some resorts operating at full capacity, making it almost impossible to find a peaceful spot by the pool. To avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere, try visiting during the low season.
Unreliable Wi-Fi
With our constant need to stay connected, share experiences, and access information on the go, a strong Wi-Fi signal is no longer a luxury but a necessity for many travelers. Unfortunately, many all-inclusive resorts fail to deliver dependable Wi-Fi.
Guests often find themselves frustrated by intermittent service or painfully slow speeds, especially when they need to check emails or share vacation photos. Before you go, check if the resort provides high-speed internet in the rooms or common areas. If not, consider having a backup plan like a local SIM card.
Lackluster Entertainment
Some all-inclusives offer high-energy shows and engaging activities, whereas others fall flat with poorly organized events and uninspired nightly performances. Guests expecting lively entertainment are often disappointed by repetitive routines and dated shows.
For example, a Caribbean resort may advertise “live music and cultural shows,” only for visitors to find a DJ playing the same top 40 hits every night.
According to Reddit reviews, people criticized “cheesy poolside bands” and activities like forced Zumba sessions that disrupted relaxation. Look for resorts known for high-quality shows, live music, or unique experiences like cultural performances.
Low-Quality Alcohol
One of the most appealing features of an all-inclusive resort is the promise of endless cocktails and premium spirits—often highlighted as a major selling point. But for many guests, the reality can be quite disappointing when they discover the drinks served are far from top-shelf.
What’s supposed to be a luxury experience often feels like a college party with subpar alcohol that barely matches what you’d find at a budget bar. A Reddit user accused TUI all-inclusive resorts in Greece and Cabo Verde of serving weak cocktails and questioned if they dilute alcohol to limit guest intoxication. Find out if premium options are included, or opt for a resort that prioritizes quality beverages.
Inconsistent Room Quality
Resorts are notorious for inconsistent room standards. Guests who book the same type of room might have wildly different experiences—one may get a beautifully renovated suite with ocean views, while another is stuck with a musty room in need of repairs.
Online reviews often highlight these disparities, with many guests sharing photos of stained linens, broken air conditioning units, and outdated furnishings. Check recent reviews and look for photos from past guests to get a realistic idea of what to expect.
Pushy Timeshare Sales
Few things are more annoying on vacation than being hounded by pushy salespeople. Many all-inclusives double as timeshare hubs, where aggressive sales tactics interrupt the relaxation. What starts as a “free welcome breakfast” turns into a hard-sell presentation that drags on for hours.
Timeshare presentations are designed as a psychological battle, not just to sell you a vacation package but to exhaust you into agreeing. — Rachel Levine, Travel Psychologist, as noted in Medium. If you’re approached, politely decline and check guest reviews to see if aggressive sales tactics are a common issue.
Limited Restaurant Availability
One of the biggest disappointments for resort-goers is the difficulty of securing reservations at on-site restaurants. Some resorts advertise multiple dining options, but in reality, guests struggle to book tables due to limited capacity. Popular restaurants fill up days in advance, forcing latecomers to settle for buffet meals instead.
If these options are important to your stay, book reservations as early as possible—sometimes even before you arrive.
Beach Conditions
The promise of pristine white-sand beaches can be a letdown when guests encounter seaweed-covered shores or rocky coastlines. Beach conditions vary greatly depending on the destination and season, and some resorts fail to maintain their beachfronts. The growing issue of sargassum seaweed, particularly in parts of the Caribbean and Mexico, has left many travelers disappointed.
At Marriott Cancun, guests reported “no sand beach left” due to erosion—a concern echoed by a Reddit user. Check reviews on beach maintenance or choose a resort with a highly rated private beach.
Subpar Customer Service
Customer service can be the defining factor in whether a vacation is memorable for all the right—or wrong—reasons. Many resorts strive to deliver excellent service; however, subpar customer support remains a recurring complaint at all-inclusive resorts. For some guests, it’s not just about waiting a few extra minutes for a drink; it’s about feeling ignored, dismissed, or even disrespected during what’s supposed to be a relaxing getaway.
At Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe, a guest reported “the worst customer service I’ve ever seen,” including incorrect room descriptions and dismissive management, according to TripAdvisor reviews. Check reviews that highlight staff quality and guest experiences to get a sense of the resort’s service standards.
Lack of Activities for Kids or Adults
Families with children or solo travelers often expect a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained. However, many resorts offer limited options, leading to boredom. Guests hoping for an active itinerary might find nothing beyond a daily poolside game or an occasional karaoke night.
Resorts catering to specific age groups often miss the mark on offering balanced activities for all ages. If you’re childfree, it’s best to stick to all-inclusive resorts that are explicitly 100% Adults-Only, according to a Reddit user. Pick an adults-only or family-friendly resort based on your group, and make sure it offers activities that match your interests.
Unpredictable Weather and Poor Planning
Weather is always a risk when booking a vacation, but some resorts don’t adequately prepare for rainy days. Guests find themselves stuck indoors with no backup plan in place, leading to dull afternoons in the lobby. Seasonal weather patterns, like hurricane season in the Caribbean, can significantly impact the quality of a stay.
A little transparency and planning on the resort’s part would go a long way. Make sure the resort has covered amenities or indoor entertainment in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Resort Size and Navigation
Large, sprawling resorts may sound luxurious, but they often leave guests feeling lost and frustrated. Endless walking, confusing layouts, and unclear signage can turn a relaxing day into an exhausting one. Guests often compare these experiences to navigating a theme park without a map, with frequent complaints about the time it takes to get from one area to another.
Check resort maps and reviews to see how easy it is to get around the property. If you prefer convenience, a smaller resort might be a better fit.
Overhyped Marketing
Resorts are experts at marketing, with glossy brochures and perfect Instagram photos painting an idyllic picture. But reality doesn’t always live up to the hype. Airbrushed photos and cleverly worded descriptions often exaggerate the experience, leaving guests feeling duped.
This disconnect between expectation and reality is one of the most common complaints, with many travelers expressing regret for falling for polished advertisements. Manage your expectations by reading recent reviews and watching guest-uploaded videos for a more realistic perspective.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Disclosure: For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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