All-inclusive resorts are a popular choice for travelers as they promise effortless relaxation and all the sun, food, and entertainment you can handle. Unfortunately, not all resorts deliver on that promise. Some are known to cut corners, have outdated facilities, and lack the customer service that paying travelers expect.
If you've ever booked a too-good-to-be-true deal only to arrive feeling like your instincts were correct, you know the disappointment of having to spend a week at a subpar resort. While there's not much you can do after arriving, it's still a good lesson for your next vacation.
Let's look at some of the signs that an all-inclusive resort is not going to deliver on its promise and marketing.
Low Quality Food and Drinks
One of the most appealing perks of staying at an all-inclusive resort is unlimited food and drinks. When these two key elements are disappointing, the overall experience can suffer. Even the nicest pools can't make up for poor food quality and drinks that don't quite taste right.
A bad resort can reveal itself quickly through its buffet and restaurant options. Buffets that are picked over, menus that lack variety, and lukewarm dishes are red flags. If you find fresh fruit to be scarce and the seafood smells questionable, then you are most likely at a resort that's cutting costs in the worst places.
Drink quality is another giveaway. Watered-down cocktails or resorts that exclusively serve bottom-shelf liquor are cost-saving measures that will impact your experience.
Worn-Out, Poorly Maintained Facilities
A resort doesn't have to be brand new to deliver a memorable experience to its guests. It does, however, need to be clean, functional, and appear cared for. You shouldn't spot any signs of visible neglect, like peeling paint or broken tiles.
Additionally, you should never have to stay in a room that smells musty or with malfunctioning AC or stained linens. A good resort takes the comfort of its guests seriously, and every guest is entitled to a hot shower, a clean beach, and a functioning lock on their room.
Slow and Rude Service
Service is one aspect of an all-inclusive resort that is non-negotiable. Even a lackluster property can shine thanks to an attentive staff that is also efficient. Understaffing is a common problem at low-quality resorts, leading to long wait times and delayed housekeeping.
Another bad sign is communication issues. If staff seem confused about which activities are running and which restaurants are open, you're staying somewhere with poor management. Rushed interactions and dismissive attitudes can also indicate low morale or a lack of training.
It's hard to have an enjoyable vacation when you're staying at a bad resort. It's also a huge waste of time and money. Mediocre food, poorly-maintained facilities, and unprofessional service are strong indicators that you're not getting what you paid for. Before you book your next stay at an all-inclusive vacation, do your research by reading reviews and viewing unedited guest photos. A little preparation can help you avoid a disastrous vacation at a terrible resort.
