Is All Inclusive Worth It in Cancun?
Is all inclusive worth it in Cancun? Is all inclusive worth it if you don’t drink alcohol?
We wanted to know if it was worth it to stay in an all inclusive resort in Cancun, so we decided to pick one and stay there for just three nights. Now, we met other travelers who were staying as little as one night, but also many travelers who were staying for 7+ nights!
We read endless opinions online on whether or not going all inclusive in one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations was worth it, and we kept getting a mixed bag of opinions. Thus, for our short anniversary trip, we decided to go all inclusive and let you know exactly what we thought about it.
For some background, we are not “all inclusive” travelers. In fact, this was our first all inclusive experience and it wasn’t our favorite, despite how cool it was to be able to have anything we wanted at any point for free!
Before ever visiting, we strongly disagreed with the waste that often accompanies these types of accommodations, but we were happy to find that the portions were small and we actually didn’t see as many full plates of food getting thrown away as we thought we would.
In this complete guide, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of the all inclusive resorts in Cancun’s hotel zone so you know exactly what to expect and whether or not the experience is right for you.
We’ve also provided you with a list of the best all inclusive resorts in Cancun and answered several questions regarding what you may experience during your stay.
Pros & Cons of All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun
Pros
- Convenience: All meals, drinks, and activities are included, allowing for a hassle-free vacation experience.
This is especially useful if you’ll be visiting Cancun with kids and simply want a break from having to plan 3-5 meal times a day while you’re on vacation like you do at home. - Variety of Dining Options: Many resorts offer a range of restaurants with diverse cuisines, catering to different tastes, with snack and ice cream bars open in between meal times.
- Unlimited Activities: Access to various activities like water sports, entertainment, and themed nights can enhance your stay! Our resort provided yoga classes every morning, pool games, volleyball, and plenty of other great activities for guests to enjoy.
- Cost-Effective: For those who plan to indulge in food, drinks, and activities, an all-inclusive package can (not always) be more economical than paying for everything separately.
- Social Environment: If you want to stay in a place where you’re likely going to talk to other guests and make friends from around the world, then an all inclusive resort could be a great choice for you!
Cons
- Quality of Food: The quality of food and drinks can vary significantly, and often isn’t as high as you might find in standalone restaurants. The onsite restaurants with better quality often require an advance reservation.
- Limited Local Experience: Staying at an all-inclusive resort often drastically reduces opportunities to explore the local culture and cuisine outside the resort. We were quite sad to see that the resort rarely served any local specialties and instead provided mostly tourist-friendly food options.
- Wastefulness: You know when your eyes are bigger than your stomach? Well, times that by a few hundred people and suddenly there’s a massive amount of food and drink waste.
Now, this doesn’t always happen and we were pleased to find our hotel was mindful of this and also allowed its staff to consume any leftover food, but it is something to keep in mind. - Less Flexibility: Scheduled meal times and activities may not suit everyone’s preferences or spontaneity.
We found ourselves without any food options on our first day because we missed lunch and just assumed we’d be able to find food (other than ice cream) between 1PM and 4:30PM, and that just wasn’t the case. We did try the room service, but the food quality was extremely subpar, unfortunately. - Additional Costs: Some resorts may charge extra for premium dining, excursions, or amenities not included in the package.
Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun
Below, I’ve provided a list of some of the top-rated all-inclusive Cancun resorts with notations on which are adult-only and which allow kids.
1. Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Canc̼n РAdults Only
This is where we stayed! We found the staff to be exceedingly helpful and friendly, the food quality was actually amazing, the drinks were strong, the pool water was always very clean and they combed the beach for seaweed daily!
We preferred the Coral Level which was adults-only, but if you have kids then the Iberostar Selection Cancún next door is a great choice. If we ever did decide to do an all-inclusive resort again, our bar would be set very high thanks to the Coral Level Iberostar. We believe it’s among the best all inclusive Cancun resorts.
2. Le Blanc Spa Resort All Inclusive – Adults Only
This luxurious resort is renowned for its top-notch service and high-end amenities, providing a serene escape for adults seeking relaxation.
With upscale dining options, tranquil spa services, free parking, and endless activities, guests can indulge in a truly pampering experience at the Le Blanc Spa Resort!
3. Turquoize at Hyatt Ziva Cancun – Adults Only
This upscale adults-only resort offers luxurious rooms with stunning ocean views and direct access to the beautiful beachfront.
Guests can enjoy an array of gourmet dining options, unique entertainment, and a variety of wellness activities designed for relaxation and rejuvenation.
4. Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancún
This stunning resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly experiences, featuring elegant suites with breathtaking ocean views and a wide variety of dining options.
Guests can enjoy a spacious beachfront, a world-class spa, and engaging activities for both adults and children, ensuring a memorable stay for everyone.
FAQ
In this last section, we’ve answered some essential questions regarding all-inclusive resorts in Cancun including whether or not they’re worth it (even if you don’t drink alcohol), if they’re good for families, and more!
Is It Better to Go All-Inclusive or Not in Cancun?
In our experience, all-inclusive resorts are worth it if you plan on indulging in meals, alcohol, and activities on-site.
The convenience of having food, drinks, and entertainment included saved us so much time and money that we were able to worry far less about expenses in an otherwise expensive destination.
However, if you’re more interested in exploring local cuisine and attractions, visiting Cancun on a budget, or spending less time on a resort, it might be better to opt for a stay that offers more flexibility.
What Does All-Inclusive Mean in Cancun?
All-inclusive typically means that the resort covers all meals, drinks (including most alcoholic beverages), and activities within a single price.
It can also include access to multiple restaurants and various amenities, though the extent of what’s included can vary significantly from one resort to another.
Some all-inclusive packages even include flights, so it’s very important that you read the fine print before booking to understand exactly what your package entails!
Is It Safe to Go to an All-Inclusive Resort in Cancun?
Safety at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun can often be higher compared to other areas, as they generally have security measures in place for their guests.
Many resorts cultivate a family-friendly atmosphere and have security personnel on-site to ensure a safe environment, and we felt extremely safe during our visit.
That said, it’s still essential to stay aware of your surroundings and follow Cancun-specific travel safety practices, especially if you plan on leaving the resort.
Is All Inclusive Worth It in Cancun Adults Only?
If you’re traveling without kids and looking for a peaceful getaway, then adult-only all-inclusive resorts in Cancun is absolutely worth it in our opinion.
In fact, we knew we wanted a kids-free experience, so we filtered our search results to adult-only all-inclusive resorts and we were so glad we did!
Our hotel provided more sophisticated dining options that were inaccessible to families staying nearby and we found the vibe to be much more catered to singles, couples, and those looking to enjoy the open bar and the infinity pool.
If you aren’t traveling with kids and want a classic Cancun experience catered to drinking, beach games, and endless food, then we urge you to go adults-only!
Is All Inclusive Worth It if You Don’t Drink?
All-inclusive resorts can still be a good option for non-drinkers, but it really depends on each specific resort and how much they charge for alcohol.
If you don’t drink, do some “due diligence” and get in touch with each of your top resort picks, and ask for a full cost breakdown so you can see exactly what you’ll be paying for alcohol per day.
Then, get a few quotes from other non-inclusive resorts and get the average cost for meals and activities, so you can create an estimated budget on what you may spend on everything without alcohol.
This way, you’ll be able to make the call on whether or not the all-inclusive is more or less cost-effective for your vacation based on your personal accommodation choices.
Is All-Inclusive Worth It in Cancun for Families?
Despite not visiting with children ourselves, we strongly believe that all-inclusive resorts would be well worth the added cost for families since they massively simplify your Cancun vacation planning by offering activities, children’s clubs, and meals all in one package.
There’s no need to think about meals, accommodations or activities individually since the package will include everything all in one place.
That said, all-inclusive resorts often charge children over the age of 13 as an adult, which means you’ll be paying for the cost of alcohol for someone who can’t legally consume it. Keep this in mind, and be sure to check your specific resort’s policies before booking!
Is the Food Quality Good at All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun?
We found the food quality to be amazing at Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Cancún, but food quality varies widely among all-inclusive resorts in Cancun. Some places offer gourmet dining experiences and local specialties, while others may focus on more generic, mass-produced meals.
Reading reviews and exploring restaurant options within the resort can give you a better idea of what to expect, but it’s usually best practice to assume the food quality will be good to great, but not outstanding (if that makes sense.)
How Much Do Cancun All Inclusive Resorts Cost Per Night?
Prices for all-inclusive resorts in Cancun typically range from affordable options around $250 per night to luxury stays that can exceed $500 per night. Variations in cost depend on the season, resort quality, and amenities provided.
We decided to visit in the off-season for our anniversary which allowed us to book a resort that was normally $700+ per night for $450 per night, plus we got a free suite upgrade for being business members.
There are plenty of ways to save on all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, so it’s worth doing some research and comparing prices before committing to a specific resort.
How Much Time Do You Need in Cancun?
In our opinion, 3 nights and 4 days was more than enough time in Cancun, even with us taking a day to visit Tulum and some cenotes.
However, the amount of time you need in Cancun really depends on what you want to accomplish.
A stay of about 3-6 days usually offers enough time to relax at the resort, enjoy local attractions, and explore both cultural and recreational activities, while a stay of about 2-4 days is enough to enjoy downtown Cancun and the hotel zone!
Other Helpful Mexico Resources
Can You Drink the Water in Cancun? The 2026 Guide
27+ Stylish Mexico Vacation Outfits for Men & Women
Souvenirs from Cancun: 36 Authentic Products & Gifts
All-inclusive resorts in Cancun can be worth it for certain travelers, especially those looking for convenience, relaxation, and endless food and drinks. However, different factors such as budget, preferences, and travel plans should be considered when deciding if an all-inclusive resort is the best choice for your vacation.
