Is it worth paying hte all-inclusive fees at a resort in Mexico?

Question

I'm going ot be taking a vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The resort will essentially be free, since I'm swapping a week of my family's timeshare. We're on the fence picking a place, because of the all-inclusive fees commonly found at resorts like these. We can't afford to spend too much, so we want to spend wisely. What I want to know is, given that Mexico is an inexpensive place, can I eat off the resort and spend less or just as much money as I would paying like $700 for all my food, drinks, and "activities" on the resort? At the resort we'll want to do some snorkeling, a small sailboat, stuff like that, but I also want to get off the resort and maybe rent a jeep, or some ATV's.

Answer 1

I'll have to cast a dissenting vote here. Puerto Vallarta has so many great  restraunts and a great night life,  to me you are missing too much if you go ai. However, some resorts do have meal and drink plans for a certain number of meals so you can eat at the resort that many times and still get to experience what P.V. has to offer.

Answer 2

I love all-inclusive, I wish I could travel like that everywhere.  It was definately worth it to us.  It is really nice knowing you dont have to carry your wallet with you everywhere!!  Check very carefully and try to get a resort that also includes tours offsite.  We went through Palace Resorts and their tours were great for Cancun.  I do know there is a Vallarta Palace in Nueva Vallarta.  If you do not drink at all maybe it might not be worth it - but even a couple salads or burgers can add up for a week!!

Answer 3

i just came back from cancun, best vacation ever. only do all inc if your a drinker or if you're going to eatin the resort everyday.

meals are about normal

swimming with dolphins 140usd

chitzen itza 50usd

coco bongoes all you can drink 40usd (women 25 usd) brilliant show

Senor frogs 40 usd all you can drink

Hope yu have a great time i did and i'm going back next year too

Answer 4

To help you decide if $700 is a good deal or not, it would help to know how many in your party, ages of kids, what area is the resort in (ie., near to a good choice of restaurants or will you need to travel to/from them).  How many days?  How many meals total would be included in $700?  Which resort activities are free and which would you have to pay for?    

I tend to disagree somewhat that "Mexico is an inexpensive place".  Puerto Vallarta prices have gone up.  You CAN eat really inexpensively if you're willing to "eat on the street" (small street vendors), which we love to do.  If you have a kitchenette, you can buy snacks, drinks, breakfast stuff, fruit, grilled chickens, tortillas, etc. to keep costs down.  We take the bus instead of cabs whenever possible, or sensible.

Answer 5

If you drink and you are traveling with teenage children, do the all-inclusive. For 2 people we spend the very least $100 for food and drinks at a resort that doesn't have an all-inclusive option. If you are traveling with family, it's a good deal. Even as a couple, it's a good deal.

I think it's worth it.

Have fun)

Answer 6

If you can pay it is worth it, but actually most 3 Star hotels are good enough, after all you're not going to spend the day at the hotel, mostly is only for sleeping and taking a shower. You can find all those activities for less outside the hotel.

Answer 7

I'm off to Vallarta on a week from Friday. I would only use all inclusive . Its great lots to eat and drink. You might want to stay away from some 3 stars