What is "All Inclusive" and its Features in Different Countries

The concept of "All Inclusive" has long become synonymous with carefree holidays, especially at seaside resorts. This service system in hotels assumes that, for a fixed fee, the guest receives a wide range of services, eliminating the need to constantly worry about additional expenses. However, despite its apparent simplicity, "All Inclusive" has many nuances and variations, which are important to consider when choosing a hotel.

History and Development of the "All Inclusive" System

The "All Inclusive" system began to develop in the 1970s thanks to the French company Club Med, which first introduced this approach for resort vacations. Gradually, other countries and hotels began to adopt this concept. Now, it can be found at popular resorts around the world, from the Caribbean to Europe and Asia. Initially, the system was aimed at higher-class hotels and offered guests maximum convenience and no need to pay extra for food, drinks, or entertainment. Over time, the service became available to a wider range of tourists and spread to various categories of hotels, including three- and four-star hotels.

What is Included in the "All Inclusive" System?

1. Accommodation: The main element of the system is providing comfortable accommodation in a room for the entire duration of the stay. Tourists typically receive rooms with amenities such as air conditioning, a TV, a safe, and sometimes a minibar. Some hotels may offer additional services such as bathrobes, slippers, daily housekeeping, and linen changes.
2. Meals: As part of the "All Inclusive" system, three main meals are provided — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most often, this is a buffet, where guests are offered a wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes: hot dishes, salads, desserts, fruits, and drinks. Some hotels may include additional meals, such as afternoon tea or brunch. In Ultra All Inclusive hotels, food is served almost round the clock, and there is also the option to visit restaurants offering different cuisines (Mexican, Italian, Asian, etc.).
3. Drinks: Drinks, including alcohol, are available without limit. Most hotels offer local alcoholic drinks, such as wine, beer, vodka, and other traditional beverages of the country. In higher-class hotels, the system may include imported alcohol, and in some cases, it is provided for free. This also applies to non-alcoholic drinks such as juices, sodas, tea, and coffee.
4. Entertainment and Leisure: Cultural events, evening shows, animation, sports, and water entertainment, such as tennis, water sports, water parks — all of this can be included in the price. Some hotels have kids' clubs, where little ones can play and participate in various activities under the supervision of caregivers.
5. Additional Services: The "All Inclusive" system often includes access to beach amenities (sunbeds, umbrellas), use of sports facilities such as tennis courts, gyms, and swimming pools. Spa services, massage, hammams, saunas, and other wellness treatments may also be included.
6. Minibar: In some hotels, the minibar in the room is also included in the price, allowing guests to avoid additional expenses for drinks and snacks. In higher-class hotels, the minibar is replenished daily.

Types of the "All Inclusive" System

1. Standard All Inclusive: This is the basic version of the system, where the main services are included: meals (buffet), local drinks, access to entertainment, and sports facilities.
2. Ultra All Inclusive: An improved version with a more varied selection of food and drinks. It includes access to restaurants offering different cuisines, the possibility to order food and drinks to the room, as well as additional amenities such as spa treatments, free excursions, or water sports activities. Imported alcoholic beverages may also be included.
3. Super All Inclusive, Mega All Inclusive and other variations: These versions offer an even wider range of services, including additional activities, free access to specialized restaurants, and even a higher level of service.

Differences in Quality and Hotel Levels

Although the "All Inclusive" system is available at most hotels, the quality of service and the number of services provided can vary significantly depending on the hotel's level. For example, in five-star hotels, you can expect more variety in dishes, improved service, higher-quality drinks, and additional exclusive services. In lower-rated hotels, such as three-star hotels, the "All Inclusive" system may be more limited in terms of food variety and fewer additional services.

How to Choose a Hotel with the "All Inclusive" System?

When choosing a hotel, consider the following points:

• Tourist Reviews: Read reviews from other vacationers to find out the real situation regarding the quality of food, service levels, room comfort, and entertainment variety.
• Services and Entertainment: Check which services are included in the price: if amenities such as spa treatments, a gym, or a water park are important to you, make sure they are offered at your chosen hotel.
• Meal Type: Find out how often meals are provided and how they are organized. If dining at different restaurants is important to you, look for hotels offering a variety of cuisines as part of the Ultra All Inclusive system.
• Alcohol: If alcohol is important to you within the "All Inclusive" system, check which drinks are offered for free and which ones are charged additionally.
• Budget: Calculate how much you are willing to spend on your vacation, as the cost of "All Inclusive" tours can vary significantly depending on the hotel's level and the services offered.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the "All Inclusive" System

Advantages:

• Convenience and Savings: Everything you need for a comfortable vacation is already included in the price, and you don’t need to worry about extra expenses.
• Availability of Food and Drinks: You don’t need to look for restaurants or bars; everything is available right at the hotel.
• Suitable for Families with Children: There are kids' clubs, special menus, and entertainment for children.
• Variety of Entertainment: A wide range of activities available, from sports to cultural events.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Choices: Since most services are provided within the hotel, you may not be motivated to explore local attractions or try local cuisine.
• Additional Expenses: Although basic services are included, some hotels may offer additional paid options, such as premium drinks or exclusive restaurants.
• Limited Flexibility: If you prefer to plan your vacation independently and want flexibility in choosing dining or entertainment locations, the "All Inclusive" system may feel restrictive.

Features in Different Countries

Turkey:

• "All Inclusive" (AI) and "Ultra All Inclusive" (UAI) dominate the Turkish coastline, especially in popular areas such as Antalya, Kemer, Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye.
• UAI in Turkey often offers round-the-clock dining, including late dinners and midnight snacks, as well as a wide selection of imported alcoholic drinks.
• Animation in Turkish hotels is usually very active and diverse, with daytime entertainment, sports events, evening shows, and nightclubs.
• Turkish hotels often offer many additional services, such as Turkish baths (hammams), saunas, massages, and various water sports.
• It is important to note that the quality and variety of services can vary greatly depending on the hotel's category (from 3 to 5 stars) and its price category.

Egypt:

• Like Turkey, the "All Inclusive" system is very popular in Egypt, especially at Red Sea resorts (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam).
• In Egypt, there are often hotels offering AI and UAI, but the quality of local alcoholic beverages may be lower than in Turkey. Imported drinks are typically available for an additional charge.
• Animation in Egyptian hotels is also usually present but may be less intense than in Turkey.
• Egypt is known for its diving and snorkeling opportunities, and many hotels offer related services and equipment.
• In some hotels in the desert areas of Egypt, "All Inclusive" may be adapted to local conditions, for example, with an emphasis on Bedouin culture and entertainment.

Russia:

• The "All Inclusive" system in Russia is actively developing. It is most widespread at resorts in the Krasnodar Territory (Sochi, Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse), as well as in Altai, Crimea, and on the Black Sea coast.
• Russian hotels with "All Inclusive" offer a variety of food and entertainment options, but the level of service and amenities often differs from those of international resorts.
• The system is mostly focused on Russian tourists and often includes local dishes, domestic drinks, and local entertainment.

Conclusion

The "All Inclusive" system offers numerous advantages for travelers who prefer the convenience of an all-in-one package. However, choosing the right hotel and understanding the system's nuances is crucial to getting the most out of your vacation. Carefully compare hotels, read reviews, and focus on the specific services that are important to you. This way, you will find the best place for a relaxing and carefree vacation!