Free booze in Spain

Q: We have been offered a fully-inclusive rate at a hotel in Spain during summer. The rate includes all three meals a day, alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee/tea. As we are not heavy heavy drinkers, we are unsure as to whether the offer represents value for money. Could you give us some pointers and tips? - Rene Carlton

A: These offers are very popular in that you know how much you will spend on the "extras" that can make a holiday more expensive than you planned. Most resorts set their rate based on their calculation of what the average holidaymaker usually spends, so you only benefit if you make full use of the free service. If the daily figure is around what you expected to spend on food and beverages, then you may as well accept the offer and have the peace of mind of knowing your final bill in advance. However, make sure you check the exceptions to the "free" selection. Some hotels will make you pay a surcharge for special meals such as seafood or barbecues, or limit the number of bars where the free drinks are available. Some drinks, such is imported wines, spirits and freshly-squeezed fruit juices may be excluded from the offer as well. You should also check whether there is a cut-off time for the free service and whether room service and mini-bar items are included. Be sure to read some customer reviews of the resort (www.tripadvisor.com) to discover what others had to say about the merits of the all-inclusive rate. You may also learn that there is a supermarket next door to the resort where items can be purchased at inexpensive prices.