The Merits of Fully-Inclusive Rate

Q: In booking a holiday resort in Spain, we have been offered a fully-inclusive option. For an additional charge of 100 dollars per person per day we would get three meals a day, as well as free soft drinks, bottled water, soft drinks and alcohol. We are not big alcohol drinkers, but know that the cost of fruit juices, water and the odd cocktail can add up. The normal rate offers only bed and breakfast. What do you think we should do? – Mick Prince

A: This is not as easy one as there are many factors that influence it. The price charged for the "fully-inclusive" rate is usually equal to what an average guest would consume. Most people would go for it, as it takes away the worry about what the "extras" are likely to add up to on your bill. When it works well and truly offers you a full range of food and drinks at no additional cost, it is great. However, some hotels have given the concept a bad reputation by limiting the places where the the meals can be enjoyed and where the "free drinks" can be consumed to one or two bars. Some resorts even serve the "free drinks" in plastic glasses, enforcing a second-tier status for those who decided to pay up front. They also often exclude cocktails and premier drinks, restricting alcohol to draft beer and local wines and spirits. So, your decision should be based on factors such as what drinks cost in the resort, how much you intend to drink and whether the offer is available at all hours and at all outlets. To make an informed decision, you also need to know whether any drinks (such as bottled wine, bottled beer and fresh fruit juices) are included in the offer, where the drinks are served and whether the offer includes the mini-bar in your room and poolside beverages. Similarly, you need to know whether there are limits on the meals provided in the fully-inclusive package. In some resorts, you are only allowed to dine from the buffet and you will be charged for dining at the resort's Italian, seafood, Spanish or seafood restaurants. If you are worried about the benefits of the fully-inclusive option, check out the half-board or full-board options, which may suit you better. (7/8/11)