Staycation Guide: Should You Splurge on an All-Inclusive Hotel?
by Stephanie Koathes Sep 28, 2020
We all need to take a break at some point and have a change of scenery, especially with all the craziness that’s happened in 2020. A staycation is a wonderful way to rest, recharge, and have some fun, while being responsible and following all the necessary health protocols, of course!
There are many ways to take a staycation. You could get an Airbnb, rent a villa, or get an affordable hotel room.
Another option is to go for an all-inclusive hotel. The prices attached to even the briefest of stays at an all-inclusive is often enough to make your eyes water. Many of these hotels are offering discounts and specials this year to entice visitors, but even so, taking a staycation at an all-inclusive can be pricey. Is it worth a splurge?
Here are some of the pros and cons of staycationing in one of Jamaica’s many all-inclusive hotels.
Pros
There’s nothing to think about
It’s the reason many vacationers from other countries choose to stay in an all-inclusive hotel. You arrive, check-in, and don’t have to think about a thing after that. You don’t have to worry about what you’ll be doing for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are options for entertainment right outside your door. Once you’re at the hotel, you can spend your days relaxing without worrying about additional costs.
Related: Staycation Guide: Where to Eat on a Day Trip to Port Antonio
Activities
Watersports, scuba-diving lessons, and fitness classes,all-inclusive resorts generally have a variety of fun activities you can participate in without any extra costs. However, if you’re not planning to take part in these activities, then it might not be worth it for you to splurge on an all-inclusive.
Children
If you’re planning a staycation with children, then the convenience of an all-inclusive might be worthwhile. Staying on budget is easier when there are so many amenities, and activities included that children will enjoy.
Security
It’s an unfortunate fact that security is a concern around the island. Staying at a resort with controlled access and security will allow you to completely forget about the issue, at least for a little while.
Food
One thing is certain when staying at an all-inclusive, you won’t go hungry. While many hotels have axed their buffets as they tighten up on sanitisation protocols and try to maximise social distancing, there are usually on-site restaurants. There is also the option for room service, which means you can maintain social distance! For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’ll have access to food options without racking up a big additional bill.
Related: Destination Local: Seven Things You Didn’t Know About the Blue Mountains
Cons
Food quality
Resort chefs are catering to tastes from all over, as a result, the food can be a little bland, lacking the seasoning and spice we Jamaicans are used to. Wine, spirits, and beer tend to be non-premium brands.
Cost
All-inclusive hotels come with a hefty price tag. Even with deals and discounts, a short two-night stay can run you as much a flight to the States. You are paying to have everything you need and want at your fingertips, but the splurge might not be worth it. However, due to the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism sector, many hotels are offering discounts and deals for locals, so now might be the time to give them a try.
Crowds
All-inclusive hotels can get crowded, especially during high season, which typically runs from December to around mid-April. North Americans, the British and Europeans fleeing the cold winter months tend to flock to the island’s resorts during this period. North America is currently the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic, so you might want to take that into account. However, there are numerous checks and balances in place to help prevent COVID-19 spread.
Anxiety
If you’re anxious about COVID-19, cleanliness, and interacting with others, then a hotel stay might not be for you right now. Consider booking a vacation rental instead where you’ll be more isolated from others, and you’ll know fewer people have stayed there.
Related: Jamaica Inn: How the Hotel is Planning to Bounce Back
Limited destinations
Most of Jamaica’s all-inclusive hotels are found on the north coast. If you’re interested in vacationing in quieter, wilder areas, then you won’t find much in the way of all-inclusive accommodation.
Confining
If you intend to spend much time outside of the resort, then splurging on an all-inclusive wouldn’t make sense for your staycation. The benefit of going to an all-inclusive is that you spend your money upfront and won’t have to worry about additional costs. Spending money outside of the resort, while it supports the local economy, nullifies this advantage.
The takeaway
For those of us living in Jamaica, earning Jamaican dollars, going to an all-inclusive resort for a staycation comes with a very high price tag. However, there are certain benefits to indulging in a stay at one of the country’s lovely hotels. If it’s something you’ve wanted to do, then go ahead and splurge! Be sure to check out Find Yello’s listings of hotels and resorts to find the perfect one.
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