To go the all-inclusive resort route or not, that is the ultimate vacation question. All-inclusive hotels are known to cut expenses by allowing guests to eat and drink to their heart’s content, without worrying about the final bill. However, some travelers argue that unless you’re buying multiple rounds of fruity drinks and eating substantial meals at the resort, it’s not worth purchasing an all-inclusive package. To find out which camp is right, we’re putting two popular luxury hotels in the Cancún area — one all-inclusive and one not — head to head for an accurate account on which is truly the best value.
| Item | Excellence Playa Mujeres (All-Inclusive) | Westin Lagunamar (Non-All-Inclusive) | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate | $2,692 | $1,107 | $1,585 |
| Activities | Included | $100 (estimated) | $100 |
| Food & Drink | Included | $382 – $802 (estimated) | $382 – $802 |
| Tipping | $60 (estimated) | $90 (estimated) | $30 |
| Total | $2,752 | $1,679 – $2,099 | $653 – $1,073 |
Here is a more in depth look on the above table, to help you decide if spending the extra money on an all-inclusive resort is worth it.
The Base Rate
First things first, we selected Excellence Playa Mujeres as the all-inclusive resort option, and the Westin Lagunamar Resort Villas & Spa for the non-all-inclusive hotel. These properties are luxury beachfront options, though the former is adults-only while the latter accepts children. Both resorts offer an array of similar features, including several pools, a full-service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, daily activities, nighttime entertainment, and even an on-site mayan ruin.
Price Comparison All-Inclusive vs. Non All-Inclusive
Thursday, January 9, 2025, to Sunday, January 12, 2025, for a three-night/four-day stay.
Excellence Playa Mujeres: $2,692
Westin Lagunamar: $1,107
Difference: $1,585
Pricing for Westin Lagunamar
Pricing for Excellence Playa Mujeres
What’s Included at an All-Inclusive Resort vs. A Regular Hotel
The Excellence Playa Mujeres’ all-inclusive rate covers 10 buffet and a la carte restaurants, 11 bars serving premium liquor and non-alcoholic beverages, and a beach grill, plus 24-hour room service. Also covered are in-room minibars filled with domestic beer, juices, soft drinks, water, and snacks; in-room premium liquor and wine bottle selection; non-motorized water sports; and exercise classes.
The Westin Lagunamar rate covers the room, access to facilities (except for the spa), and Wi-Fi. There is no resort fee. Depending on what you plan on doing, you could incur other daily charges. For instance, the Westin Lagunamar has a mini golf course for a small fee, and may charge for other activities. We’ll estimate an extra $100 for on-site activities.
Excellence Playa Mujeres: $2,692
Westin Lagunamar: $1,207
Difference: $1,485
Related: Things You Should Never Do at Hotel Checkout
Average Food and Drink Costs at A Regular Hotel
Visitors at the Westin Lagunamar can choose to dine and drink cheaply or splurge. Though prices vary, beers like Corona are $4 and a margarita costs $8. If each person has three drinks per day, plus bottled water, that will add between roughly $32 to $52 to the grand total.
Food-wise, if guests choose to eat on-site, they can choose from three restaurants and a swim up bar. Dishes at the restaurants range from approximately $8 to $50 depending on the meal and restaurant choice. Past guests reported spending in the range of $350 to $750 on food for a three-night stay. Which would bring the total to between $1,589 and $2,009, still coming in cheaper than Excellence. That being said, you’re getting a lot more choice at Excellence’s multiple restaurants and bars. It’s hard to put a value on the vacation freedom of having pre-dinner cocktails, an appetizer, entree, wine, dessert, and coffee—without having to crunch the bill numbers. On the other hand, if you’re staying at a non all-inclusive and decide to have a day or night out away from the resort, you won’t feel like you’re wasting money by skipping the all-inclusive buffet.
Additional Cost at Westin Lagunamara: $382 – $802
Total: $1,589-$2,009
Excellence Playa Mujeres: $2,692
Difference: $683
Winner (cost): Westin Lagunamara
Winner (variety): Excellence Mujeres
Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Regular Hotels
Tipping at all-inclusive resorts is generally expected unless you’re staying at one of the properties that expressly prohibits tips. Couples and Sandals resorts have a strict no-tipping policy, with exceptions for personal butlers and spa services. Although it’s not necessarily expected at some properties, and the Excellence Playa Mujeres states that all taxes and gratuities are included, most past guests report that staff very much appreciates the gesture and often receive extra attention as a result of tipping. Expect to tip between $1 through $10 to bartenders, waiters, room attendants, etc. for a grand tipping total of around $15-20/day. This brings the total for a three-night stay at Excellence to $2,752.
Tipping at the Westin Lagunamar is more clearly expected, so travelers should be sure to give at least a couple dollars for each drink order, housekeeping visit, and luggage porter service, and more for restaurant meals. The amount guests spend on tips will vary by how much they eat and drink on-site, but budget for around $20-30/day. This brings the new total cost at Westin Lagunamar to between $1,679 and $2,099.
Additional Cost Excellence Playa Mujeres: $60
Total: $2,752
Additional Cost Westin Lagunamar: $90
Total: $2,099
Difference: $653
Related: How to Be the Worst All-Inclusive Guest Ever
Entertainment Inclusions
A huge perk of booking at an all-inclusive resort is that you likely never have to leave the property thanks to all the provided entertainment. That’s certainly true at Excellence Playa Mujeres, where guests can spend their days using free Hobie Cats, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkel gear. And taking advantage of scheduled activities such as Spanish and cooking lessons, archery and fitness classes, and pool fun such as water polo and aqua aerobics. Entertainment continues into the evening, with performances such as Michael Jackson tributes, magic shows, and stand-up comedy.
The Westin Lagunamara doesn’t offer nearly as much in the way of entertainment or activities. There is a Vacation Kick-off Party, poolside happy hour, blackjack, trivia and other evening activities. During the day, guests can participate in limited free fitness classes such as beach yoga or make use of the non-motorized water sports that are included in your stay. There is a kids’ club for children for an extra fee. Travelers seeking a relaxing vacation will likely find the lack of poolside activities and evening shows at non all-inclusive resorts a pro, but tourists wanting to add a bit of lively entertainment to their vacation may be happier at an all-inclusive hotel.
Winner: Excellence Playa Mujeres
The Better Value
Travelers who expect to spend time outside of the resort and don’t plan on drinking more than three drinks/day will likely find the non all-inclusive resort the better value. These travelers can also save money by purchasing bottled water, snacks, and alcohol at nearby grocery stores (though be aware of the hotel’s policy on outside food and beverages). In the case of the Westin Lagunamar, the on-site Tierra Mercado offers fresh produce, a deli, meats, and other snacks you’ll need during your stay.
Visitors who don’t intend on spending much time outside of the resort, or who don’t want to worry about the cost of each mixed drink and meal will undoubtedly prefer the all-inclusive hotel. Excellence Playa Mujeres’ all-inclusive rate makes it easy to budget and allows guests to put their wallets away.
The Bottom Line
- Cost: The non-all-inclusive option (Westin Lagunamar) is generally cheaper upfront.
- Value: If you plan to eat and drink a lot at the resort, an all-inclusive might be a better value.
- Lifestyle: All-inclusive is ideal for those seeking convenience and relaxation, while non-all-inclusive offers more flexibility and potential savings if you’re a frugal traveler and like to travel offsite during your stay.
- Remember: these costs are estimates. You could spend more or less at a non-all-inclusive hotel, depending on your spending habits, how much you drink, and how many extra activities you do.
Editor’s Note: All prices are approximations and subject to change.
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