All-Inclusive Resort Meal and Drink Calculator
Calculate how much you'd save with an all-inclusive resort compared to paying for meals and drinks separately. Based on typical resort pricing.
When you book an all-inclusive resort, you’re not just paying for a bed and a pool. You’re buying a whole food experience-breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, and sometimes even room service. But how many meals do you actually get? The answer isn’t always simple. It depends on the resort, the country, and even the time of year.
Typical Meal Structure at All-Inclusive Resorts
Most all-inclusive resorts give you three main meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. That’s the standard. You’ll usually find these served in a large buffet-style restaurant, open from early morning until late evening. Some places offer à la carte options too, but those often require reservations and might be limited to certain nights.
Breakfast typically runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and includes eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, pastries, cereal, coffee, and juice. Lunch is usually served from noon to 3 p.m. and features international dishes-grilled meats, salads, pasta, local specialties, and vegetarian options. Dinner is the biggest meal, often starting at 6 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. You’ll find themed nights here: Mexican, Italian, seafood, Caribbean, or even a formal steakhouse night.
Some resorts, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico, add a late-night snack option around midnight. Think burgers, pizza, tacos, or ice cream. It’s not always listed in the brochure, but if you ask at the front desk, they’ll point you to the 24-hour snack bar.
Snacks and Light Bites Are Included Too
Don’t think you’re stuck with just three meals. Between meals, you’ll find snack stations scattered around the resort. Poolside, beachside, near the lobby-there’s always something. Think fresh fruit, chips, nuts, yogurt, sandwiches, and cookies. These aren’t fancy, but they’re free and available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days.
Some resorts have a dedicated snack bar that opens in the afternoon, serving wraps, grilled cheese, or even mini tacos. Others offer a daily afternoon tea with pastries and coffee. If you’re hungry between lunch and dinner, you won’t go without.
Drinks Are Part of the Package
Meals aren’t just about food. Drinks are included too. Most all-inclusive resorts offer unlimited soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and local beer and wine during meal hours. Higher-end resorts extend that to premium spirits and cocktails anytime. You’ll see signs like “24-hour beverage service” or “unlimited premium drinks” on their websites.
But not all drinks are equal. A $12 resort in the Dominican Republic might only include domestic beer and house wine. A $500-a-night resort in the Maldives might include imported champagne, single-malt whiskey, and signature cocktails. Always check what’s included before you book.
What’s Not Included? Watch Out for These
Just because it’s called “all-inclusive” doesn’t mean everything is free. Here’s what often costs extra:
- Specialty restaurants: Some resorts have 2-4 fine-dining options that require reservations and charge extra, even if you’re all-inclusive. These might be seafood grills, sushi bars, or steakhouses.
- Room service: Many resorts charge for delivery, especially outside meal hours. Some include it only for certain room categories.
- Imported or premium brands: If you ask for a specific brand of vodka or wine not on the house list, you’ll pay extra.
- Off-property dining: If you leave the resort to eat at a local restaurant, that’s on you.
- Alcohol outside meal times: Some places limit alcohol service to 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Even if you’re in your room at 11 p.m., you won’t get a free drink unless you pay.
Always ask for a dining guide when you check in. Most resorts hand one out-it lists which restaurants are included, which require reservations, and what’s covered.
Meal Times Can Vary by Location
Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean usually follow a standard 7 a.m.-10 p.m. schedule. But in Europe or Asia, things work differently. A resort in Greece might serve breakfast until 11 a.m., lunch from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner starting at 8 p.m. because locals eat later.
In Thailand or Bali, you might find breakfast served until noon, with lunch and dinner options available all day at beach bars. Some resorts in Japan even offer traditional kaiseki dinners, but those are often limited to a few nights per week and require advance booking.
Don’t assume the schedule is the same everywhere. Check the resort’s website or call ahead. If you’re an early riser or a night owl, you’ll want to know if your meal times match your rhythm.
Family-Friendly Options
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll find special meal options. Most all-inclusive resorts have a kids’ menu with chicken nuggets, pasta, and pizza. Some even have a dedicated kids’ dining room with cartoons playing and staff who help little ones eat.
Many resorts offer early dinner seating for families-usually 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.-so kids can eat before bedtime. You might also find baby food, purees, and high chairs available on request.
Some places even give you a snack pack for the beach or pool: fruit, crackers, juice boxes. It’s not always advertised, but if you ask at the kids’ club, they’ll hand one out.
How to Maximize Your All-Inclusive Meals
Here’s how to get the most out of your meals:
- Go to breakfast early-buffets are freshest before 8 a.m.
- Try the themed dinner nights-they’re often the highlight.
- Ask for the daily dining schedule at check-in.
- Use the snack stations between meals to avoid hunger spikes.
- Don’t skip lunch. It’s your best chance to try local dishes without the dinner crowd.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Most resorts refill them for free at water stations.
Some guests make the mistake of eating only at the main buffet and missing out on smaller, more authentic spots. A beachside grill serving fresh fish or a poolside taco stand might be better than the crowded main restaurant.
What About Dietary Needs?
All-inclusive resorts are used to handling dietary restrictions. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, halal, kosher-most can accommodate if you tell them ahead of time. Some even have dedicated kitchens for special diets.
When you book, mention your needs. When you arrive, talk to the head waiter or manager. They’ll mark your name on a list and make sure you’re covered. Don’t assume it’ll happen automatically. A quick conversation at check-in can save you from a hungry night.
Real Talk: Is All-Inclusive Worth It?
If you eat three meals a day, snack often, and drink regularly, then yes-it’s worth it. You’ll save money compared to paying for meals and drinks separately. A $300-a-night all-inclusive resort might cost you $80-$120 a day just in food and drinks if you paid à la carte.
But if you plan to spend most of your time exploring outside the resort, or you’re not a big eater, you might be paying for more than you use. Some travelers prefer a bed-and-breakfast or boutique hotel and eat out locally. It’s more authentic and sometimes cheaper.
The key is matching the package to your habits. If you love lounging by the pool, eating, drinking, and not worrying about bills, all-inclusive is perfect. If you want to taste local food, go to markets, and dine at small restaurants, skip it.
Final Answer: How Many Meals Do You Get?
You get three main meals a day-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-plus unlimited snacks and drinks. That’s the baseline. Some resorts add midnight snacks, 24-hour room service, or extra dining options. Others limit you to just the buffet.
But the real number isn’t just about meals. It’s about freedom. You can eat when you want, eat what you want, and not count calories-or dollars-while you do it. That’s the value.
Just remember: read the fine print. Ask questions. And don’t be afraid to explore beyond the main restaurant. The best meals at an all-inclusive resort aren’t always on the menu-they’re the ones you find by asking, "Where do you eat when you’re off duty?"
Do all-inclusive resorts serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day?
Yes, virtually all all-inclusive resorts serve three full meals daily: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These are typically served in large buffet-style restaurants with extended hours. Some resorts offer themed dinners on certain nights, but the three-meal structure is standard across the industry.
Are snacks and drinks included between meals?
Yes. Most resorts include unlimited soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, and local beer and wine during meal hours. Snack stations with fruit, chips, yogurt, and sandwiches are available throughout the day, usually from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some also offer afternoon tea or late-night bites like pizza or ice cream.
Are there extra charges for certain restaurants or drinks?
Yes. Specialty restaurants like fine-dining seafood spots, sushi bars, or steakhouses often charge extra, even at all-inclusive resorts. Premium alcohol brands (like imported whiskey or champagne) may also cost more. Room service can have delivery fees, and alcohol service may be limited to certain hours (e.g., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.). Always ask for a dining guide at check-in.
Can I get food if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes. Most all-inclusive resorts accommodate gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, halal, and other dietary needs. Some even have dedicated kitchens. Always notify the resort when booking and confirm with staff at check-in. They’ll mark your preferences and ensure you have safe, suitable options at every meal.
Is all-inclusive worth it for families with kids?
Absolutely. All-inclusive resorts are ideal for families. Kids’ menus, early dinner seating, baby food, and snack packs are common. Many resorts have dedicated kids’ dining areas with staff to help little ones eat. You won’t need to worry about finding child-friendly restaurants or paying extra for meals. The convenience alone makes it worth the cost.
Do meal times change depending on the country?
Yes. In Mexico and the Caribbean, meals typically follow a 7 a.m.-10 p.m. schedule. In Europe or Asia, dinner might start later-8 p.m. or even 9 p.m.-and breakfast could be served until noon. Local customs influence timing. Always check the resort’s daily schedule when you arrive to avoid missing meals.
Can I eat in my room for free?
Sometimes. Many resorts include room service during meal hours, but others charge a delivery fee or only offer it to certain room types. Late-night room service is rarely free. Check with the front desk when you check in to understand what’s included.
What’s the best way to avoid missing out on meals?
Ask for the daily dining schedule at check-in. Go to breakfast early for the freshest food. Try themed dinners-they’re often the highlight. Use snack stations between meals. Don’t skip lunch-it’s your best chance to try local dishes without the dinner rush. And if you’re unsure about what’s included, just ask.
