All Inclusive versus Not...?

Hi -

Are most resorts in Playa del Carmen / Cancun region all-inclusive? Are most people choosing all inclusive?

I am just starting my search (looking at Palace Resorts-the Playacar Palace Wyndham) but am wondering how all inclusive resorts work with the dinner. Do you just get space in the dining room? Where do they hold your reception?

We are also looking at the Ritz Carlton in Cancun. I have not done many all inclusives before I so feel more comfortable doing the Ritz, but at the same time, we would then have to pay for the welcome dinner buffet (before the wedding day) and then the brunch after. I am assuming if we did all-inclusive, everyone could just meet at the restaurants. That would definitely be cheaper, but is it less personal/less like your wedding since there are lots of other people?

**oh, I just received the package from Palace for Playacar. You don't reserve anything until 60 days in advance??...

Hi there

I think it's a matter of personal opinion when it comes to all- inclusive or not. Do you want to offer your guests more "bang for their buck" or would you rather your guests have the option to explore the area, restaurants, and bars?

For the reception – all of the hotels mostly offer a private event which costs extra to have and varies from hotel to hotel. Most have great packages that outline the wedding packages, pricing, etc. For all other events for the wedding (rehearsal, brunch, etc) it is up to you whether to have a more intimate private gathering that the hotel can help you arrange. Or like you said, you can tell your guests when and where to meet you for these things - you just have to hope that the hotel can accommodate your party with a reservation.

I suggest you try and book site visits so you can get an idea of where you will be having your wedding. Come up with a list of possible resorts, make appointments with the wedding coordinators for a tour and informational appointment, make sure they have your date and time available and make the most educated decision for this special time.

You might also want to look into working with a travel agent to work with the hotel’s group sales department to help you and your guests get a great rate for the wedding weekend/week.

Regardless of all-inclusive or not, the place you have your wedding should suit yours and your fiancé’s style as well as make you and your guests feel comfortable for the time they are spending there.

Good luck and happy planning!!!!!

Ooohh I'm super jealous! I LOVED the Ritz in Cancun but with the amount of people we were having it was just TOO expensive. Besides that the restaurants and such were very pricey too. Our guests are flying in for the week so an all-inclusive was definitely the way to go for us to accommodate everyones budget. It looks absolutely GORGEOUS though and has a solid backing on tripadvisor.com.

You can definitely do private events at all-inclusive hotels however, they may charge extra for that effort. Part of the reason it's so attractive to do an AI wedding is b/c the hotel gives the bride and groom "credit" for the wedding expenses based on the number of guests who, in theory, are paying for all their meals through their room rates anyway. If cost isn't an issue for you though, then the advantage of AI is that your guests are "captive" to the resort and so you'll have more time with them.

That said, if think your guests would prefer venturing out of the hotel for their meals or for exploration, then I agree that a non-AI hotel would be better choice for them. There are actually some hotels that offer both AI and non-AI plans which could also be an option (I believe Le Meridien does this).

I'm sure you'd get great service at both the Palace and the Ritz, they are both great! If you have a big budget, you may also want to check out Xcaret. It's a-mazing. Here are some good pics: Weddings in Xcaret - Wedding ceremonies, receptions and honeymoon services in Xcaret and the Mexican Caribbean.. Then you wouldnt have to worry about AI or non AI!