Explain ‘All Inclusive’ to me?

[Harrumphhhh]

I know this is going to sound stupid, but please can someone explain how All Inclusive holidays work?

I’m going on one for the first time and am not sure what to expect.

Firstly, surely it’s not all inclusive? I mean, I can’t go ordering the Bollinger? So how do I know what is included?

Then, the place I’m going to have buffet restaurants, but also an a la carte. Is that included? Or do I have to pay if I go there?

Finally (though I’m sure I’ll think of more!), I’ve been told not to drink the water / ice. Does that also include the sodas? If they come off a ‘tap’, are they drawn off local water supply?

Thank you!!

I’d expect for lunch and dinner a range of fresh bread you cut yourself, 8 or 9 salads (mixed and things like plain cucumber/tomato and leaves to make up yourself), two or 3 special starters eg crab tartlets/pate/cured meats/gazpacho, maybe sushi. The. Always 2 pasta options, pizza, a roast meat carvery style, a choice of freshly grilled meat and seafood (rotates nightly), various hot vegetable dishes, a big cheese selection, 5 or six types of fresh fruit and about 10-12 different desserts in mini portions. Plus free flow wine beer cava ans soft drinks. And usually a kids’ section with burgers, chips, nuggets. Often they do theme nights (Mexican, Asian etc) but authenticity can vary.

This very much depends on the quality of the hotel. A 4/5* decent will will offer different choices for lunch and dinner and will have a range of choice each night. It does get a little ‘samey’ after 7 days or so. Again good ones will often have some ‘show cooking’ each night. So a counter where there cook noodles, bbq etc to order.
The best ones we’ve been to have had pretty much everything meats, pastas, salads, pizza, veg, world dishes etc.

Where was this if you don’t mind me asking?

I recently stayed in an Iberostar which had the best food ever. Including separate vegan counter, gluten free etc. However I was commenting on the specific hotel the OP is visiting.
With AI you very much get what you pay for.

Yes, I just thought that my recent experience in another part of the Canaries might be a good benchmark for Fuerteventura.

Also, if you find that the cocktails are ones you don't like, consider making your own! The last AI I went to didn't have any cocktails I liked, however there was a slushi machine for the children so I made my own frozen daquaris!

Yes, me too ! Can you tell me what the hotel is please ?

Apologies, you answered upthread .

Hi op. Have a great time. I am currently on my 4th AI - this time in Turkey. Great advice on here.

One thing I would say is that every AI I have been to (and appreciate this might be true be true of every hotel - not just AI) is the bloody 7.30am towels on sunbeds by the pool.

It's an aspect I can't bear and also hate being involved in... however you have to join them as you can't beat them! (If it's a summer holiday - sorry I can't recall when you said you were going - might be quieter at other times)

This is a 5 star and it's me and my 2 teens so guess who is setting my alarm to do this every morning on my one week off work 🤦‍♀️

Oh and we are with jet2 and that includes 1 a la carte per week - but you have to book ahead. People pounce on them!

I absolutely love this hotel and we have had a great week - but the towels aspect and food has been a bit disappointing. Also (I know this is ridiculous) I love a ham and cheese toastie for a snack but being a Muslim country there is no pork products - but that's my issue and certainly wouldn't stop me returning!

Love this place

I've only been to all inclusive once, my top tip is take all the bottled water and soft drinks out of your bedroom fridge each morning. Take them out on excursions off resort to save buying drinks when sightseeing.
The fridge gets restocked by housekeeping each morning. It was something I realised after the first day lol

Go to the hotel bar for drinks before going into town 😄

Wow. Are you okay?

Just to add - I am dyslexic and have difficulties taking in and processing information…

All incs vary so much in price and quality. We did a lot of all inc when the kids were little, it worked out well and was good value. Obviously the lower end of the market is usually local beer,wines & spirits. The buffets can get boring so we would usually have a couple of evening meals out of the resort too. We have also stayed all inc at IKOS, that truly is all inc, high end everything branded, lots of choices of restaurants, but it’s not cheap, and I do think the quality is slipping a bit there based our last stay, always used to recommend but I don’t anymore.

Been to fuerteventura a couple of times. Very nice for a beach/ relaxing holiday. Not masses to do otherwise (fine by me!). It can be a bit windy (I know, obviously from the name strong winds). I'd take towel clips if I went again. The beach near you is lovely if not too windy and/or you're into watersports. Enjoy. Tui are pretty good.