Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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How to Rescue Your Vacation at a “Bad” All-Inclusive Resort |Tips and Tricks
All-Inclusive Resort Hacks
Times have changed post Covid and the all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, like most businesses, have suffered from supply and staffing issues. So what do you do when you’ve spent your hard-earned money on a well-deserved vacation but discover bad reviews about your intended slice of Paradise? Before we get started, cross the BlueBay Esmeralda in Riviera Maya off of your list of prospective resorts. Watch this video below for more details.
First…Don’t Panic When You Read the Reviews
People are more apt to comment publicly when they are upset or dissatisfied with a service than if they are happy. Many travelers have a long first day of traveling and are cranky when they arrive at the resort. Before they have a chance to rest, minor occurrences set them off. For some reason, people expect to hand-pick their room without incident. Can you imagine what it must be like to run a resort with hundreds of rooms day in and day out? It’s almost impossible to track the repairs needed at any given time, putting a room out of commission during peak times. I’m not saying that you should accept a room downgrade when you paid for an upgrade, but expecting a particular room in a specific building could be asking too much and setting yourself up for disappointment. Many all-inclusive resorts are allowing guests to choose their room, but most resorts are unable to guarantee a particular room.
Tip Number 1: Check Your Accommodations with Your Bellman
That being said, there’s no excuse for being put into a substandard room, so even though we haven’t had to do this in the past, rule number one is to check your room thoroughly when your bellman takes you to your room or delivers your luggage if you traveled separately. He is there to make sure you are satisfied. A good bellman will ask you if everything is OK and will take care of any issues “lickety-split.” Most all-inclusive resorts want to make sure you are satisfied.
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All-Inclusive Resort | Room Check List:
- First, check the bed to be sure it is clean and up to your standards. Do you have enough pillows, blankets, etc.? Then check the room to ensure the lights are working, the TV has a working remote, and look around to see if you are missing anything.
- Check the bathroom to ensure everything is working and that there are no visible leaks around the sink, toilet, or shower. Ensure you have toiletries and towels, including hand towels and washcloths. Is your hairdryer working?
- Check out the mini-fridge. Is it stocked with water, pop, and beer?
- Do you have a coffee maker, cups, coffee, cream, etc.?
- In the closet, do you have hangers and iron, are you supposed to have robes and slippers? Note: Lower-budget resorts do not offer robes and slippers.
- Is the safe working?
Remember to tip your bellman and maybe note his name if an issue arises after he leaves. But if you have problems later, call the front desk or talk to them in person.
Tip Number 2: Make Your Reservations for A la Carte Restaurants
Make your reservations for a la carte restaurants shortly after you arrive and have checked in (You’ll need your room number) with the concierge in the lobby or on the app if that is available. If there is a problem and you are not getting what you need, ask someone else in the lobby at the front desk. Many Luxury resorts require reservations, but some do not. Remember to inquire when you book your travel.
Do not spend time complaining on social media, i.e., Facebook. It will not solve your immediate issue.
Is there a staff member who is being helpful? Enlist their help in finding who to speak to solve your problem. Be nice. Many resorts are short-staffed and have been for a while. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect.
The Beach is Covered in Sargassum | What Now?
Sargassum has been an issue at a few resorts in the past few years, which has been a turnoff to travelers when the smell is unpleasant. At certain times of the year, Mother Nature fills the coastal areas with sargassum, and it eventually ends up on the beach and makes the water brown and murky. It’s anyone’s guess when this will happen. No one can control it, so be prepared to spend time at the pools if the sargassum is abundant when you visit.
The BlueBay Esmeralda and Mangroves
The BlueBay Esmeralda is known for mangroves. Mangroves are part of nature in this area, so you will find some beaches that have murky water and a tangle of nature’s growth in the water. This feature is not going to change. I knew this years ago when we stayed here, and I know it now. The water is beautiful if you walk catty-corner from the beach to the right. If a pristine beach is important to you, book somewhere known for soft sand and turquoise water like the RIU Dunamar in Costa Mujeres.
What the Hell is that smell?
Years ago, I learned they burn garbage or refuse nearby at the BlueBay Esmeralda Resort. I knew this ahead of time, so the day we woke up and ventured outside for breakfast, and we caught a whiff of the odor, we walked to the small buffet at the other end of the resort by the beach. No smell here and the problem is solved. Update: because of the sargassum issue, this is no longer a good option because the beach and the restaurant at the beach smells from the sargassum issue. I’d avoid this resort altogether.
Room Service at your All-Inclusive Resort
We’ve ordered room service a handful of times in the years we’ve traveled to Riviera Maya. I do not need room service unless I can’t leave the room because I’m sick. Other than that, I would suggest having your meals at the buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a la cartes. It’s faster, the food is fresher, and you will enjoy the beauty of the resort rather than the four walls of your room. If you decide to order room service, don’t forget to tip a few dollars to the resort staff. Even though most all-inclusive vacation packages say they include tips, servers, and housekeeping staff appreciate the gesture and may go the extra mile to make your romantic getaway special.
Broken Tiles, Old Décor, and Other Signs of Wear.
Many resorts we’ve traveled to in the past are rather “long in the tooth.” They have seen better days and could use an update. But amazingly, the sunset at the beach is brand new every day. The drinks are freshly poured, the pools glisten beneath the sun, and the vibe is still Mexico. One person told me the elevators wouldn’t work at a resort we are visiting, which, thankfully, isn’t an issue for me. We look for ways to get more exercise while there because of all the eating we tend to do on vacation. If you need accommodations like that, I would look for a newer resort with less of a crowd or request a ground-floor room when you book your vacation.
Do Your Research Before You Travel to an All Inclusive Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Don’t rely on only the resort’s website. Look for fan pages on Facebook for your resort, or check the Google and Trip Advisor reviews. But be aware that there may be several bad reviews even at a resort you may enjoy. Get to know what each resort does best. Are they known for their beach or their pool? Is the food gourmet or regular? Is it a small resort or a megaresort? Luxury or budget? Do they have a hospitality suite? Is it an adults-only resort or a family resort?
Plan Your Amazing Vacation with my All-Inclusive Tips and Tricks
If you need additional help discerning the hundreds of places to stay, be sure to check out my blog and follow me on Facebook for the latest posts and YouTube for my videos. If you get stuck at a bad resort, use these all-inclusive resort hacks to try to salvage your vacation.
I totally agree that one should read reviews with a big grain of salt: Not only do people tend to put a complaint into writing rather than a positive critique. And then are people different and have different needs and expectations. While for one person, a hotel can be perfect, another one will hate it. As with everything in life, it’s very subjective.
We have had some bad all inclusive stays. And one so bad we booked the next flight out and forfeited our second week. We had dealt with many of the issues you raised. But when I was sick from food poisoning and it just kept getting worse it was time for us to leave. I agree that having the right expectations up front helps.
I hope that many people will read this post, I don’t wanna imagine how many people complain right on their first day, mainly because they’re just exhausted of their trip and suffering from a lack of sleep. Broken tiles and elevators shouldn’t matter that much, as you said, one should better concentrate on the beautiful sunsets and beaches. 🙂
I don’t usually stay at all-inclusive resorts because I’m concerned about committing to the same place for so long (what if I don’t like it?), but this posts relieves some of those concerns. I appreciate your calm approach to resolving issues.
I haven’t experience a bad all inclusive yet, but I can really see how these tips would help!! So important to do research ahead of booking your all inclusive!