This Tip Is A Game-Changer When Dining At All-Inclusive Resorts

The appeal of all-inclusive resorts is baked right into their name: the promise that everything — or almost everything — is included. Sure, you sometimes have to pay for certain premium offerings like spa treatments, top-shelf liquor, and excursions, but if you can do without these luxuries, you can enjoy a carefree vacation vegging around for days by the poolside and feasting to your heart's content. However, if your taste buds crave more than what the standard buffet offers, the good news is that all-inclusive resorts often have specialty or so-called "a la carte restaurants" where you can indulge in gourmet meals. The kicker? You often have to book your reservations well in advance.

While convenient, the buffet options included in all-inclusive packages may lose their appeal after several days. It's not surprising that guests seek out on-site restaurants not only to break the predictability of buffet dining but also for a chance to sample local flavors. Scoring reservations, though, can sometimes feel like buying tickets to a Taylor Swift concert, so if you can, try to book way ahead of time. One Reddit user attested to this, noting in a post the difficulty in securing reservations at convenient times. "We are a family of 4 with 2 kids. We do enjoy our a la carte restaurants in all inclusive resorts. Sometimes they're all booked or they only offer you a 5pm or 9pm slot," they wrote. "I've tried tipping the reservation person before and they said they're still full."

Not all all-inclusive resorts are the same, so the reservation process you've experienced at one establishment may not fly in another. Some resorts have restaurants that only allow you to make reservations in the morning of the day you intend to dine, while some permit guests to book days in advance. If lucky, you may stay in a resort that has scrapped reservations altogether. There might be a wait time, but hey, that's better than dealing with a complex reservation system.

To have the best dining experience, it's best to do research and a fair bit of sleuthing. For instance, TikTok user @seperatedbyborders found that their resort in Mexico allows for reservations days ahead. "The secret that I was told the reservations three days into the future opens up at 9 p.m.," they dished. Other resorts may have unique systems like this, so you have to do your due diligence before your stay.

Lance W., who has worked at an all-inclusive resort for a decade, shared that it's best to consult a diverse range of resources when planning. "Check out the resources on the resort's website, and go to online forums for that resort so you know what the can't-miss things are. Come prepared with a list of activities, foods, cultural experiences and shows that you're most excited about," they told Reader's Digest. "You can also talk to the concierge, entertainment director or other employees for their personal recommendations and for help making reservations."