When planning a getaway, choosing your accommodation is one of the most important decisions you will have to make. Do you want a customized, all-inclusive cruise through luxury in the form of a resort or the cozy charms of a delightful bed and breakfast?
Both accommodation styles have their unique benefits and drawbacks, so it is essential to weigh up your decision carefully before making your choice. When you are booking flights and packing your bags it can be tricky to have to add another layer of complex decision-making to your process, so here’s a helpful guide that might help steer you in the right direction!
Cost and Value
Budgeting for a vacation can be a challenge at the best of times, so cost and value for money are some of the biggest aspects of any accommodation decision. In terms of pure expense, a bed and breakfast will usually offer more affordable rates than an all-inclusive resort. However straight-up cost isn’t the only factor to consider.
While shoestring travelers will appreciate the less expensive option, all-inclusive resorts will end up being less expensive for certain types of tourists, particularly families.
When you factor in what a resort stay offers, including meals, drinks, activities, and amenities, an all-inclusive stay may be better value for money overall for some people, particularly for travelers looking for convenience and a hassle-free experience.
Accommodation and Amenities
For many people, choosing between a bed and breakfast and a luxury resort often comes down to what sort of stay they want. Bed and breakfasts, for example, are usually simpler affairs, offering authentic charm and cozy rooms with a more personalized service and exceptional attention to detail.
An all-inclusive resort, however, will dial up the luxury, boasting spacious, sophisticated lodgings and a wide range of facilities and amenities, including on-site restaurants, pools, spas, cocktail bars, and even organized activities.
If you like the idea of a historic property or a quaint cottage then a bed and breakfast might be more your speed, but if you want a stay that is all about pampering and convenience then a resort might be the better choice.
Dining Options and Culinary Experience
Food is a big part of any vacation, and unsurprisingly it plays a huge part in any decision about accommodation. A stay in a bed and breakfast offers home-cooked breakfasts made with locally-sourced ingredients, and the opportunity to sample a diverse range of other meals outside of your accommodation.
It’s a great option for travelers who like variety and choice, giving you the freedom to explore the cuisine of your destination at your leisure. In an all-inclusive resort, you will have paid for your meals in advance, meaning you are more likely to stick with the restaurants on-site.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of diversity in your choices, as resorts tend to offer a wide range of dining options, from buffets and specialty menus to fine dining eateries. It is more a question of style and flexibility when it comes to food that will inform your decision.
Flexibility and Freedom
For travelers who value complete freedom and flexibility on their trips, a bed and breakfast is a sensible option. With a more laid-back, do-it-yourself ambiance, guests can set their own schedules and plan their days as they see fit.
A bed and breakfast also offers a more intimate, private experience, perfect for couples or solo travelers in search of peace and tranquility. On the other hand, an all-inclusive resort is ideal for tourists who don’t want to have to think too much about what they will be doing and are looking for a more done-for-you experience.
At an all-inclusive, you can rely on a more structured getaway, with activities and attractions sorted for you, regular mealtimes, and ready-made entertainment on hand whenever you want it.
Location and Surroundings
While both accommodation styles will offer beautiful surroundings and interesting locations, there is a difference in what bed and breakfasts and all-inclusive resorts tend to offer. Bed and breakfasts are usually found in scenic, idyllic settings, in the countryside, or small, historic towns.
They are a great option for travelers who enjoy exploring local landmarks and discovering places that are off the beaten track. By contrast, all-inclusive resorts usually boast more dramatic, luxurious locations, on the beach or in tropical surroundings, with extraordinary views and lush, pristine grounds.
Travel Style and Personal Preferences
In the end, the choice between a bed and breakfast and an all-inclusive hotel or resort is one of overall travel style. If your preferences and priorities for a vacation tend to be towards freedom, flexibility, authentic experiences, and exploring the local culture then you will probably feel more comfortable in a bed and breakfast. But if you value luxury, convenience, and top-of-the-line amenities, then an all-inclusive will feel just right!
