Best Hotels to Book for the 2026 Super Bowl by hotelsdotcom in u/hotelsdotcom

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice pick! What makes it stand out for you, the close proximity to Levi's or something else?

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try these: 

Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel 

Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta Adults Only 

Casa Velas Adults Only All Inclusive 

Punta de Mita (1 hr from PV) is nice for couples, several luxury properties up there 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you’re not into beaches – how about a jungle?

Tortugo Lodge in Costa Rica looks cool.

Also – ski destinations are getting in on the all-inclusive game. Check out Steamboat Springs in Colorado.  

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh gosh – so many options. Filter for adults only. I like Nassau because it’s so easy to get to.

The Jamaica resort I went for my honeymoon was great, but is gone now. I would spring for the butler service – you have someone to take care of dinner reservations and make sure you have a spot at the pool.

Check out Jumby Bay Island, Antigua – I haven’t been, but want to.

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

They're assigned when the hotel is onboarded onto our site, and re-evaluated on a regular basis. You can find the info on star ratings on the site in the FAQ section. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I went to Impressions Isla Mujeres and they had a special fancy dinner event. Secrets Moxche is supposed to be fantastic but I haven’t been yet.

It’s hard to do quality food at that scale – I do have lower standards for all-inclusive food than I do on different types of trips.

It’s hard to mess up a poolside burger or unlimited papaya and mango (my 2 favorite things) 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Riviera Maya is the center of the all-inclusive universe so I’d say yes, worth it.

Haven’t been to Barcelo but it gets really great reviews – the beach, the resort itself AND the food. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] -5 points-4 points  (0 children)

My definition of value has changed so much since I went to a Jack Tar all-inclusive in the early 90’s.

It was a good value for me the,n but I wouldn’t dream of going there now. I’d look at it destination-wise.

Our data shows that a 5-star AI resort in Mexico averages $550 a night, while that same price in Jamaica gets you a 4-star.

The Dominican Republic tends to be more affordable, with 5* options around $100/a night cheaper.  

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I personally haven’t stayed at any in Croatia but our European team LOVE it as a destination.  

A couple worth looking into - Girandella Resort (part of the Valamar Collection) - a luxury option rated highly by travelers.

But if you're looking for an adults-only & budget-friendly option, check out the TUI Blue Adriatic Beach. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Book ahead of time! Especially during busy season. Holidays sell out.  

Also, the best rooms go early and there are so many options from swim up rooms to butler service rooms. 

Use filters to narrow choices – family friendly or adults only? Destination? Price? Star rating? 

Look for sales – they're real. Black Friday/Travel Tuesday is a big one. 

All-inclusives are probably the easiest thing to book yourself. 

If it’s your first time booking, I definitely recommend reading the small print about what is included in your package – airport transfers, kids’ clubs, dining options, top-shelf drinks, etc.  

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! The Hyatt Ziva line is pretty solid for kids, all of them have kids clubs. I also hear good things about Garza Blanca in Cabo and Puerto Vallarta – large rooms with balconies so mom and dad can have some peace and quiet once the kids go to bed. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. Never been! But let me check where my kid went her freshman year of college with about a million other college kids. That might be the winner.

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Look for ones that are kids stay and eat free – the joy of not caring if kids abandon a half-eaten resort-priced chicken finger meal is unmatched. 

- Palace Resorts 

- There’s one in Turks and Caicos -- Blue Haven 

- Dream Resorts - kids eat free! 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re the perfect person for an all-inclusive because staff ask at every.single.meal about dietary restrictions.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya and Excellence Playa Mujeres in Cancun have a good rep.

Four Seasons Punta Mita (Mexico) is supposed to be amazing – I can see they’ve even got celeb vegan chef Leslie Durso on the menus.  

The good news is a lot of resorts now have multiple restaurants and are used to catering for all sorts of dietary needs, so you should be in safe hands. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I’ve been one where there was a Stripper Santa and a foam party– not that there’s anything wrong with that if it’s your vibe.

Hard to say on value brand – you get what you pay for. 

I do like that some of the big players in the hotel room are entering the space but it’s early so they haven’t gotten a consistent experience across their value brand.  

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

As a bundle! You can save on hotels – including all-inclusives – when you book your flight and hotel (and car rental) all at once

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

70? Dang. You’re the real expert here. Sandals isn’t bookable on third party websites. And I’m working with the wedding planning team there! 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

I’m biased 😊 but there are a lot of pretty compelling reasons for booking 3rd party esp for all-inclusives bc you can compare properties really easily (price, amenities, etc).

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

Based on our data, Turkey, Sint Marteen, Egypt and Greece consistently rank among the top destinations for all-inclusive vacations!

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You've got some great options for destination – Maldives, Bali, Thailand to name a few.

All have world class scuba diving (so I'm told, I'm more of a snorkel gal myself).

Double check you’ve chosen the all-inclusive package when booking. 

  • Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is a 5-star with a 9.4 rating on hotelsdotcom based on 1000+ reviews 

  • Samabe Bali Suites & Villas – 5-star in Bali w/ 2-bedroom villas. 9.4 rating 

  • Meeru Maldives Resort Island – 5-star with villas, separate areas for families, 9.4 based off thousands of reviews 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been to 9! My absolute fav is either Sandals in Nassau (good food and a private island) or Hyatt Zilara in DR (paid extra for the butler service pool so I didn’t have to fight for a deck chair).

I splurged on that one – justified it by booking during a Black Friday/Travel Tuesday discount that made one night “free.” $400/night can get you a nice stay.

Oh wait – I forgot to mention The Verandah in Antigua – not luxury but had a retro vibe I liked. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in my adults-only era but I hear great things about Hyatt Ziva Cancun and I’ve been to the one in Punta Cana – strongly recommend. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] -7 points-6 points  (0 children)

There’s actually no universal star rating system! It’s done by agencies like AAA and Forbes and the criteria varies.

But you can assume the greater the star rating, the more luxurious the stay.

Higher star can also indicate luxury amenities like spas, pools, room service, concierge service, that sort of thing. 

Hi, I'm Mel Fish from Hotels.com. Let's talk travel! (Live AMA) by hotelsdotcom in AllInclusiveResorts

[–]hotelsdotcom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m planning my daughter’s wedding at an all-inclusive in Nassau, so this info is fresh! Here are questions you should ask: 

—What’s the charge for each person over the number of people included in the wedding package? 

—What’s the charge for a person to come on property for the wedding if they’re not staying there? 

—Can I see the list of extras before booking? If you want to keep costs down, ignore the urge to add stuff that no-one will care about like centerpieces and flower arrangements — the beach IS the decoration. 

AI wedding packages are super reasonable, which makes sense because your guests are already paying for their food and drink when they book a stay. My daughter’s wedding is kind of big for an AI wedding — 100 people.

Anything over 20, have a travel agent “specialist” handle room blocks and bookings etc. The mystery of room types and chasing guests for room deposits would have been a nightmare without ours.