The right choice between all-inclusive and half board has less to do with which package is “more luxurious” and more to do with how many hours you will spend at the hotel. If you leave every morning for coves, ancient sites and the town, you may be paying for a lunch you will not use. If you spend the day by the pool with children, the same package can be a real convenience.
What does half board usually cover?
At most properties it centres on breakfast and dinner, but drinks and what is included vary from hotel to hotel. Read the exact scope on the booking page.
All-inclusive is not one standard
Hours, drink brands, snacks, ice cream, the minibar and à la carte use can differ by brand and by hotel. Compare the list of what is included, not the package name.
Will you leave the hotel?
If you spend three of five nights away from the hotel, having lunch inside the package may be worth less. The reverse is true if you do not plan to leave the resort.
The calculation with children
Frequent snacks and drinks during the day create logistics as well as cost. Check whether the package actually covers the items the child will use.
Do not underestimate drinks
Water, coffee, soft drinks and adult drinks can change the hotel price. Ask in advance what is extra on half board.
A simple sum
Divide the package difference by the number of nights. Compare that daily difference with your estimate for lunch, drinks and snacks outside. Then add the convenience that is not about money.
The better fit
If you use the hotel as a base, half board more often makes sense. If the hotel is the holiday itself, all-inclusive more often does. This is not an absolute rule, but it is a useful first filter.
Last check before you book
Check the dates, the number of guests and the children’s ages, the room category, the meal plan, the cancellation deadline and the total amount payable one last time. For seasonal services and weather-dependent activities, confirm the current information close to departure, directly with the business or an official source.
