All-Inclusive – An all-inclusive resort is a resort that includes at the very least: lodging, 3 meals daily, soft drinks, most alcoholic drinks, gratuities, & possibly other services in the price. Many also offer sports and non-motorized watersports and other activities that are included in the price as well. They are often located in warmer regions of the world, particularly in Mexico and the Caribbean. The all-inclusive model originated in the French Club Med resorts, which were founded by the Belgian Gérard Blitz in 1950.
- Adults-Only – All-inclusive resort type that only allows age 18+ or a section of a resort reserved for only adults.
- A la carte – All-inclusive resorts typically cover lodging, daily meals, drinks, gratuities, and other services. A la carte resorts, as the name suggest, allows you to select what you need for your vacation, rather than a combination of services at a fixed price. Often this means you’ll ended up paying more than expected, at the end of your vacation.
- Amenity: Complimentary item or service provided by the hotel for guests or groups. (Ex: Toiletries, Excursions, Credits)
- Butler Service: Guests are served hors d’oeuvres on platters by servers regularly, but at many all-inclusive resorts this can mean so much more, such as assistance with anything, beach service, packing/unpacking, or making arrangements for you.
- Entertainment – Shows, activities, and more that is often included with your package at no additional cost.
- European Plan (EP) -This is not all-inclusive, and means a hotel package that excludes coverage of meals, but not beverages / alcohol
- Family-Friendly – Resorts that welcome families and tend to cater to family type activities and preferences.
- Full Board – Full-board means that you can expect most meals to be provided as part of your stay. Some full board hotels charge extra for things like (alcoholic) drinks and snacks, which sets them apart from the all-inclusive hotels and resorts.
- Half-Board: Half-board properties tend to include some options and services, and not others as part of your package. For example, two meals, such as breakfast and lunch may be included, but not snacks, drinks and dinner. This is very different from the all-inclusive option where all meals and drinks are included in your stay.
- Independent Hotel: A hotel with no affiliation with a franchise or chain.
- Lanai – A room that has a balcony or patio with an overlook of water or garden.
- Luxury accommodation – This language indicates your room would be luxurious, better than a standard room type.
- Gratuities – This is just another word for tips.
- Motorized Watersports – Things like jet-skiing or parasailing, for example, that use “a motor” to operate. Most all-inclusives except a few don’t include these but do include many non-motorized.
- Non-Motorized Watersports – These are activities like paddle-boarding, canoeing, kayaking, etc. and are a great way to stay fit while on vacation!
- Oceanfront – This room description means your room directly faces the ocean.
- Oceanview – This room description means your room can view the ocean but may be a side, angled, or less than ocean front view.
- Overwater Bungalows – These amazing villas are set up on poles over the water for a most unique experience!
- Private Island – Many cruise lines & resort properties have their own private island for special experiences offered only by their company.
- Run Of House – In hotel terms, this means a very basic room type with no guaranteed specific amenities or view.
- Suite – A suite is a larger than standard room, size and amenities vary.
- Swim-Up Bar – A Bar where you can swim up and order a beverage.
- Swim-Up Room – A Resort room where you can swim up and enter or exit your room from the water level.
- Transfer – Resort transfer means transportation, usually via shuttle, between the airport and your hotel. Sometimes they are non-stop, and sometimes they stop to pick up/drop off other guests.
I hope this information is helpful to you now or in the future!