Last month, the Dreams Las Mareas resort located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica hosted my youngest son and me to five days of paradise.

5 Benefits of Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

This was my second experience staying at an all-inclusive resort, which have become my favorite way to vacation. All-inclusive includes a TON of benefits, but I’m narrowing them down to just five for today’s post. Let’s get started…

Food, Food, Food

BY FAR the best incentive to stay at an all-inclusive resort like Dreams Las Mareas is having all food covered in the resort price. This perk includes all buffets, table service (though you may need to make a reservation to secure a table), and quick service options. You can also order room service fee-free, which is a nice convenience, though expect to wait an hour or longer for delivery. We chose room service options on those nights when we just wanted to relax in bed after a very busy day!

5 Benefits of Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

Each room at Dreams Las Mareas has a mini-bar that is stocked with soda, bottled water, juice, beer and spirits, and *should* be re-stocked every day. If not re-stocked, you can simply call housekeeping to request a refill (which I did a couple of times during my five days at the resort). There were also a couple of snacks in our room – Pringles and Peanut M&M’s, but only the Pringles were replaced once they were eaten.

Adult Drinks

Not only is all of the food you can eat included in the price of a resort room, but so is the alcohol. Yup, all of it. Beer, wine, and cocktails are available in the mini-bar (at no extra charge), most restaurants, and several drink stations around the resort (most being near pools). Though you may not find top-quality liquor (I really missed my fav – Tito’s vodka), I found that most of the mixed drinks I ordered were pretty good. I also enjoyed the local beers – Imperial and Pilsen.

5 Benefits of Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

Kid’s Club

The kid and teen clubs are also included in the resort fee, which is a fabulous perk for families. At Dreams Las Mareas, the security procedure for getting kids in and out of the kid’s club was quite strict, which was a huge plus for a parent like me. The days at the club were quite structured, too, with a clear agenda (hour by hour) posted on a board outside the entrance. Activities included crafts, painting, talent shows, and outside time. There were also a few more committed activities like swimming, beach parties, and lunch that took the children offsite so that they aren’t tied to the club building. Parents are given a buzzer device (much like the ones you receive while waiting for a table at a restaurant) after dropping children off for easy communication. If you get a buzz, it’s time to pick up the kids.

5 Benefits of Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

Beach & Ocean Equipment

Dream Las Mareas has scuba/snorkel equipment and kayaks available for all guests, which is a pretty cool perk. My son and I didn’t get the chance to try out either, due to a really gusty day (the day we dedicated for ocean adventures), making the waves too high and strong. However, I did receive some positive feedback from other parents who had a ball snorkeling and kayaking in the ocean with their kiddos.

5 Benefits of Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

No Gratuities

You know the stress of not knowing what to tip for a restaurant, maid, or delivery service? Well, forget about it while you are at Dreams because it’s all included in the resort fee. I LOVE not worrying about having cash on hand or pulling out the smartphone calculator to configure gratuity when I’m on vacation. I mean, a vacation should be the opposite of math, right?

5 Benefits of Staying at an All-Inclusive Resort in Costa Rica

Have you ever stayed at an all-inclusive resort before? What were your favorite perks that it included?