Is it Cheaper to Upgrade to All Inclusive at the Hotel?

Planning a holiday often comes down to balancing comfort with cost. One of the biggest decisions travelers face is whether to book an all-inclusive package in advance or upgrade to all inclusive at the hotel after arrival. But is it actually cheaper to upgrade once you’re there? Is it cheaper to upgrade to all inclusive at the hotel?

The answer? It depends—but in many cases, yes, it can be cheaper to upgrade to all inclusive at the hotel if you play your cards right.

What Does All-Inclusive Actually Include?

All-inclusive packages usually cover:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and soft)

• Snacks between meals

• Access to hotel entertainment and activities

• Poolside service or minibar access in some resorts

By bundling everything, you avoid surprise charges, endless tipping, and daily budgeting stress. For families, big groups, or couples who like convenience, it can offer fantastic value.

Is It Cheaper to Upgrade at the Hotel?

Firsthand Experience:

We’ve personally tested both booking in advance and upgrading on arrival during multiple trips to Spain, Greece, and Turkey. In several cases—especially with larger resorts—upgrading at the hotel was cheaper by up to 30% compared to pre-booking with a tour operator.

For example:

• In Lanzarote, we upgraded at check-in for €25 per person per day. The same package online would have added €40 per person/day.

• At a 4-star hotel in Crete, we were offered a mid-stay upgrade for 3 days at a discounted rate since the hotel wasn’t full.

 

Why It Can Be Cheaper:

• Hotels often offer on-the-spot discounts to fill unused capacity.

• Mid-stay upgrades (e.g., for 3 out of 7 days) are rarely offered online.

• Some hotels allow negotiation at reception, especially during quieter periods.

That said, this isn’t always guaranteed—especially in peak season or fully booked resorts.

When Is It NOT Cheaper?

Booking in advance may be cheaper if:

• You’re traveling during high season (July–August)

• The hotel is part of a strict international chain (e.g., Hilton, Iberostar) with fixed pricing

• There are early bird discounts available online

• You’re using travel agents who bundle flight + hotel + all-inclusive for a better deal

In these cases, upgrading at the hotel could cost more, especially if done last minute or per day.

Tips to Get the Best All-Inclusive Upgrade Deal

Here’s how to get the best price whether you upgrade now or later:

1. Email the Hotel in Advance

Ask:

“What’s the cost to upgrade to all inclusive at the hotel if we decide on arrival?”

Some hotels reply with better deals than what’s listed online.

2. Book Half-Board, Then Decide

Booking half-board (breakfast + dinner) lets you test the hotel’s food/service before committing to all-inclusive. You can then upgrade for just a few days if needed.

3. Negotiate at Check-In

Don’t be shy—especially during quieter seasons or in larger resorts. If the upgrade desk isn’t busy, ask:

“Are there any current offers for upgrading to all inclusive for a few days?”

4. Use a Travel Agent with Upgrade Flexibility

Some agents let you partially upgrade later. Others can alert you if in-resort upgrades are available. Just ask the agent is it cheaper to upgrade to all inclusive at the hotel?

Realistic Example: Cost Breakdown