The “all-inclusive” promise is the ultimate vacation dream: a single price for unlimited food, drinks, and relaxation, with your wallet tucked safely away in the room. But as many savvy travelers discover, the term “all-inclusive” in Los Cabos doesn’t always mean what you think it does. While some resorts deliver on that truly carefree promise, many others use it as a starting point, with a menu of upcharges and hidden fees waiting for unsuspecting guests.
Before we dive in, it’s crucial to state that not all resorts are built the same. True ultra-luxury properties, most famously Grand Velas Los Cabos, operate on a different level. There, “all-inclusive” means just that—you can order the Tomahawk steak, sip premium champagne, and enjoy 24-hour gourmet suite service, all without ever seeing an extra charge.
But for the vast majority of all-inclusive resorts in Cabo, it pays to be aware of the common upcharges.
Before we get into the 5 hidden fees lets test your Cabo All-Inclusive knowledge!
Based on recent 2025 traveler reports and a deep dive into the fine print, here are the five most common “hidden” fees to watch out for.
1. The Room Service “Tray Charge”
You’re craving a late-night snack and decide to use that 24-hour room service menu. While the food itself is included, be aware that some resorts add a small, non-negotiable “tray charge” or “service fee” of around $5 to $10 USD for every order brought to your room. It’s a fee for the convenience that can catch you by surprise.
The Savvy Move: Before you order, always ask the operator, “Is there a delivery or service charge for this order?”
2. The Top-Shelf Test
The house vodka, rum, and tequila (often brands you’ve never heard of) will flow freely. But the moment you ask for a specific premium brand—like Grey Goose, Don Julio 1942, or Hendrick’s Gin—you’ve likely crossed into upcharge territory. Bartenders are trained to pour the house brands unless you specify, so a simple request can quietly add $15-$25 USD per drink to your final bill.
The Savvy Move: When ordering a specific brand, hold up your wristband and ask with a smile, “Is this one included?” They’ll always tell you the truth.
3. “Premium” Menu Items
You’re sitting down at the resort’s “included” steakhouse, but the menu is a minefield of asterisks. The standard New York strip is included, but that mouth-watering ribeye or lobster tail has a small star next to it with a hefty surcharge listed in the fine print at the bottom. These “premium” options are a huge profit center and can easily add $50 or more to your “all-inclusive” dinner.
The Savvy Move: Assume any special item (like the catch of the day, a large-format steak, or lobster) has an extra cost and confirm with your server before ordering.
4. The Spa “Hydrotherapy” Pass
You want to use the spa’s sauna or vitality pools to relax, even without booking a massage. Many travelers assume access to these wet areas is included with their stay. In reality, most resorts charge a separate daily fee, often $30 to $50 per person, just to access the hydrotherapy circuit. This pass is usually only complimentary on the day you book a full (and expensive) spa treatment.
The Savvy Move: Never assume spa access is free. Check the resort’s policy beforehand, and if you plan to use it daily, see if they offer a discounted pass for your entire stay.
5. “Premium Seating” by the Pool
You spot the perfect shaded daybed or luxurious cabana by the pool. You assume it’s first-come, first-served. However, these prime spots are almost always held back for an extra fee. Travelers are often surprised to learn that renting these “premium seating” areas can cost anywhere from $50 to well over $150 per day, even when the resort is half-empty.
The Savvy Move: If you want a guaranteed shady spot, book it in advance. Otherwise, plan to get to the pool early to snag one of the standard, non-reserved loungers before they’re all claimed.
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