Holidays without regrets: The tricks of all-inclusive hotels – and what you should look out for

What do parents with children and people who enjoy drinking a lot of alcohol on vacation have in common? For both, a vacation at an all-inclusive hotel is most likely to be worthwhile. The cost only works for guests if they enjoy consuming alcohol. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to justify the price. Parents are also part of the target audience, because children constantly want something to eat and drink. "With an all-inclusive package, that's no longer annoying."

Three cappuccinos for breakfast, the first Prosecco at 10 a.m., and alternating between Fanta, ice cream, and fries – for the appropriate target groups, the all-inclusive package is worthwhile. But what strategies do hotels use to influence their guests to ultimately still make a profit? All-inclusive hotels often use "fillers" at the buffet.

Michael Bauer has been conducting quality checks in upscale hotels since 1984, making him Germany's first hotel tester. Later, he expanded into the automotive industry and other service sectors. He developed a successful service concept for the Hotel Adlon in Berlin, which was then rolled out across the entire Kempinski chain. He was a jury member for GEO Saison and is a speaker at seminars and conferences. He has also appeared on Günther Jauch, Johannes B. Kerner, and Markus Lanz, as well as hosting his own programs on SAT 1 ("Der Urlaubsretter," 2009; "Urlaub undercover," 2011; and Bauer testset on SWR). His practice-oriented presentations inspire attendees. Over the years, he has become one of the best-known service experts, specializing in service excellence and the customer journey.

Hotels calculate exactly what their guests consume. All-inclusive hotels use simple tricks to give their guests the impression of a wide selection. "A good example is the cheese at the buffet. Cheap cheese is bought in blocks, and a good chef cuts it into slices, triangles, and cubes, arranges it on silver platters, and presents 'cheese as far as the eye can see.' The customer then thinks, 'What a selection!' But in reality, it's always the same cheese," says Bauer. By offering small glasses at the buffet, the hotel can discourage guests from choosing the more expensive fresh juices. "They would have to go back more often, and almost no one does that."

All-inclusive hotels also have their own strategies when it comes to alcoholic beverages . Domestic spirits, beer, and wine are included, but no Bordeaux red wine from top vineyards. Instead, there are inexpensive brands that are served as table wine in many clubs. The hotelier excludes expensive export spirits to protect himself.

How guests recognize a truly good hotel: "By the muesli!" Good hotels usually have a grain mill and freshly grind the grain. Sometimes they soak it in orange juice overnight. The next day, they add apples, nuts, and berries. These are the little details that tell you whether a hotel delivers quality or cuts corners.

Equally important is the healthy nutrition of our younger guests . A balanced and healthy menu for children sends a clear message: we care about the details. Spaghetti, fries, and fish sticks might make the kids happy, but the health aspect falls by the wayside.

All-inclusive vacationers know what they're paying for when they book. They can move freely around the hotel grounds. To prevent this concept from being exploited by tourists from other hotels, all-inclusive hotels have very strict security measures in place. Access to the resorts is well protected, with security and wristbands. Outsiders are easily identified, for example, by different towels.

But the wristband system has its weaknesses. There aren't many manufacturers, and samples can be obtained for a fee. If someone really wants to cheat, it's always possible.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.