All-inclusive resorts offer one price for all services, gratuities, food, and lodging. If nothing else, it is an amazing peace-of-mind feeling to go on vacation knowing the exact cost. There are no surprises, especially in cost, with all-inclusive resorts; consistent quality is another trademark. The resorts were originally designed for singles but now cater to couples and families, too.

This book excludes European properties, in spite of Club Med starting there some 50 years ago. The rankings and the book have a very US-centric focus. 84% of the properties are in North America, including US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In fact, this book could serve as a useful guide for someone choosing between resorts in Jamaica and Mexico (27% of the listings).

Contact points, including toll-free telephone numbers and Web sites, are provided for each listing. Check with either or both for package deals, specials, or other additional information. Prices for most properties are listed per person, per day, even though the Introduction indicated that most stays are for one week. It would be nice to have weekly rates listed, especially if they are different (that is, less) than the daily rate times seven. Another silly inconsistency that bothered me is that airports (and other information) are listed in different formats;
perhaps because the authors merely duped the information provided by the resorts. For instance, the closest airport for most of the Jamaican resorts was listed three different ways, although it was the same airport (Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay). Also, airports are listed in time, distance, or both from the resorts. This would probably bother only me.