The best part of booking an all-inclusive vacation is that everything -- food, drinks, activities, and accommodations -- is supposed to be included in the rate. But have you ever checked into an all-inclusive resort and noticed that some guests have access to otherwise restricted restaurants, premium alcohol, luxe pools, more comfortable beach chairs, and a private check-in area with no line? What's that all about? Well, they paid extra to upgrade to the resort's club program. But is the club upgrade worth the extra money? It can be a confusing process to navigate, since quality and features vary wildly between brands. To help, we've visited hundreds of properties and created a cheat sheet on the various Caribbean all-inclusive resort club upgrades. Keep in mind that while some of the brands do have properties outside of the Caribbean, we decided to focus on the region to narrow things down. One caveat: Facilities aren't exactly the same within brands and cost depends on the season and availability.

Sandals: Club Sandals

Beach at Sandals Royal Plantation/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Club Sandals:

Personal greeting and chilled towel from a Club Sandals representativeSuites are slightly more spacious, have a double vanity, and separate whirlpool tub — plus better views24-hour private lounge with games, reading materials, iPads, and a TVSimple snacks like fruits and sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks, and alcohol in the loungeClub Sandals Concierge staff for check-in, check-out, booking activities, and bus escortsWeekly activities like snorkeling, cocktail parties, and wine tastingsFree room service from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Robes and upgraded minibars with beer, wine, and rum in rooms

Is It Worth It?

Some guests truly love the staff and extra attention at Club Sandals, but others report that the extra cash for booze and robes isn’t worth it, especially when guests can get a free drink just about anywhere on the property and bring it back to their regular rooms. Sandals also offers a butler option, and these rooms come with a butler to personalize your stay and make reservations — likely a better upgrade to purchase.

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Excellence: Excellence Club

Mille Spa at Excellence El Carmen/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Excellence Club:

A premium suite with a private rooftop pool or swim-up pool accessPrivate check-in and check-out, no lines or crowdsChic lounge with concierge service, a free bar, and free hot food presentationsExclusive access to Magna restaurant (no reservations required)Welcome gifts of sparkling wine and fresh flowersPremium liquor and wine in suites, plus Bvlgari toiletriesDaily delivery of fresh fruit and petit foursUpgraded room service menu with longer hoursPrivate beach and pool area with upgraded sun loungersAccess to the spa’s gorgeous thermal facilities

Is It Worth It?

If having an upgraded suite with a swimming pool is a priority, then the Excellence Club access is entirely worth it. Otherwise, this brand is already known for providing sophisticated restaurants, several pools, free lobster, premium liquor, and a calm ambience that doesn’t require paying extra to get away from the masses.

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Hard Rock: Rock Royalty

Aerial View at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Rock Royalty Level:

Phone number of a Rock Royalty personal assistant on call to serve youExpress luggage deliveryFree shoeshine Room extras like an umbrella, beach towel, bathrobe, loofah, and pillow menuPriority Bali beds on the beachPremium liquor dispenser in the roomEspresso machine with free coffee and minibar snacksRock Royaly welcome pin

Is It Worth It?

Rock Royalty Level is an adults-only upgrade available in the Caribbean Sand Suite or Rock Star Suite room categories. Most of the “freebies” are just niceties in the room and there isn’t a club lounge. Past guests have complained that their personal assistant was often busy helping other rock stars.

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Beaches: Concierge Level

Italian Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Concierge Level:

Greeting on arrival by Concierge agent and private check-inEscort to the room and property orientation by Concierge agentAssistance with planning activities and booking reservations for dinner and the spaConcierge lounge with board games, TV, and reading materialsFree alcoholic beverages, sparkling wine, juice, sodas, water, and signature drinkFree day and evening sandwiches, fruits, and cookiesRooms come with bathrobes, free Wi-Fi, and a fully stocked bar with liquor, beer, wine, and soft drinksInvitation to a weekly partyReserved tables at the weekly buffet Recognition of birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions

Is It Worth It?

Beaches is truly a luxury brand, with highly trained staff, and the Turks and Caicos outpost has a whopping 19 restaurants and 12 bars. Guests who want the private check-in and concierge staff may find the upgrade worth it, but others are so busy exploring that they don’t even use the Concierge lounge.

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Breathless: Xhale Club

Aerial View of Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Xhale Club:

Personalized check-in and check-out with concierge serviceAn upgraded room or suite in a premium location — some with swim-up or private poolsPillow menu in room and upgraded bath amenitiesWhirlpool on private balconyUpgraded minibar and room service menuSome Breathless locations (like in Montego Bay) have access to a private restaurant, pools, and beach section

Is It Worth It?

For guests staying at Breathless locations with private Xhale Club features, like private restaurants, pools, and beach areas, the added cost may be worth beating the crowds and gaining access to premium booze and mini-buffets. Breathless locations that simply offer room upgrades likely aren’t worth the upgrade.

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Sunscape: Sun Club

Beach at Sunscape Dominican Beach Punta Cana/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Sun Club:

An upgraded room or suite in a premium locationAccess to a private poolPersonalized check-in and check-out Hot and cold snacks, desserts, and premium liquor served all day in the private loungeMilk and cookies in the evenings as a goodnight snackUpgraded bath amenitiesUpgraded minibar that’s restocked dailyRoom service available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Is It Worth It?

In a word, yes. Sunscape is known for having some of the cheapest all-inclusive rates in the Caribbean, so even if you spend extra on the upgrade, you’re still saving money. Past guests have reported that they’ve been able to negotiate the cost of the upgrade (when available) on arrival. The private pool is less crowded and families will especially appreciate the milk and cookies.

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Royalton: Diamond Club

The Diamond Club Junior Suite Ocean View at Royalton Saint Lucia/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Diamond Club:

Preferred room locationsButler serviceRooms come with liquor and an upgraded room service menuPreferential reservations in a la carte restaurantsSpecial Diamond Club beach area with waiter servicePersonalized check-in and check-outAppetizers, snacks, and desserts in the Diamond Club LoungeSelection of pillows from The Royal Spa pillow menuDiscounts on spa treatments and beauty servicesPacking and unpacking of luggage by butlerIroning for one set of clothingShoe polishing and cleaningOrganizing of special occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, and engagements)Ice delivery to roomsPreparation of whirlpool bath (in rooms that have whirlpools)

Is It Worth It?

Many all-inclusive properties offer a club level or butler service, and Royalton is the rare exception that provides both. Plus, you get discounts to the spa. For guests who want unlimited luxury and are willing to pay for it, the Diamond Club doesn’t disappoint. One downside? A wristband requirement.

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Barcelo Hotel & Resorts: Royal Level

The Pool at Barcelo Aruba/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Royal Level:

Private section of Palm BeachRooms on floors 7, 8, and 9 for the best views of the beachPersonalized check-inRoom service from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.Premium brand alcoholFree Wi-FiPreferential bookings at a la carte restaurants

Is It Worth It?

Guests who don’t upgrade to the Royal Level often complain about finding an open space on the beach. If you’re here for the sand and water, it’s worth the upgrade that includes a private section of Palm Beach. Free Wi-Fi will save you money when everyone else has to pay extra for internet access.

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Dreams: Preferred Club

The Preferred Club Presidential Suite at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Preferred Club:

Club Suites in premium locations throughout the groundsUpgraded minibar and bath amenitiesFree daily newspaper delivered to the suitePillow menuAccess to private Preferred Club Lounge with hot and cold snacks, desserts, and liquorsFree computer accessDaily a la carte and buffet breakfast at Oceana restaurant Daily a la carte lunch at Oceana restaurantPrivate beach area with double sun loungers and waiter serviceButler service (for an extra cost) that can include breakfast in bed, laundry service, pool drink service, airport transfer confirmation, and express check-out

Is It Worth It?

Non-club guests are typically up early to reserve pool and beach chairs, making the Preferred Club upgrade worth it for guests who want to sleep in and still get a lounger on the sand (there is no Preferred Club section by the pool). The Preferred Club section of the beach is also closer to the resort’s bar and restaurant.

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Finest: Finest Club

The Main Pool at Finest Playa Mujeres/zzdtravel

What You Get With the Finest Club:

Rooms with ocean views, upgraded toiletries, minibar items, alcohol, and a room service menuPrivate check-in, check-out, and concierge serviceLate check-out and early check-in (when available)Private lounge is open late and features buffets and bar servicePrivate pool bar and two private poolsPrivate beach area with double sun loungersDaily fruits and petit fours delivered to roomsFresh flowers and sparkling wine in rooms on arrivalOne spa treatment, per personExclusive access to the Bistro

Is It Worth It?

The Finest Club upgrade doesn’t buy a better room, just a better view, but it does come with luxe extras and lots of private features — plus a free spa treatment. Past guests report impeccable service from staff in all of the Finest Club reserved areas, which might be worth the price of admission.

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