The next cheat code in our series is all about learning to love lower-starred hotels 👏 No, they’re not worse… They’re simpler, yes. And, they’re cheaper, so you can afford to go All Inclusive this time, too. Think fewer extras you’d probably never use anyway. The same hygiene, safety and service standards you expect. And one clear price that you can stick to.
When prices feel unpredictable, the smartest holidays are the ones that take the guesswork out. So, two and three-star hotels are the perfect solution to help you spend less, without feeling like you’ve settled. Here’s why…
What does a two or three-star All Inclusive holiday actually mean?
Here’s the straight-up answer: you trade frills, not quality. A lower star rating usually means fewer facilities – no spa, fewer restaurants or simpler décor. What stays the same is the stuff that matters – clean rooms, reliable service, and decent food and drinks.
Add All Inclusive into the mix and suddenly your biggest daily costs are covered. Meals. Drinks. Snacks. Done. That predictability is gold when budgets are tight and prices everywhere else feel like a moving target.
Why All Inclusive makes sense when money is tight
Right now, travellers are cutting back in smart ways – not cancelling holidays altogether… no one’s that crazy! Just picking cheaper accommodation, shorter stays and travelling outside peak season. And crucially, picking to go All Inclusive, so there are fewer surprise spends once you arrive.
All Inclusive helps you:
- Lock in food and drink costs upfront
- Avoid daily decision fatigue
- Skip the constant card-tapping moments
- Relax without doing mental maths every day
It’s not about splurging. It’s about control.
The smart, simple swap that saves you money
Here’s where the value really speaks for itself…
- A week’s Bed and Breakfast stay at the four-star Oludeniz Blu Luxury Unique Hotel in Turkey comes in at £483 per person.*
- A week’s All Inclusive stay at the three-star Aes Club Hotel, also in Turkey, costs £372 per person.* (Read below for more info on this hotel…)
Same destination. Same sunshine. One covers breakfast only. The other covers everything AND it’s cheaper. By only dropping one star and going All Inclusive, you spend less overall and get more for your money. That’s not a compromise – that’s just travelling smarter.
Why two and three-star doesn’t mean lower standards
There’s a myth that fewer stars = poorer quality. In reality, star ratings are about facilities – not cleanliness, food safety or service basics.
A two-or-three star All Inclusive stay usually means:
- Fewer onsite restaurants, not worse food
- No spa, but still a solid pool setup
- Simple rooms that are clean and comfortable
- Everything arranged so your holiday runs smoothly
You drop the extras you might not use anyway and keep the standards that matter.
Who this cheat code works best for
This setup suits more travellers than you might think…
Couples who want a relaxed break without budgeting every meal.
Families who need predictable costs and easy mealtimes.
Beach lovers who plan to spend most of their days on the sand, not using the facilities.
Anyone waiting for a good deal but wants to book with confidence now
If your priority is sunshine, decent food and zero stress on overspending, this one just makes sense.
Why booking now can be smarter than waiting
A lot of travellers are holding off – waiting for prices to drop or deals to ✨appear✨ The problem is that uncertainty can drag on and good-value options tend to go first.
A cheaper All Inclusive stay gives you:
- Clear total value upfront
- Less exposure to price changes later
- Peace of mind that your core costs are already sorted
Sometimes the smartest deal is the one that removes the anxiety, not the one with the biggest discount.
Good-value two and three-star All Inclusive hotels to know about
Below are All Inclusive hotels that focus on value, not excess. They’re popular because they do the basics well and keep costs predictable.
1. Riu Oliva Beach Resort – Corralejo, Fuerteventura
Right on the beach near Corralejo, this All Inclusive stay is all about location and ease. The setup is simple, the rooms are functional, and everything runs smoothly – which is exactly why it works so well for budget-savvy travellers. You’ve got two pools, two buffets, as well as an Asian restaurant and a local food spot, plus activities and live shows – you’re hardly settling.
Why it’s good value: You’re paying for beachfront access and All Inclusive cover, not luxury finishes. Food, drinks and the basics are sorted, so your spending is potentially already done while you make the most of Fuerteventura’s beaches and laidback vibe.
Best for: Families, couples and beach lovers who care more about location than fancy extras.
2. Catalonia Punta del Rey – Las Caletillas, Tenerife
This hotel focuses on keeping things straightforward and stress-free. You have All Inclusive meals and drinks, a relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to explore Tenerife if you want to head out.
Why it’s good value: The lower star rating reflects fewer facilities, not lower standards. There are still two swimming pools, a buffet, an Italian and a poolside bar. All Inclusive helps keep daily costs under control, making it a sensible base if you want sunshine without constantly checking your bank balance.
Best for: Couples and families who want an easy All Inclusive stay with the option to explore the island.
3. Hotel Sun Palace – Faliraki, Rhodes
A solid All Inclusive pick in Faliraki that prioritises function over frills. Rooms are simple, the All Inclusive offering covers your main costs, and the hotel is well placed for enjoying the local area.
Why it’s good value: You skip premium extras and focus on what matters – food, drinks and a comfortable place to recharge. That makes it easier to enjoy Rhodes without worrying about how much each meal will cost. There are two restaurants, you can make the most of an on-site waterpark, as well as a huge pool, and the town is only a short walk away.
Best for: Families and couples looking for a reliable, budget-friendly All Inclusive base in a popular resort.
4. Aes Club Hotel – Ovacik, Turkey
This is a great example of how dropping a star can unlock better overall value. The Aes Club Hotel offers an All Inclusive setup that keeps controlled spending super easy, with a relaxed resort-style layout.
Why it’s good value: Compared with higher-star Bed and Breakfast stays nearby, this hotel shows how All Inclusive at a lower star rating can cost less overall. You trade luxury extras for more pre-paid food and drink – and save money in the process. There’s even a free shuttle bus to take you to Paradise Beach and the famous Blue Lagoon. Then, you can head back to make the most of the free buffet dinners.
Best for: Value-focused travellers who want All Inclusive reassurance without paying for facilities they won’t use.
*Prices are correct at the time of posting but are subject to change.
Try the smart and simple way by booking one of our cheap two and three-star All Inclusive deals.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Lily Owen (she/her)
Last updated: 17/03/2026
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