I spent 2 nights at an all-inclusive resort by myself and made 3 mistakes

Mohonk Mountain House is a historic all-inclusive resort in New Paltz, New York.
I booked a two-night stay there in July and made three mistakes.
I regretted traveling solo and wished I'd brought my own snacks.

Mohonk Mountain House looks more like a castle than an all-inclusive resort. Located in New Paltz, New York, this historic, Victorian-style getaway sits lakeside in the Shawangunk Mountains.

I recently spent two nights at Mohonk Mountain House for a nearby escape from my home in New York City. I stayed in a room with a starting rate of $1,400 a night for double occupancy, though Business Insider received a media rate.

This rate included three meals a day and access to most of the hotel's activities. Alcohol, room service, and additional snacks and beverages incurred additional charges, as did some activities, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

It wasn't my first time at an all-inclusive resort, but it was my first time traveling solo to one. I had an amazing stay, but it could have been even better had I avoided these mistakes.

I hadn't had many all-inclusive experiences before this trip.

The author on the largest cruise ship in the world

I'd only been to one all-inclusive resort before my trip to Mohonk Mountain House. It was a family vacation to Mexico several years ago.

I've also taken a couple of cruises, which typically include staterooms, food, and onboard activities in the ticket price. I booked seven-day voyages on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady in 2023.

My past experiences gave me an idea of what to expect at Mohonk Mountain House, but they didn't stop me from making some mistakes.

Booking a two-night stay was my first mistake.

Wooden dock with canoes and rowboats extends into Mohonk Lake amid forested cliffs and calm reflections.

Mohonk Mountain House had countless activities — way more than any guest could get through in two nights. Most of them were included in the rate of my stay. There were sports like golf, basketball, and billiards, to name a few, as well as fitness classes, beach swimming, and a maze made of rock formations.

I'm glad I got to learn archery, but I wish I'd had a chance to try out axe-throwing, too. My morning hike was one of my favorite parts of the trip, but I longed for more time to play disc golf, a sport I haven't practiced much since college.

With more time, I would also have gone kayaking and visited the adults-only pool. Next time I take a trip to an all-inclusive resort, I'll stay a few more nights.

Every meal I had was fantastic, but I regretted not packing my own snacks.

Restaurant table setting with plated steak, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, salad, toast, and two drinks.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were included in my stay at Mohonk Mountain House. From wagyu steak and smoked beef brisket to roasted salmon and steamed clams, there was a wide variety of upscale options. With buffet-style breakfast and lunch and three-course dinners, all the meals were filling too. The hotel also served tea and cookies in the afternoon.

However, filling my days with activities left me craving snacks between meals. Pulling from my past experiences on cruises, I wrongfully assumed there'd be food available throughout the day at the same all-inclusive rate.

If I had done my research before my trip, I would have realized the grab-and-go snack bar wasn't included in the price of the stay, and neither was the room service menu, which offered dishes throughout the day ranging from about $15 to $50. Knowing that, I would have packed some snacks instead.

Going solo was my biggest mistake.

Split view of a rain-gear selfie outdoors and a warmly lit restaurant dining room with wooden chairs.

I travel solo most of the time, so I didn't think twice about booking my stay for one. Once at the resort, though, I was surrounded by couples and families. It made sense, considering Mohonk Mountain House has been included in rankings of the country's bestall-inclusive resorts for families.

I didn't spot any other half-empty two-tops in the dining room during meals. My archery and fitness classes were comprised of groups of two to four, save for me.

Observing the groups of guests around me made me think about how much fun it would have been to participate in the resort's activities with a companion.

I'm not saying that traveling to an all-inclusive resort alone isn't enjoyable. I had a great time at Mohonk Mountain House by myself. At the same time, I would have loved to have someone to laugh at me when my arrow flew past the target and into the woods, or someone to split entrées with at dinner.

Next time I travel to an all-inclusive resort, I'll bring a friend.

The post I spent 2 nights at an all-inclusive resort by myself and made 3 mistakes appeared first on Business Insider