All Inclusive Holidays, Yay or Nay?

[dannyjo22]

I like them now I have a young son, wouldn't entertain them before. They are decimating good places though. We used to go to Cyprus a fair bit and wander around finding places to eat. I did notice the all inclusive is putting so much of the 'highstreet' out of business or you are eating in a near empty restaurant. I also saw people getting annoyed at holiday makers when they showed the all inclusive band when trying to be lured into a restaurant or bar.

So many places are changing over to AI, as much as I like the convenience with a young family they aren't doing much for local economies.

Since my son was born we did a Holiday Village in Lanzarote and been to the one in Cyprus 3 times on the trot because it was so good with him being under 5. I have done an AI in Mexico adults only and one in the Dominican but mexico was so cheap we ate out anyway and the dominican is not somewhere I'd fancy finding somewhere to eat

 

[glenimp617]

All Inclusive Holidays are like Android Phones

Buy cheap and you instantly think all All Inclusive holidays are terrible. If you spend decent money, you get some fantastic ones.

We went late last year to the Benalmadena Spa Hotel. Great food and drink! Talk to both a travel agent and the hotel direct to see who gives the best deal. It's usually the hotel direct, but we've had a few ones where the travel agent upgrades you to AI for 1p!

 

[Skidder]

I work flat out and only get chance to take a break every couple of years.
I need my brain to completely switch off.


Plus their isn't much choice in the Maldives

Horses for courses. I take loads of holidays To be fair though most of mine revolve around snowboarding or watersports.

 

[Glaucus]

Never done one, never want to do one. Sounds like hell.

 

[Flying_Hellfish]

Probably worth noting though, that although probably outside your budget for this particular holiday gourmet all inclusive is the one you want (most big hotels/small resorts have a choice of restaurants that are not included in the package).

It just means that should the large amount of choice in the buffet restaurant not be what you fancy that night, that you can go off and get Mexican/Italian/Chinese/Seafood, etc. and it's included in the price of the holiday.

Definitely this. If you can't stretch to the gourmet one, I'd avoid it, as you could be eating re-heated Lasagne and chips every night. I have been to both 5* Gourmet AI in Mexico (loved it) and 3* (I think) AI in Cyprus (hated it). We generally go SC though.

Unless you like lasagne and chips, that is :lol:

Worth noting though that places such as Mexico (Cancun/Riviera Maya) and some parts of the Caribbean are really resort/excursion kind of places with no real town scene, so AI is definitely preferred. Whereas if it's a European jaunt then SC is preferable as there will be plenty of decent restaurants around.

I'd say go decent SC in Europe and spend the money around town

 

[acemastr]

Had one in Turkey once, we got there at silly o'clock in the morning and I was worried it'd be terrible, turned out to be fantastic, food was plenty, drinks were great.

 

[Jonnycoupe]

Done a few, personally, if your in a nice area/resort then I'd avoid all in, it's always nicer to wander off into town and choose your restaurant, I found the same venue a bit of a drag night after night.

To be fair a decent resort is likely to have a number of restaurant options.

When i went to Mexico the 7 different restaurants serving meals were incredible varied, buffets was only presented as an option for breakfast as it was a gourmet restaurant...... amazing food

Mexico is a popular venue for the Americans and I think its fair to say the demands of those customers tends to be a little higher than the Euro all inclusive trips to Costa Del Sol!

 

[Em3bbs]

To be fair a decent resort is likely to have a number of restaurant options.

When i went to Mexico the 7 different restaurants serving meals were incredible varied, buffets was only presented as an option for breakfast as it was a gourmet restaurant...... amazing food

Mexico is a popular venue for the Americans and I think its fair to say the demands of those customers tends to be a little higher than the Euro all inclusive trips to Costa Del Sol!

The problem I found in Mexico (Moon Palace) is that every restaurant and bar expects tips, despite being all inclusive. You can forget any kind of service if you don't tip someone.

Personally without kids along I prefer half board, have lunch at the hotel and go out in the evening, which we tend to do even when we've been on all inclusive before. But since having two kids all inclusive is a godsend, going and being able to get fruit, sandwiches, grilled food as and when is very useful, especially when they are young.

 

[Gilly]

I've had a look and a load of AI holiday seem to be in Benidorm.

You couldn't pay me enough to go to Benidorm

 

[Mr Jones]

Worth noting though that places such as Mexico (Cancun/Riviera Maya) and some parts of the Caribbean are really resort/excursion kind of places with no real town scene, so AI is definitely preferred. Whereas if it's a European jaunt then SC is preferable as there will be plenty of decent restaurants around.

Unfortunately I can't stretch to that budget yet. Both missus and I have a little bonus to spend and £400each is max. Self Catering is what I'd normally go with but for once I want to try a holiday where I literally flop and roll between food, beaches and bed.

Gormet meals would be great if my budget fits. Thing is, how do you know which is gormet and which is not? I've looked around different sites and not one of them mentioned it, nor offering higher tier meals inclusive...

You couldn't pay me enough to go to Benidorm

Seems like the general consensus. I don't mind drinking but it seems places with AI over there is basically a holiday in a pub with sun. Not as appealing now.

With our budget, it seems I need to hunt harder for the better deals or leaving it up near last minute deals - which can be an issue if missus can't get the week off.

 

[Lopéz]

All Inclusive has it's place.

In Mexico and the Caribbean, it's pretty much the norm. Almost everywhere is AI although the quality obviously varies - but overall in Mexico and Caribbean the standard is better than the equivalent European AI.

I've done basic (allegedly 3 star) AI in Europe and decent AI in Europe. The basic ones will keep you alive but nothing to write home about. The good ones are generally very good, though historically tended to be in more remote locations.

I would never do say, Cyprus or Greece AI because for me, part of that enjoyable experience is finding little tavernas etc to eat in.

Sunny Beach Bulgaria for a week long drinking session? Bring the AI on, I just want to remain alive for 7 days

 

[mattyprice4004]

Majorca is a good AI place - decent hotels, lots of boobies and drinks. Winner.

 

[Amp34]

I think the TV show "Departures" got it bang on. Two guys standing on the beach at 9am decide to have a day at an all inclusive. Cue a two minute slot of them trying out all the activities on offer and them them back on the beach. One of them looks at his watch "9:10 and I'm now bored, wanna go somewhere fun?" "Yep!"

I get bored after about half a day at those places. They are cheap so I did one in 2010 to Egypt as it was the cheapest place to stay while I did a weeks diving... I like being a it more active on holiday and all inclusives just don't allow that. There's generally not much wildlife or stunning scenery around either. Then again I generally end up having to recover at work after my trip so I can see why people who have hectic jobs would perhaps like to lie in all day.

 

[CaptainRAVE]

AI quality depends on the hotel. Food and drink quality will vary from hotel to hotel and you definitely get more for your money if you like to drink a lot of alcohol. The problem will AI is that I always feel the need to get my monies worth and end up rather full by the end of the holiday!

 

[the_worrier]

Did a decent AI hol to Gran Canaria (Hotel Valle Taurito, Puerto Mogan) with the wife last Sep/early Oct. Loved it. Easy peasy and relaxing...spent the week by the pool reading.

As a result we are off to a quiet area of Ibiza with the kids (20, 16 & 12) this August all inclusive. Can't come quick enough. Show me some sunshine!

 

[Freefaller]

I've done both - in some environments it is great.

i.e. Maldives, you're on a small island/resort and you're there to be spoilt.

Cuba for example, I'd never dream of it, as I wanted to immerse myself in the environment and with the people. Anywhere around Europe I wouldn't bother either but I'm after quality when I eat usually. However I would feel it be a shame to go somewhere exotic and not immerse yourself in the culture!

In fact the only time I'd do it, would be for a luxury "spoil yourself" holiday, like a honeymoon or anniversary. We don't really drink, so for us it would just be to be able to save the hassle of going out - but we both enjoy that too.

 

[weringo]

Sounds like a nightmare to me.

One thing I don't get and would be interested to understand is why would you venture to an exotic location just to go to an All Inclusive. Surely all you want is 30 degree heat and a decent resort? I.e. why fly to the Caribbean to spend a week in a nice hotel when you could fly to Spain and stay in a equally nice hotel for half the price?

 

[SilverTongue]

Majorca is a good AI place - decent hotels, lots of boobies and drinks. Winner.

Would have to agree there, we had our honeymoon in Calas de Mallorca. Was only a 3* but food was really good, the drink wasn't too bad and there was always something to do if you didn't want to spend all day by the pool. Very much doubt I'd do SC again tbh. Half board maybe though

 

[Bear]

Sounds like a nightmare to me.

One thing I don't get and would be interested to understand is why would you venture to an exotic location just to go to an All Inclusive. Surely all you want is 30 degree heat and a decent resort? I.e. why fly to the Caribbean to spend a week in a nice hotel when you could fly to Spain and stay in a equally nice hotel for half the price?

In Europe I don't understand why you would want to go AI as its safe there's plenty of choice, in some countries like Jamaica, it's a beautiful place and you can go out during the day to enjoy what the island has to offer but you wouldn't want to go out at night so with that in mind AI is a good choice.

 

[Nitefly]

I went all inclusive at Hilton in Sharm, Egypt. Typically for Sharm I suppose but we paid peanuts and, surprise surprise, we got peanuts. It was true, it was all inclusive so that you could eat and drink to your hearts content, but the drinks were not international brand spirits or lagers, whilst in one of the more expensive hotels they were.

Best suited for families with young children on a budget, I think.