I've stayed at all-inclusives a handful of times and always had a wonderful time. I've had completely stress-free experiences and it relieves a lot of the planning work that is usually required. For example: the ones I've stayed at have had transportation to and from the airport, all dining and drinks, and a ton of water equipment (snorkeling gear, catamarans, kayaks, etc.) included. Like others have said, check to see what is included.

They may also arrange day-trips and adventures (probably for an additional fee) so you'll be able to see a lot of the local things.

I've made it a point to eat lunch or dinner at local restaurants a few times per trip because I, too, like to try the local places. I know it's sort of like paying for a meal twice, but I still totally find all-inclusives worth the money because I've taken advantage of all the other amenities.

I would definitely agree that whether or not you do an all-inclusive should largely depend on what you wish to do on vacation. I generally like to do a lot of relaxing and a little exploring (including shopping, catamaran/snorkeling trips, a meal or two out, nightlife). To spend a few extra dollars here and there isn't a big deal, though.


I totally agree. But most of these things can happen with resorts that aren't all-inclusive, as well. And I've never had a problem with ANY of these listed items on my vacations (but obviously they can, and do, happen).

First of all, if you want a top-shelf liquor, you have to ask for it, even if you're in the United States. I've worked as a server, and if someone asks for a gin and tonic, I give them house gin. Just like I know that if I go to a bar and ask for a whiskey and Coke, they're going to give me house whiskey. I want Jack, so I ask for that specifically.

And I think only a few times did I have to "wait in line" at a bar at an all-inclusive, if you even want to call it that. Basically, I sat at a stool while the bartender made a drink for one other person and then asked me what I wanted. When I was at the club in the one resort, yes, I had to wait behind a few people, but that will happen in any club, anywhere.

And I love this one:

That's why I don't go on vacation in the middle of hurricane season. LOL

FAIL. My mother is a native Jamaican, while many tourists do not enjoy going out on their own because they are easily spotted as tourists and ACT like tourists, it's not any more dangerous than you allow it to be, and it's JAMAICA-there is plenty to eat!

It wasn't the travel agent who warned us. It was the people who worked there, the local that they let hang out there who gave us some good tips on things to do (and now that I look back he was probably hired to work there), and the person in charge of our Spring Break group when we got there. We left the resort during the day to shop and got approached more than a few times to buy drugs and never once walked by somewhere to eat. It was all market type places. We didn't even walk by a bar or night club. I'd rather listen to someone who actually lived in that neighborhood than someone who once lived somewhere in the country. I can tell you that Detroit is safe but it really depends on what area you go to. My friends who went to Negril had a totally different experience. Their nightlife was outside of the resort.

I also honeymooned at the Occidental and loved it. I had no complaints and purchasing the all-inclusive package was well worth it! We never had to worry about meals or drinks. And took full advantage of breakfast everyday, drinks by the pool, if we got hungry - we could just order food, and we did have dinner at the resort a few nights. But we also went outside the hotel for dinner other nights.

That all-inclusive package also included ocean activities that did not involve motors; i.e. no jet ski rentals. But we had access to floats and other things.

Actually, my husband and I, and a few friends just booked Aruba again - this time at the Renaissance, also all-inclusive. I cannot wait.

Thanks for the feedback. One of the problems with the resort is that it is 90 minutes from the nearest airport. This is a definite negative. My choices are to rent a car, take a taxi or a bus. IDK, the pictures of busses in Central America and Mexico carrying Roosters goes through my head. Also, all of the feedback on the web says not to venture off the resort due to the danger.

I have been on a cruise before (all-inclusive example), and really didn't like it. Premium liquor and descent wine was excluded and I get the feeling this resort is the same way. I'm not a big drinker, but when I have something, it better be good.

This resort has several restaurants plus the mega-buffet, however there is a limit on the restaurants -- another negative.

Still tossing around another idea. In the meantime, I'm hopping a plane in 2 hours for Miami -- business, not pleasure.

i've stayed at various all-inclusives under the SuperClubs family. i love it. however, if you want to go somewhere to really getting into local culture that's not what you're getting here.

Those of us who go on vacations to actually get into local culture leave the all-inclusive resorts for it***:) Some all-inclusive resorts have cultural activities but it's even better just taking a reliable and safe shuttle or taxi.

***Many people go on vacations to be catered to and don't care about anything else.

This is where we went for our honeymoon too! We had heard wonderful things about the Occidental Grand in Aruba from friends who go there every year. We hadn't been to an all-inclusive before. Of course, when we went, there was a massive electrical issue which shut down 2 of the 4 restaurants during our entire stay and had the entire resort without power for a day (they said it was only going to be for 3 hours - it was closer to 10!). The hotel did end up comping us for our dinner only that day.

Even with that said, I would go back to the Occidental in Aruba and would do an all inclusive again. We did leave the resort area and did other things on the island. I enjoyed the fact that if we didn't want to go do something, we didn't have to. Plus, the swim up bar with free drinks made our stay very enjoyable!

We are actually looking for another all-inclusive vacation.

Agree completely. What is the point of going all the way to Costa Rica, Mexico, Bahamas, etc. and then just staying at the hotel? If all you want to do is sit at the pool/beach with a drink in your hand, there are some amazing beach resorts in the U.S. where you can do that, and save a bunch of money.

I travel because I want to experience a foreign/new culture. That includes sightseeing, shopping, dining, etc. I've stayed at two AIs in Mexico with my family, and thought it was a waste of money - the activities were uninteresting or stuff for kids, and the food was mediocre buffet style. I had some drinks when I was there by the pool, but since I like to get out of my hotel and see the city/town, I wasn't often around at lunch or dinner time, or to take advantage of free drinks.

Re: food. Be aware that at some AIs, if you're on the meal plan (some AIs let you opt out of the meal package) you can only eat at one or two restaurants. Sometimes there are many restaurants on the property, but they aren't always included in the meal plan.

I have been on both all-inclusive holidays and half-board trips.

Though all-inclusive is handy, since you don't have to carry cash all the time and food and drink is arranged for you, I've found it sometimes attracts a type of traveler I rather dislike.
Especially resorts in sunny places, with a club on the property and alcohol included in the deal tend to attract a type of loud, disrespectful partypeople, that irritated the hell out of me. I had this experience in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean.

Not all "all inclusive" hotels are the same, I suggest you check out what other people had to say about their trip. Tripadvisor.com is a handy website for that. Hotels.com also shows other travelers' experiences.

I'm laughing this thread is still up. And, I still haven't taken that vacation (but am in January).