All-Inclusive Resorts

[APhiAnna]

I agree with NinjaPoodle...although I will admit that I am more of an "adventure" traveler rather than a "relax with a daquiri" traveler. Costa Rica is SUCH a beautiful, dynamic and vibrant country. I think if you stayed at an all inclusive resort you would miss all the incredible cultural and biological elements of the country.

I spent time volunteering in Kenya and Swaziland, and we stayed at a volunteer house. We had so much fun exploring the cities (after reading up on them of course to know where was safe, what not to do, etc) by ourselves and eating at the local places. Sometimes after we were done teaching/building we'd go to the five-star hotels and inclusive resorts for a (much needed) cocktail, and we realized that some people literally never left the property. I thought it was kind of pointless to travel so far and never really see the country when you can do that in America.

I'm not knocking luxury hotels by any means, because if you travel to relax they are amazing. I like roughing it, but nobody else in my family does and I think that's totally fine. But I do think it is important to get out and actually see the countries, and in my experience people who do the all-inclusive hotels vs. the normal luxury hotels are not really seeing the "real deal", and even the tours they book are often far more touristy than they would be if you simply explored on your own.

YMMV of course.

[PeppyGPhiB]

Originally Posted by APhiAnna

I agree with NinjaPoodle...although I will admit that I am more of an "adventure" traveler rather than a "relax with a daquiri" traveler. Costa Rica is SUCH a beautiful, dynamic and vibrant country. I think if you stayed at an all inclusive resort you would miss all the incredible cultural and biological elements of the country.

I thought it was kind of pointless to travel so far and never really see the country when you can do that in America.

But I do think it is important to get out and actually see the countries, and in my experience people who do the all-inclusive hotels vs. the normal luxury hotels are not really seeing the "real deal", and even the tours they book are often far more touristy than they would be if you simply explored on your own.

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.

[southbymidwest]

But it also depends on what you want to do. Do you want to chill on the beach or by the pool with a pina colada in your hand, or go exploring the beach, the city, and the rainforest? Costa Rica has some ecoresorts that are supposed to be fabulous. There is also a large American ex-pat population in Costa Rica, they even have an English language daily newspaper.

[NinjaPoodle]

10 things your all inclusive won't tell you.
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/d...ell-you-12868/

All I'm saying is buyer beware and research before you stay.

[ASTalumna06]

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.

Originally Posted by NinjaPoodle

10 things your all inclusive won't tell you.
http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/d...ell-you-12868/

All I'm saying is buyer beware and research before you stay.

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).

9. "Our drink list is limited."

Enticed by the idea of unlimited drinks on your all-inclusive vacation? While that may be what you're getting according to the most literal definition, don't set your sights too high. For one thing, those resorts that promise top-shelf booze will almost certainly make you ask for it. "I can almost guarantee you," says Terry McCabe, a travel agent in Oakland, N.J., "that when they're pouring you a gin and tonic, they're not pouring you a Tanqueray." And even if some premium-brand liquors are available, variety isn't always a priority. Says John Rachlin, a former Club Med employee: "The clubs have contracts with that country's distributors to serve the most popular local [beer and wine] at meals." Club Med says that it imports its wine from France but that it does contract with local companies to provide almost all the beer at meals.

That isn't the only issue. All-you-can-drink can mean big crowds at the bar. "The brochures say, 'Drinks are unlimited,' but that's only if you're willing to wait in long lines for the one bartender to serve you a drink," says LeAnna Dinardo, an administrative director for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, who stayed at Sandals Royal Bahamian a year ago. "We didn't drink that much because of the lines." Sandals' Rivera insists that the bars at Royal Bahamian were fully staffed the week that Dinardo was there.

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:

4. "Our hurricane guarantee doesn't guarantee much."

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

[ThetaDancer]

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.

[Benzgirl]

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.

[Still BLUTANG]

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.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by Still BLUTANG

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.

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

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

*Raises hand*

[Tulip86]

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.

[Benzgirl]

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