All Inclusive - Convince me...
Discussion
GF and I are looking at a holiday. Middle of September onwards - date is a moving target at the minute due to work leave issues.
Both like to intersperse stuff to do with chilling out and not doing much. Both like being on the water - previous idea was by a lake in Italy, airBnB near a few watersports places (Both enjoy sailing/SUP, i'd quite like to try kitesurf).
Logistics behind a DIY holiday were becoming quite hard to organize and we're both struggling with stress at the minute - all inclusive has been mentioned as a good solution.
Haven't been to an AI resort in years. Ease and convenience appeals (with activities on the doorstep), but hate the idea of being in a resort with thousands of other people. See also set meal times, indifferent food, theatre show every night in three different languages - none of which particularly appeals
Theoretical budget of around £1,000 each. Nielsen, Mark Warner have been suggested. Greece / Croatia appeals, Balearics also. No kids but travel dates will be outside school holidays regardless.
Are they any different to my memories of an all inclusive from 10-15 years ago? Thoughts and Ideas appreciated...
Both like to intersperse stuff to do with chilling out and not doing much. Both like being on the water - previous idea was by a lake in Italy, airBnB near a few watersports places (Both enjoy sailing/SUP, i'd quite like to try kitesurf).
Logistics behind a DIY holiday were becoming quite hard to organize and we're both struggling with stress at the minute - all inclusive has been mentioned as a good solution.
Haven't been to an AI resort in years. Ease and convenience appeals (with activities on the doorstep), but hate the idea of being in a resort with thousands of other people. See also set meal times, indifferent food, theatre show every night in three different languages - none of which particularly appeals
Theoretical budget of around £1,000 each. Nielsen, Mark Warner have been suggested. Greece / Croatia appeals, Balearics also. No kids but travel dates will be outside school holidays regardless.
Are they any different to my memories of an all inclusive from 10-15 years ago? Thoughts and Ideas appreciated...
You don't say how long for, but I wouldn't be doing AI in Europe, it's a bit hit and miss.
Dominican Republic any good? I've found Caribbean AI to be far superior than Europe, generally due to the high expectations of Americans. Food generally good, lots to do, or nit as the mood takes you.
Dominican Republic any good? I've found Caribbean AI to be far superior than Europe, generally due to the high expectations of Americans. Food generally good, lots to do, or nit as the mood takes you.
They are definitely hit and miss. The best All Inclusive's I have had were in Turkey and also once in Rhodes. We try to go for the 5 star ones on Tui and carefully read reviews. We also go for Adult Only. The best one we've been to (twice now) is Liberty Lykia which is about an hour from Dalaman Airport in Turkey (by taxi and not the bus).
The entertainment can be hit and miss, that's probably the biggest gripe. Especially as often you're not near anywhere else so you're a bit stuck.
The food has mostly been amazing in the places we went. There are no set meal times... well, there are but they're not rigid. Breakfast from 7-11am, snacks for most of the day, Lunch from 12-3, Dinner from 6-10 etc.
The better places have great snack restaurants. The one in Turkey I recommended above has an amazing one with a great menu, and proper chef/kitchen/restaurant set up but they serve lighter food through the day.
The point of All Inclusive for us is to just chill out all day, sit, read, swim a bit, etc. It's a chance to switch off from work. We do sometimes do excursions but it depends on how long we're away for.
The better quality hotels which are all inclusive still provide table service, so for example, will bring you drinks, sometimes leave a bottle of wine on the table so you can help yourself, get you tea/coffee, etc and although it's buffet, it feels like a really nice restaurant. Conversely the worst places (Cuba, Cancun, Tenerife from my experience) it feels like a canteen. Noisy, all about just eating and getting out. Horrible stuff.
Regarding the places i have mentioned - I'm not writing them off based on that alone, just saying that the hotels were in those areas. Obviously not all are bad/good in a particular place.
...
The worst place I ever went was Cancun. Not only as it was absolutely crawling with annoying Americans, but the food was poor. They had about 7 restaurants but most were unavailable or shut a lot of the time.
The entertainment can be hit and miss, that's probably the biggest gripe. Especially as often you're not near anywhere else so you're a bit stuck.
The food has mostly been amazing in the places we went. There are no set meal times... well, there are but they're not rigid. Breakfast from 7-11am, snacks for most of the day, Lunch from 12-3, Dinner from 6-10 etc.
The better places have great snack restaurants. The one in Turkey I recommended above has an amazing one with a great menu, and proper chef/kitchen/restaurant set up but they serve lighter food through the day.
The point of All Inclusive for us is to just chill out all day, sit, read, swim a bit, etc. It's a chance to switch off from work. We do sometimes do excursions but it depends on how long we're away for.
The better quality hotels which are all inclusive still provide table service, so for example, will bring you drinks, sometimes leave a bottle of wine on the table so you can help yourself, get you tea/coffee, etc and although it's buffet, it feels like a really nice restaurant. Conversely the worst places (Cuba, Cancun, Tenerife from my experience) it feels like a canteen. Noisy, all about just eating and getting out. Horrible stuff.
Regarding the places i have mentioned - I'm not writing them off based on that alone, just saying that the hotels were in those areas. Obviously not all are bad/good in a particular place.
...
The worst place I ever went was Cancun. Not only as it was absolutely crawling with annoying Americans, but the food was poor. They had about 7 restaurants but most were unavailable or shut a lot of the time.
The Mrs was always against them after a bad experience as a kid. Her mum booked a cheap place! So we never went on them, preferring to book a SC villa.
I got fed up of having to feed and clean up during the day so convinced her to try AI again.
So, she asked around for recommendations and looked at 5* TUI Blue resorts. Booked on in Kos and loved every minute of it. Excellent food, no fighting for sun beds or massive queues.
She came back saying she’d never had such a relaxing easy to enjoy holiday. We’ve been to others since and enjoyed them all.
You need to pick your location and hotel carefully.
I got fed up of having to feed and clean up during the day so convinced her to try AI again.
So, she asked around for recommendations and looked at 5* TUI Blue resorts. Booked on in Kos and loved every minute of it. Excellent food, no fighting for sun beds or massive queues.
She came back saying she’d never had such a relaxing easy to enjoy holiday. We’ve been to others since and enjoyed them all.
You need to pick your location and hotel carefully.
Jordie Barretts sock said:
You don't say how long for, but I wouldn't be doing AI in Europe, it's a bit hit and miss.
Dominican Republic any good? I've found Caribbean AI to be far superior than Europe, generally due to the high expectations of Americans. Food generally good, lots to do, or nit as the mood takes you.
This is great to know. We're off to an AI in the DR this month. Dominican Republic any good? I've found Caribbean AI to be far superior than Europe, generally due to the high expectations of Americans. Food generally good, lots to do, or nit as the mood takes you.
In my experience, AI is great when you have kids as you're not limited to mealtimes or choice of meals. Basically, when they are hungry, send them over to the burger stand or whatever. If they don't eat much when you are hungry, no problem, they can always grab something later at no extra cost.
I prefer to explore and eat out when away as a couple though. I've only done AI once before in Mexico and there was plenty of choice and the food was good. I've also heard that some European AI resorts are not up to scratch so can be pot luck.
Can't go wrong with a Mitsis: https://www.mitsis.com/en
Excellent facilities and food. Pick one near a town and you can find your own food/entertainment if needed for a treat.
Excellent facilities and food. Pick one near a town and you can find your own food/entertainment if needed for a treat.
Had a phase of AI in my mid to late 20's but got sick of them with the exception of St Lucia, all self inflicted but this was before the days of trip advisor.
Spanish/Greek ones had;
1. People everywhere, subbed hoggers etc
2. Food hit and miss and people eating akin to a work canteen
3. Booze was always the cheap stuff
4. Evenings were slow, although now days I'd be off fishing somewhere rather than watching a caberet
5. Usually located way outside of a town to explore, I think in Crete we walked about 4 miles into town in sandals lol.
St Lucia was the best as;
1. Food quality was good and had A la carte options
2. Booze good
3. Pools had plenty of smaller pools
4. Beach was onsite at the hotel
5. Golf was next door!
Spanish/Greek ones had;
1. People everywhere, subbed hoggers etc
2. Food hit and miss and people eating akin to a work canteen
3. Booze was always the cheap stuff
4. Evenings were slow, although now days I'd be off fishing somewhere rather than watching a caberet
5. Usually located way outside of a town to explore, I think in Crete we walked about 4 miles into town in sandals lol.
St Lucia was the best as;
1. Food quality was good and had A la carte options
2. Booze good
3. Pools had plenty of smaller pools
4. Beach was onsite at the hotel
5. Golf was next door!
fourstardan said:
Had a phase of AI in my mid to late 20's but got sick of them with the exception of St Lucia, all self inflicted but this was before the days of trip advisor.
Spanish/Greek ones had;
1. People everywhere, subbed hoggers etc
2. Food hit and miss and people eating akin to a work canteen
3. Booze was always the cheap stuff
4. Evenings were slow, although now days I'd be off fishing somewhere rather than watching a caberet
5. Usually located way outside of a town to explore, I think in Crete we walked about 4 miles into town in sandals lol.
St Lucia was the best as;
1. Food quality was good and had A la carte options
2. Booze good
3. Pools had plenty of smaller pools
4. Beach was onsite at the hotel
5. Golf was next door!
How many years ago was this if TripAdvisor wasn't a thing? Anything more than 5-10 years ago isn't really relevant anymore IMOSpanish/Greek ones had;
1. People everywhere, subbed hoggers etc
2. Food hit and miss and people eating akin to a work canteen
3. Booze was always the cheap stuff
4. Evenings were slow, although now days I'd be off fishing somewhere rather than watching a caberet
5. Usually located way outside of a town to explore, I think in Crete we walked about 4 miles into town in sandals lol.
St Lucia was the best as;
1. Food quality was good and had A la carte options
2. Booze good
3. Pools had plenty of smaller pools
4. Beach was onsite at the hotel
5. Golf was next door!
Went to a 5* AI on Antiqua last year, totally against my usual preference as I hate buffet dining etc but in the Caribbean most resorts are AI and our daughter was working there and we wanted to see her as part of our hol. We stayed a short taxi ride from English Harbour which has loads of restaurants and ended up eating in the hotel half the time and out half the time. There was a great coffee shop, bars on the beach etc so during the day it was ideal. We treated the nights on the resort as relaxation with no real expectation of great food and it was really relaxing and easy. Food was usual buffet fare and we made sure that we went and got each course together so we did actually end up eating together. Drinks were all branded stuff and with excellent hand mixed cocktails. I even enjoyed the music nights!!!
Wouldn't hurry back to an AI resort as it really isn't our thing but it was a pretty good option in Antiqua and very relaxing and so if that's what you need it's a good option. Did Mark Warner when the kids were younger (c10+ years ago) and thoroughly enjoyed them. The activities were great, the atmosphere relaxed but they are not high end when it comes to accommodation and food. Did my sailing exams, went cycling, had tennis lessons etc. If all that is your priority over romantic evening dinners then that's the choice. Neilson and Mark Warner are very family oriented though, so if you're a couple I'd go out of school hols - potentially half term in the OP's case.
Wouldn't hurry back to an AI resort as it really isn't our thing but it was a pretty good option in Antiqua and very relaxing and so if that's what you need it's a good option. Did Mark Warner when the kids were younger (c10+ years ago) and thoroughly enjoyed them. The activities were great, the atmosphere relaxed but they are not high end when it comes to accommodation and food. Did my sailing exams, went cycling, had tennis lessons etc. If all that is your priority over romantic evening dinners then that's the choice. Neilson and Mark Warner are very family oriented though, so if you're a couple I'd go out of school hols - potentially half term in the OP's case.
+1 for Neilson. We've been a few times as a couple and really enjoyed it. You can chill by the pool or fill your day with activities - plenty of sailing, windsurfing, tennis etc. It's "club board" rather than all inclusive so you pay for drinks - UK prices pretty much, which is one of the only negatives. They also have a couple of evenings where you go to the local place to have dinner, which is good as it's a bit of variety and gets you out.
AI not for us unfortunately- as you say, hundreds (or thousands) of other people, bunfight at mealtimes, indifferent food, fight for sun beds (if that’s your thing).
You will also put lots of weight on as you think “well it’s included, why not?” (similar to cruises). It also tends to attract greedy people.
In fact I would go as far as to say we hate hotels as we just don’t want to socialise - don’t get me wrong, we’ve done plenty of hotels in the past including a few AI but we like to try different bars & restaurants, not the same old buffet stuff all done to a price.
Give me an Airbnb with our own space anytime.
You will also put lots of weight on as you think “well it’s included, why not?” (similar to cruises). It also tends to attract greedy people.
In fact I would go as far as to say we hate hotels as we just don’t want to socialise - don’t get me wrong, we’ve done plenty of hotels in the past including a few AI but we like to try different bars & restaurants, not the same old buffet stuff all done to a price.
Give me an Airbnb with our own space anytime.
redrabbit29 said:
They are definitely hit and miss. The best All Inclusive's I have had were in Turkey and also once in Rhodes. We try to go for the 5 star ones on Tui and carefully read reviews. We also go for Adult Only. The best one we've been to (twice now) is Liberty Lykia which is about an hour from Dalaman Airport in Turkey (by taxi and not the bus).
I'm not a fan of all inclusive but my mate is and he raves about Liberty Lykia - especially the food as he is a big foodie.He's been for like 10 years on the trot. I know there is parasailing nearby as he and his kids do it and it looks ace.
Boxster5 said:
AI not for us unfortunately- as you say, hundreds (or thousands) of other people, bunfight at mealtimes, indifferent food, fight for sun beds (if that’s your thing).
You will also put lots of weight on as you think “well it’s included, why not?” (similar to cruises). It also tends to attract greedy people.
In fact I would go as far as to say we hate hotels as we just don’t want to socialise - don’t get me wrong, we’ve done plenty of hotels in the past including a few AI but we like to try different bars & restaurants, not the same old buffet stuff all done to a price.
Give me an Airbnb with our own space anytime.
Why on earth did you bother to post that on this thread? You will also put lots of weight on as you think “well it’s included, why not?” (similar to cruises). It also tends to attract greedy people.
In fact I would go as far as to say we hate hotels as we just don’t want to socialise - don’t get me wrong, we’ve done plenty of hotels in the past including a few AI but we like to try different bars & restaurants, not the same old buffet stuff all done to a price.
Give me an Airbnb with our own space anytime.
Not remotely relevant. Ok, it's not your thing, but what you do sounds nothing like a holiday to me.
Have you considered a b&b package? The hassle of booking separate elements is removed, once you get to the airport everything is taken care of. You have a base for the days you just want to lounge by the pool but you aren't restricted to the AI food, get out and sample the local restaurants!
AI hotels can be great...or horrific.
If you want the best simply filter to five star hotels and couples only and best trip advisor reviews and this will exclude the run of the mill ones.
Had a great Egyptian AI at a briliiant 5 star on the Red sea earlier in the year and off to Cyprus in September for more of the same both hotels have approaching 90 percent trip advisor top score ratings with folks returning year after year. Good selection of proper a la carte restaurants branded drinks and decent but low key evening entertainment together with quality resident hotel manager to resolve any issues immediately.
Problem is you will have to pay around £2000 minimum for 7 days (and potentially much more hotel dependent) as £1000 understandably will only get you the average quality package deals atm even last minute.
If you want the best simply filter to five star hotels and couples only and best trip advisor reviews and this will exclude the run of the mill ones.
Had a great Egyptian AI at a briliiant 5 star on the Red sea earlier in the year and off to Cyprus in September for more of the same both hotels have approaching 90 percent trip advisor top score ratings with folks returning year after year. Good selection of proper a la carte restaurants branded drinks and decent but low key evening entertainment together with quality resident hotel manager to resolve any issues immediately.
Problem is you will have to pay around £2000 minimum for 7 days (and potentially much more hotel dependent) as £1000 understandably will only get you the average quality package deals atm even last minute.
Neptune188 said:
Logistics behind a DIY holiday were becoming quite hard to organize and we're both struggling with stress at the minute - all inclusive has been mentioned as a good solution.
A good option is to get someone like Dial-A-Flight to organise something for you. We've used them a few times, for everything from organising flights and car hire to booking a multi-site holiday with flights and transfers. They've been really good for us. We called them a few years ago with a budget and some priorities and they sorted out a great trip for us with two sites in Bali.As above, AI hotels can be great, or horrific....
CRETE: hotel had great rooms, an Olympic size salt water pool, but the s/s restaurant could be a bit of a bundle, and you had to get out early to get sun loungers with shades..... bar was somewhat restrictive - beer, wine and local spirits w/mixers, all in disposable plastic cups.
MALLORCA: last year, had 5* AI in Playa de Muro at an Iberostar hotel. Mrs RC was happy. Lovely pool, beach just there ... she was happy to sun lounge, splosh in pool or sea as needed and I was out road cycling everyday! The food was AMAZING, and, as we don't have children with us, we had a separate dining area in the evenings where it was quiet, and you could speak to each other...... The bars were also great. Really no restrictions on the booze, local vs. branded, etc.
There was, however, even in Oct, a lot of children there. German and Swiss school holidays seem to be then. From 10pm, the bar was very quiet!
However, I don't think either of these ^^^ fell into a grand a week price bracket.
CRETE: hotel had great rooms, an Olympic size salt water pool, but the s/s restaurant could be a bit of a bundle, and you had to get out early to get sun loungers with shades..... bar was somewhat restrictive - beer, wine and local spirits w/mixers, all in disposable plastic cups.
MALLORCA: last year, had 5* AI in Playa de Muro at an Iberostar hotel. Mrs RC was happy. Lovely pool, beach just there ... she was happy to sun lounge, splosh in pool or sea as needed and I was out road cycling everyday! The food was AMAZING, and, as we don't have children with us, we had a separate dining area in the evenings where it was quiet, and you could speak to each other...... The bars were also great. Really no restrictions on the booze, local vs. branded, etc.
There was, however, even in Oct, a lot of children there. German and Swiss school holidays seem to be then. From 10pm, the bar was very quiet!
However, I don't think either of these ^^^ fell into a grand a week price bracket.
We managed a nice half way house with Jet2 to Greece where I bought the flights, hotel/resort and car hire for a reasonable price but sorted out our own food. There was a little kitchen area for coffee or a quick snack but we mostly ate out. Hotel was basic but clean, it and a pool, restaurant and entertainment but was in town with other stuff in walking distance. Shop around, there's a lot out there.
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