All inclusive holiday experiences
By Darren Cronian on Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

I received an email today from a consumer who has just returned back from what sounds like a nightmare time in Mexico, on an all inclusive holiday. This isn’t the first time that I have read bad experiences with all inclusive holidays and it has made me think is the extra cost for an unlimited supply of food and drink really worth it.

All inclusive holiday experiences

Not only was the food horrendous, the beer watered down (you’d get hung for that in Yorkshire) but they were advised not to go outside of the resort unless on a tour, because it was dangerous due to the high levels of crime on tourists!

Personally, it wouldn’t be my type of holiday because I like to choose where and what I eat, and I don’t like to have to stick to times to eat, i.e. breakfast before 10am etc. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and experiences on all inclusive holidays?


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10 responses to “All inclusive holiday experiences”

Sheila | 13 February, 2008 at 12:07 am

I had a great all inclusive vacation in Jamaica (Couples Resort at Ocho Rios), but a much less than stellar all inclusive stay in Cancun (Aventura Palace). In fact, we came back from Cancun with stomach problems. We only ate resort food.

Ashley | 13 February, 2008 at 1:21 am

I think that its important to remember that, just like a Holiday Inn vs. a Four Seasons, there are different levels of all-inclusive. Like most resorts, you get what you pay for.

Lee Harrison (owner Select World Travel) | 13 February, 2008 at 9:33 am

Well said Ashley. Why go on an all inclusive in Turkey for instance when you would pay a third less in resort than other eec countries?
The Large Tour Operators keep demanding to pay less and less when contracting Hotels, and of Course if you pay less and less, then Quality and standards become less and less.

Simon | 13 February, 2008 at 9:59 am

Are you going to name the resort/hotel and tour op? :)

Darren Cronian | 13 February, 2008 at 1:17 pm

I am going to learn from my previous near legal action, because I can’t back it up with documentation from the consumer all I can reveal that it was in Cancun.

Don | 13 February, 2008 at 7:06 pm

One of the best all inclusive vacations I took was to Cancun! But the itinerary for us was not so rigid, and we were free to explore on our own or take guided tours. Of course, this was many years ago, so things might have changed. The only warning we were given (staying at the Hotel Zone) was to be careful not to “over do” it with liquor, which is the mistake many tourists make, then blame the resulting illnesses on “Montezuma’s Revenge.”

Nathan | 13 February, 2008 at 9:08 pm

I’ve always felt the same as you about all-inclusives, Darren, but I recently spoke to a friend of mine who won a trip to a Sandals resort (not through Travel Weekly, I hasten to add).

The whole thing had never appealed to him either, but he absolutely loved it. Ultimately it depends what kind of holiday you want - if you want to switch off completely, or are really into equipment-heavy activities (particularly watersports), a good all-inclusive is a great bet. Many are very good for families too.

Personally I’d put my holiday spend elsewhere, but there’s a lot of good product in this market.

Like your comment about beer by the way… I wonder what a Yorkshire all-inclusive would look like… ;)

Darren Cronian | 15 February, 2008 at 5:23 am

Nathan,

A Yorkshire all-inclusive includes Yorkshire Pudding, Yorkshire tea or one of the many local brewed beers :D

I think my problem with all-inclusives is that there primarily for people who want to laze around a resort through-out their holiday, and I like to get out and about.

Rohan | 15 February, 2008 at 7:18 pm

I am not sure we would be lovers of all-inclusives too. I have heard of stories where the food has been less desirable.

Sara | 18 February, 2008 at 9:22 am

You all mention Mexico but I have had a bad all-inclusive holiday in the Carribbean, never again will I do that. I spent all week in bed being ill.

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