All-Inclusives – Yay or Nay?
Do all-inclusives do it for you? I’ve tried all inclusive hotels a couple of times and I have to admit that I’m not a big fan. I know the reasons why it’s a good idea. If you’re on a budget sure it’s great to know exactly what your trip is going to cost you. And if there are lots of activities included it might be an even better deal.
Cutting The Cost Of Travel
There’s no denying that going all-inclusive helps to keep the costs under control, but watch out for hidden extras that may make the deal less appealing. For example, some friends of mine recently found that although there were several restaurant choices at their hotel they were only allowed to eat at the one they liked best two nights a week; any other time and they had to pay a supplement.
The other thing that irks me is that it can be hard to avoid the mentality that says: “I’ve paid for this; might as well grab everything I can.” That seems to turn the all-inclusive into a challenge rather than an enjoyable experience. Even worse is the tendency to feel restricted by the fact that you have paid upfront. Many people find that because they have chosen an all-inclusive experience they don’t want to leave the hotel, and they certainly don’t want to spend money on enjoying a cultural experience beyond the walls. I don’t suffer from that problem.
Soaking Up The Atmosphere
The last time I went all-inclusive I decided I didn’t want to do it again. I stayed at a hotel in the Canaries where I soon tired of the everlasting buffet and felt the need to go in search of culinary adventure. Luckily there were some great restaurants and bars on my doorstep and I had a much better time eating where the locals ate and soaking up the atmosphere.
Don’t get me wrong; if I’m staying in a hotel I love it when I don’t have to think about breakfast. However for other meals I prefer to get out and about. I certainly don’t want to have to rush back in the middle of the day for lunch, feel obliged to eat in or book a picnic basket (unless I’m going on a boat). I think you miss so much this way. It’s far more fun to hang out in a local bar and get a cold drink, grab some “street meat” (veggie variety in my case) or try the local fare on your way in. What about you? Have you ever gone all-inclusive? How did you rate the experience?
Tags: accommodation, all-inclusive, hotels, travel
March 31st, 2010 at 3:50 pm
I have mixed feelings about all-inclusives, as well. I once stayed at a Club Med in a nice area of Mexico, and I loved that it was all inclusive because their food was phenomenal, and they had many places to choose from. I went to another all-inclusive resort in Mexico, and while the food was pretty good and it was nice being able to eat unlimited amounts, I found that it encouraged bad behavior. Because the food and drinks were unlimited, we just ate all the time (and the older folks were drunk all the time). Sometimes it’s better to do things in moderation, and in all-inclusive places, people sometimes go wild! And I came home a few pounds heaver.
March 31st, 2010 at 4:53 pm
Nothing like an everlasting buffet to pile on the pounds, Emily. I’ve seen lots of people overdo it just because there’s no extra charge, but I agree that moderation is the best approach (and it stops you from getting as bored with what’s on offer).