all inclusive vs. non all inclusive

[Jenn]

Thanks, tfw73!!

[Melody]

I think AI vs non AI comes down to quality vs. quantity combined with what you can afford....and a big dash of what quality means to you.....and a big dash of what you want to experience on your holiday.

I have stayed in AIs before (not in Jamaica) and recently stayed a week in Negril, non AI, at Country Country. I liked my AI holidays, but I totally LOVED my stay in Negril at Country Country. The small boutique hotel with semi-private cottage, right on the beach was the absolute perfect combination of the above formula, for me and my son. The service/attention felt very personal and the whole environment felt safe and very homey and welcoming. The proximity of wonderful, made-to-order GOOD food was also a huge plus....as well as the proximity of small open-air bars, where you could mingle not only with tourists but also Jamaicans, happy hours; availability of every kind of water activity right in "your backyard". We only did a few activities and no tours in our short stay, but we went where ever we wanted to eat on the beach and cliffs (that included awesome live, local entertainment) and found watching the action and walking the beach, talking to some locals, a big, enjoyable part of our entertainment....all of which I would very much miss the proximity of, if staying at an AI (and then I would be paying more $ above the AI cost).

From where I live, the cost was (much) less going this route vs. 3.5* + AIs, when booking well in advance...and the good, small, boutique hotels are often booked up well in advance which doesn't allow for "sell offs". But we don't get near as good of deals (and the volume of them) as available out of Toronto. The cost was well worth experiencing the best holiday of my life....the bar is now set high!

That being said, if I were travelling with a large group of friends or family and was mostly interested in partying with them at the resort, AI may be a suitable choice.

Based on my fairly limited experience, but having experienced both, my impression is that 3* + AIs are too "Americanized" for my taste. That would apply to cruises as well. There is a time and a place for them IMO, but GENERALLY, I am not interested in visiting a mini America/Canada when I want to experience another country. As mentioned previously, there are times when that may be what one is looking for in their vacation. In general, when I visit another country, I want to experience that country, while still maintaining standards of safety, cleanliness and decent, respectful, friendly service that we North Americans expect. To me, that doesn't include requiring having things like heiniken/corona beer, bacardi rum, French or Mexican restaurants (in Jamaica). I am not interested in having butler service.

My aversion to larger resorts (even 150 - 200 rooms) is feeling like a number, with potential lineups at buffets, following rules for booking a la cartes (and frustrations that can be involved with that), often surrounded by too much concrete....and often isolated from the "good stuff" that gives you the experience of having been to that region/country. And you are often isolated, with often a majority of other North Americans, so it feels like a community removed from the region you are visiting both tangibly, and intangibly. I know that is not an issue for some, with some preferring it, but it is not my preference for those reasons.

And from what I've read about the 2* AIs, although the location may be more central to the region, I'd have concerns about inconsistancy as far as cleanliness, more frequent overbooking, mediocre/limited food, time restraints as far as when you can eat and drink, poorly maintained rooms/amenities. In that case, if available, I would rather book a good non AI that includes breakfast and has a fridge.

Again, it's all about what works for you considering quality/quantity, pricing, and what you want out of your holiday.

[Jbizek]

I can see the beauty of it with younger kids, for sure. I just believe it would break my heart to have to leave somewhere that I fell in love with so soon lol!

We've only been to Mexico ports and MBJ. I cried leaving JA after just 12 hours but leaving Mexico did not break my heart.at.all. Also, cruising is cheap for families! Especially since we have two ports in driving distance. Joe and I would never cruise on our own but with the kids is great. I think cruising gets a bad rap, there are pros and cons. It's what you make out of it.

[Patricia]

I'll stick with the inexpensive A/I property (SamSara) anyday ~ and venture out EVERYDAY It works for us!

[brasi]

I stayed at a high end in the DR. Legends and the old Negril Inn in Jamaica. It kept me tied to the resorts, which to be honest, early-on in my traveling experience was ok because some of the people I was on vacation with were jackholes about meeting people that don't look and act like they do...especially my ex-wife. But I digress. LOL

There are a wide variety of travelin' fools like us...different strokes...different folks. I change hotels each trip, whereas some others don't...to shake things up and change the scenery. That's why I stopped staying at AI's...it became less fun for me...more "insualted"...but hey, if a person likes the convenience, and the vibe of being in a more controlled environment, cool.

I am definitely a NON-AI guy now.

[Patricia]

brasi, it's only "controlled" if you let it control you ~~~

[gerryg123]

I've done both AI and non-AI many times. If you like to eat and drink a lot, plus a nice room and zero beach hagglers, then RIU Club has a lot of advantages .... If you drink fewer than six cocktails per day and would ordinarily spend less than 60 per day on food and snacks, then financially it's probably not worth it ....

For a family with kids or groups of 10 or more, an AI can be convenient if you don't want to endure a bunch of two-hour dinners, etc. I can see the value in both ways.

[brasi]

brasi, it's only "controlled" if you let it control you ~~~

Agreed, as far as leaving the resort and all that.

But AI's rarely allow visitors, and are generally more "secure." Many travelers enjoy those features.

I've done both, would do AI again, but not in Jamaica.

I like to leave the resort a lot, but once I've paid at an AI it doesn't make much sense.

[Melody]

I've done both, would do AI again, but not in Jamaica.

I agree completely Brasi, particularly in Negril.

[beccajean_ca]

What I dont like about AI is that if you meet people and want to bring them back to hotel for a drink the security get really Pissed and mostly make them leave.At the Rui last year I brought a friend back and was going to buy hime a beer and they wouldnt let me.Told him that He was not welcome on the beach and made him leave.I was going to buy the beer for pete sake.Will not stay there again.