All-inclusive worth it?

[Anonymous]

Just my DH and I are planning a trip to Jamaica (Negril). I have never been to an all-inclusive resort. Worth it?

[Anonymous]

If you like to get out and explore, then it's not worth it, since it only makes financial sense if you're going to eat and drink onsite. And I'd caution you thta most of the all-inclusives don't have terrific food (except Club Med), but it's perfectly OK, and there are usually a lot of dining options. If you are very active, it can also be a good deal, since at most places, you don't have to pay extra for activities like waterskiing, kayaking, etc. The best part for me is knowing that we've paid for everything already and don't have to worry about running up a big bill. If you're going to Jamaica, I highly recommend Chukka Cove adventure tours. Very well organized and they'll pick you up at your hotel.

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP again. Which all inclusive in Jamaica are you considering? The quality varies widely.

[Shopmom]

Im a member of a travel club,and many of our trips are all inclusive resorts. I happen to think its great, though like someone already mentioned a five star resort does not equal 5 star food. My advice is to find your favorite options on the resort but def. look for some great off resort restaurants. My favorite aspect is the option to be completely hands free while on vacation (though admittedly I carry a wristlet)! Besides...i vacation at wholesale prices...so to spend under $400 for a week all inclusive...I can afford to dine wherever in the end!

[Anonymous]

It is vulgar.

[Anonymous]

OP - I did this a few times in the past. When I looked at the options (pending location) and all the things I thought I wanted to do to tally the cost, the all-inclusives stopped making sense after I stopped binge-drinking every night on vacation a few years post college.

So think about this - what do you want to do when you get there - lay on beach all day versus travel around the island versus try every sea sport you can think of? If you are leaning more toward the first - the all inclusive would not make sense, if the latter - it would make more sense (assuming there is no additional charge which you need to verify).

After the flight / hotel - the most costly and to some the most important is food/ drink. Howimportant is this? How much do you typically spend eating out? can you live comfortably with pizza or burgers without alcohol most nights or do you want a 5 star meal - and do you want that 5 start meal/wine once or every night?

Amazingly, a bottle of wine at dinner, 3 tropical drinks per day and a catamaran ride can tip you in the direction of an all-inclusive!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is vulgar.

We are Vulgarians, from lower Vulgaria, so we love it...

[Anonymous]

Watch out for the hidden fees.
Budget about 10% for the hidden fees and for what you would normally leave as a tip for the hotel staff. Then deduct from that amount all the costs of the hidden fees. I expect honesty when I enquire prices at these places. If I do not get it, I assume the cost of housekeeping is included in the price. I know I am unfair. But they are the ones lying to me in the beginning

[Anonymous]

Wow PP you sound like a total asshole.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I am a total asshole. I do not often ask what things cost in advance, when I do and when I told multiple times what the cost will be, I make a budget and stick to it. There is no money to cover the cost of things they have not told me about. My budget is that tight, but I have not let that stop me from having loads of fun.
One day when the sky opens up I will have all the money in the world to pay for the extras that nobody told me I would have to pay for

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow PP you sound like a total asshole.

Who is the asshole? The one who lies about what the cost?

[Anonymous]

I love Jamaica but would not go to Negril. There are much nicer areas on the other side of the island.