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Post by cmpeter on Nov 26, 2016 22:39:15 GMT
A friend is looking for an all inclusive resort. Ideally she would like to spend less than $6K for two weeks. One week = 4 adults and one week with just two. Likes the idea of splitting her two weeks into two different resorts. They are open to most tropical/warm places...she would prefer not going to Mexico, she was there last year and wants a new stamp in her passport. Hawaii is out, they have been there twice.
Traveling end of Jan, first part of Feb.
I've only stayed at one AI and that was 26 years ago.
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Post by AN on Nov 26, 2016 23:17:13 GMT
My biggest piece of advice for doing an All Inclusive is to use a travel agent. It doesn't cost you anything, you're guaranteed the best rates, and the agent is paid through the resort you pick. They monitor the prices for you and if they go down between when you book & when your final payment is due, they will get your reservation reduced to that cost. You also get the benefit of being their guest, which sometimes can get extra perks, upgrades, etc. because they want to keep their biggest "clients" happy. I've never used a travel agent for anything else but was very pleased we used one for an AI. They usually know all the resorts and can guide someone based on their preferences. Things like: - Budget - How far are you willing to travel by car vs close to an airport - Are you ok with tipping or do you want a no tipping policy - Do you want adults only? - Do you prefer everyone gets the same level of service or are you ok with being at a "tiered" resort where some people have butlers, reserved beach chairs, etc. - Requests like swim-up rooms - Excursion & activity preferences We went to Sandals Royal Carribbean in Montego Bay Jamaica for our honeymoon. Great experience for what we were looking for -- swim up room was important to us, as was a resort where tipping was not allowed but rather rolled into the price. We also wanted to stay pretty close to the airport and not have a 4 hour drive once we got there, just because it was a pretty long drive/2 flights already. If we were flying direct, we'd have probably looked at a few other towns. The one I hear people rave about allllll the time is Couples Swept Away in Negril. This is the travel agency I used and I can't recommend them enough - I worked with Patty over the phone & email. totemtravel.com/ |
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Post by cmpeter on Nov 26, 2016 23:33:08 GMT
Thanks AN! I have never used a TA before. Well aside from our honeymoon 26 years ago at an AI, Couples in Jamaica. I'll recommend Patty to my friend. She was trying to work with a TA, but the agent has been really bad about getting back to her.
For the first week it's the two of them plus their two adult sons (early 20's). Then the boys go home and it's just the two of them (30th wedding anniversary). They are pretty low key...not looking for anything fancy, but really picky about comfortable beds, AC, cleanliness, etc.
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Post by christine58 on Nov 26, 2016 23:35:08 GMT
I stayed at an AI in Jamaica...Iberostar Rose 'something'. LOL...Loved it. AN is right...use a TA!! |
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Post by SockMonkey on Nov 26, 2016 23:40:27 GMT
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Post by PEAcan pie on Nov 26, 2016 23:50:50 GMT
Iberostar and Beaches/sandals are our favorite. Have done at least 20+ AI.
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Nov 26, 2016 23:58:25 GMT
Does she belong to Costco? I believe there are some in their travel program.
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Post by cmpeter on Nov 27, 2016 0:01:22 GMT
She does belong to Costco and I suggested she check with them too. Thanks!
Will share Sock's suggestion, Beaches and Ibeostar too, thanks!
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psiluvu
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,217 
Location: Canada's Capital
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Post by psiluvu on Nov 27, 2016 1:37:00 GMT
We have been to 4 AIs in the last 6 years. I never used a ta. We loved them all but if I had to rank them it would be Bavaro Princess Punta Cana, Beaches Negril, Grand Bahia Príncipe Tulum, Riu Palace Aruba.
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Post by KelleeM on Nov 27, 2016 1:40:56 GMT
We stayed at a Rui Palace in Punta Cana and loved it.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 3, 2024 5:37:06 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2016 1:55:16 GMT
I would look at some of the resorts in Montana. Some are just beautiful.
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Post by bostonmama on Nov 27, 2016 2:35:12 GMT
After visiting Excellence Resorts Playa Mujeres, we will never go to another AI. Ever!
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Post by PNWMom on Nov 27, 2016 2:36:27 GMT
Travel agents are a waste of money. The last time I used one (2004), she got all pissed off at me because I found a deal on my own online for a cruise, which was better than what she was offering me. This was the mother of a friend-of-a-friend. She sent me a snippy email about how rude it was that I was looking on my own. Never again.
I have stayed at Sandals in Jamaica, Riu in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, and Jewel resorts in Jamaica. We have loved each of our AI vacations. Sandals is spendier and a bit fancier, and Riu is less spendy. No kids at Sandals or Jewel (maybe they are at some resorts, but not the one we went to), but Riu is kid friendly.
Pick a known brand, then the location. There are tons of cheapie AIs (mostly in Mexico) that aren't chains and have super low prices, but be sure to read the reviews on Trip Advisor, etc. They can be really, really crappy. A known global brand like the ones I mentioned or Beaches, Iberostar, etc is a much safer way to go, as far as ensuring a good quality place.
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Post by fuji on Nov 27, 2016 2:37:16 GMT
We went to Hard Rock in Punta Cana. It was amazing! It's a huge resort, so there is some walking. However, it's totally worth it because of all they offer. Loved it!
ETA: We used a travel agent and would again. We maybe could have found it cheaper online, but it was well worth it to have someone take care of all of the arrangements for us.
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Post by chrispeas on Nov 27, 2016 3:41:42 GMT
Thanks for the ideas! We are looking as well.
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Post by kluski on Nov 27, 2016 3:50:45 GMT
Same.
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spoonpea
Shy Member
Posts: 27
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Post by spoonpea on Nov 27, 2016 5:05:08 GMT
Just got back from Whitehouse Jamaica -Sandals! WOW is all I can say...just fantastic!
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Post by cmpeter on Nov 27, 2016 6:22:06 GMT
Thanks everyone! I'll share all your suggestions with her. Really appreciate the insights and tips.
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