All Inclusive question (Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey...?)

redrabbit29

Me and my girlfriend are both 25. Thinking about going to Tunisia for two weeks to the Hotel Riu Imperial Marhaba. It will be August, and the price is about £980 each.

Questions:


1)
I seen that the inclusive text says:

Unlimited local alcoholic and soft drinks at both hotel bars and restaurants except piano bar, disco and beach bar; time restrictions will apply

I guess that's normal, but was just wondering how that will impact on us, in terms of spending. I can imagine sitting by the pool/beach all day, you'd want a drink there, not to keep going inside, and drinking there. I guess you can't take the drink outside as well?

2)

I also plan to eat out a fair few nights, although breakfast and lunch will almost always be at the hotel. Do you think that sounds OK?

3)

How expensive is it in Tunisia to eat out, is it similar to England or cheaper?

I've never been all inclusive before. Thanks everyone.

dmg24

I can't answer your questions, but I would not pay £980 for an all inclusive in Tunisia. You could go to much better places for that amount.

Pollycat

It does sound pricey, but it IS a 5* hotel and does look lovely.


A few things occur to me:

• I'd really want to know about the 'time restrictions' on the AI drink deal.
• Are you sure that there are restaurants close to the hotel for you to eat at? Some of the AI hotels can be quite a way from anywhere.
• Are you sure that this hotel will suit you and your girlfriend? I looked at the Thomson website and the reviews seemed to recommend it more for 'older travellers' than 'young singles'.

I personally don't like AI as I prefer to choose where & what I eat as the fancy takes me.
I don't know the cost of eating out in Tunisia as it's almost 20 years since we went, but I suggest you try asking the question on TripAdvisor.

miamoo

I have been to Tunisia and I wouldn't spend £1000 each on a holiday to any hotel there. You could get a proper 5 star in Mexico, where everything is included 24 hours a day for less than that.
A few years ago I stayed at an all inclusive in tunisia 3star and for 2 adults and 2 children all inc for 2 weeks we paid just over £1000, and we paid extra for 2 rooms.
Do some research on Tunisia some people do love it, but ALOT hate it.

apt

It does not make sense to pay for AI if you want to eat out. There's also apparently building work going on at this hotel.

Pollycat

miamoo wrote: »

I have been to Tunisia and I wouldn't spend £1000 each on a holiday to any hotel there. You could get a proper 5 star in Mexico, where everything is included 24 hours a day for less than that.
A few years ago I stayed at an all inclusive in tunisia 3star and for 2 adults and 2 children all inc for 2 weeks we paid just over £1000, and we paid extra for 2 rooms.
Do some research on Tunisia some people do love it, but ALOT hate it.

There's a massive difference between 3* and 5*, especially when you're talking All Inclusive.

Maybe the OP particularly wants to visit Tunisia rather than go to Mexico or maybe doesn't want too long a flight or maybe is worried about the hurricane season.

I agree about doing research, we loved Tunisia but a lot of people we spoke to wouldn't go back.

redrabbit29

Mexico is much more expensive, at least £1400 for all inclusive for four weeks.

Tunisia and Egypt seem to be the same though.

My Girlfriend is a teacher so we must go during the school holiday seasons, e.g. between 1st August - 31st August preferably.


All Inclusive appeals to me as it means I know that everything has been paid for. The only issue is we may eat out a few nights. Out of 14 nights, maybe eat out 5 other times or something similar.

miamoo

I don't blame you for eating out, I always do that even when all inclusive. It stops you getting bored of the hotel food, you get out and see the country and put some cash into the local economy.
What about Turkey? some really nice hotels and a great country to eat out, more so than Tunisia. I havent been to Egypt so not sure what thats like

vegasvisitor

I agree that £1000 each is a lot. At first I thought it was for 2, but then re-read.

I am booked for the Riu Bellevue next door for May £400 each from Glasgow. I thought that was a good deal when comparing with the likes of Egypt etc, and other AI's.

Try this link...Thomas Cook discounted. No c/card fee and free insurance if you book using a barclaycard... I think you can book with other cards too. http://www.thomascook-barclaycard.com/

redrabbit29

£1000 is a lot of money, although it is peak season though. As I said it has to be during the school summer holidays, so we will have to pay more anyway.

We went to Turkey last year, will have another look.

miamoo

Redrabbit, you are right, you will pay a premium going in December and taking that into account the Tunisia Holiday is not that expensive for peak season. Just make sure you do alot of research on Tunisia, its a Love/Hate kind of place (I hated it). Have a look on Tripadvisor you will get a better feel of what the country is like and then you can decide.
The thing I didnt like the most, was you couldn't just go for a drink, there are no bars as its a muslim country, but I should of done more research!