What exactly is "All Inclusive" for a First Choice holiday?

DaisyM_3

After reading a review on Trip Advisor about the First Choice holiday I have booked, I have become concerned about wht First Choice mean by "All Inclusive". Whilst I don't expect to be provided with exotic drinks, I do expect to be able to get local drinks provided as part of the deal. So why does it appear that we will have to pay for a glass of the local Italian beer?

What are other people's experiences of "All Inclusive" in terms of the drinks that are provided free of charge?

becominganobsessivesaver

I expect what the small print details. For the all inclusives I have been to I have researched very carefully what is included before booking. The ones I have been to have ranged from pretty undrinkable spirits and wine (although the cava was good) to drinkable but not amazing and no cocktails, to absolutely everything, including french champagne. The older I get the more I am focusing on quality over quantity, next year the all inclusive we're going to doesn't even have a buffet.

hamsterfan1

It really does depend on your hotel - the one's we've been to have all offered local beer, wine by the glass & generic spirits - some have also offered premium drinks. Some hotels also include different things with different room categories - it may be worth checking the first choice site to see what they say is included

It could be that the brand of beer mentioned is not included in the package but another one is or that they include draught but not bottles?

Bob_the_Saver

:beer: .............................

lady1964

We've been to AI's in Egypt where the wine ranged from virtually undrinkable to the 'ok with ice in it' and the spirits smelled like petrol to actually ok.

Latterly, we've been to AI's that have had premium alcohol included, a la carte restaurants as standard with maybe one buffet restaurant.

I always check out what's included, if it says 'local wines/spirits/beers then the drinks will most likely be pretty rubbish.....

If it says 'premium drinks' but after a set time or in one bar only, then I would go for that over the local stuff. Of course, price might determine which some would go for.

I'm with becominganobsessivesaver in quality over quantity as I also get older

DaisyM_3

First Choice's brochure says 'selected local and international alchoholic drinks and local soft drinks'. I've been in touch with First Choice and they have had to make 2 phone calls to the hotel to find out exactly what is on offer! (If I was First Choice and was contracting with a hotel I'd make sure I was very clear about what the hotel would be providing and not have to telephone them after the event to find out!) The hotel manager has posted on Trip Advisor that they are providing the sorts of drinks that they are required to in their contract with First Choice. I understand this is some local soft drinks and house red and white wine. I don't expect champagne, but in view of what is stated in First Choice's brochure I would expect to be able to have a glass of the local beer as part of my all inclusive.

wallbash

I would expect to be able to have a glass of the local beer as part of my all inclusive.

Correct . As stated most Ai advertise 'local beers/wines' , the better Ai will provide named alcohol . Last years hotel gave me the choice of at least four bottled lagers I had heard of. ( Beck's, Millers, Heinikin and Sol) .

But when in Rome!! at least try the local brew , Kos is great.

Post #2 . personally much prefer the grand buffet.

EmmaParsons

Have you looked to see if the hotel has it's own website? Most of the larger all inclusive hotels will have a website which will list an idea of what's available.

Have the hotel stated that they do not include beer at all? Or is it just that you are expecting a particular brand of italian beer that isn't included?

All Inclusive means 3 meals a day plus drinks, in it's simplest form. If the hotel are giving you that then they are providing you with all inclusive. What types of drinks etc would be open to interpretation. Which hotel is it if you don't mind me asking?

daveyjp

Have only been on one FC AI, but every drink was free, including branded.

opinions4u

Another key to consider is the clock.

Some AI hotels start charging after midnight. Fine for me, not fine for others.

Make sure you know when you will start getting charged.

bobuk

Just recently returned from an AI in Tunisia,booked through First Choice.The drink`s package was such that all drinks were free including all local spirits which did taste weaker and the measures aren`t great.Local wines(red,white and rose)were very drinkable.Beer was quite good but only served in tiny glasses so you were never away from the bar.Tea and coffee also availableMy wife and I were there for 7 days and spent £20 all on tips.