Advice on All Inclusive Holidays

alwaysskint96

avoid Lagomonte and Bellevue at all costs Think Chav Central in the sun

Condes de Alcudia is OK

bluenoseam

I went AI last year to Cala Major, I knew it wasn't 5* so wasn't expecting that standard, but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't a "nightmare" even for someone with fairly problematic dietery requirements. There was something different every night and there was always a more generic selection for those who go on holiday & eat the same stuff they eat at home. I get that some people like to experience the local food etc but ultimately on AI you can still do that, but you're covered in all eventualities.

I'd probably do it again if I was going to a similar resort without too much hesitation, I found it made the holiday relatively inexpensive in the grand scheme. When you calculate the cost of eating out on a nightly basis plus all the drinks it kinda adds up very quickly, especially with a family of 4!

PompeyPete

wallbash wrote: »

A lot of the large 5* hotels e.g Lara Beach Antalya Turkey are purpose built , they take up a lot of ground, there was nothing there before the hotels were built.

Ugly blots on the landscape more like. Mile upon mile of pristine coastal areas ripped apart just to be replaced with ugly monster hotels, and roads that basically run nowhere other than these out-of-town monsters. They're environmental disasters, which over time become run-down and neglected

wallbash wrote: »

More tourists more jobs , so no the guy was not lucky, just one of many that now has a job where in the past there were no jobs.
But hey, carry on supporting the local bars and restaurants, you will never find me dismissing them, unlike yourself and your commets ref Ai which many of us like.

Cobblers. The jobs would still be there with Half Board hotels. You know the ones, they're the ones that have been either demolished or are sitting run-down, empty and neglected. They were the family run hotels and restaurants, that encouraged guests to venture further afield to spend, and put some money into the local economy.

AI staff generally get paid a pittance and rely on tips. Tip regularly and get attentive service and preferential treatment. And boy, do some of these staff make a killing with tips. They're better off than local Brain Surgeons!

Most of these monster hotels are either government or foreign owned. You pay for everything up front, and precious little of what you've paid gets into the local economy.

steventylerswifey

I have 4 children and my dad always say we should only ever go AI as it is cheaper but last year we went self catering and ate out the whole time, was a much cheaper holiday for us. I do like AI too though as you don't need as much spending money as you have basically paid for your food and drink up front and it's easier for the kids when they want drinks and snacks.

Only real problem I have with AI is that those properties are not in great locations usually, we stayed at the Aliathon Holiday Village in Cyprus 2 years ago and you couldn't beat the AI but we had to get cabs everywhere.

Hope you have a lovely holiday :-)

PompeyPete

steventylerswifey wrote: »

Only real problem I have with AI is that those properties are not in great locations usually, we stayed at the Aliathon Holiday Village in Cyprus 2 years ago and you couldn't beat the AI but we had to get cabs everywhere.

Ouch! The Cyprus taxi m*fia know how to bleed tourists:eek:

Diychap

With all inclusive you are effectively paying up front for an average persons food and DRINK consumption. If you have kids they are not going to drink alcohol, so you are effectively paying for something that you are not using. Something to consider.

PompeyPete

Having ranted away at #14 I've got a confession.:o

I've had man flu since Xmas, and went out for the first time yesterday afternoon.

I was walking past my local Thomas Cook, and a couple of inexpensive holidays caught my eye, and obviously clouded my better judgement.

When I got home I got straight on to the TC website, and was amazed at the number of deals available over the next few weeks.

So, me and the Mrs are off to the WOW Kremlin Palace just outside Antalya on 1 February for 10 night All Inclusive. £270 each including return flights from LGW to Antalya, transfers, and 15KG.

Just look at the place. A monstrosity amongst loads more monsters along that coastline...

http://www.wowhotels.com/wowkremlinpalace.asp?lang=EN

I must be mad.

Unless we get completely bored with the same fodder and frothy cheap draught lager we'll not be venturing far, and not putting any money into the local economy.

Not as though we need a holiday either. Off to Thailand (Andaman Coast) for a month on 11 March.:beer:

wallbash

So, me and the Mrs are off to the WOW Kremlin Palace just outside Antalya o

Have heard nice things about the Kremlin, I was at the Lara Beach, first of those 'monstrosity' You will have a great time. But lets also respond to some remarks .

Mile upon mile of pristine coastal areas

Its not as if Turkey has not still got thousands of miles of unspoilt coast.
And if you look at the area the landside of the major coastal road, the area is just a barren wasteland.

They're environmental disasters, which over time become run-down and neglected

You can foresee the future? If the Ai idea remains viable, hotels will be revamped.

and put some money into the local economy.

Ai is booming in Turkey , therefore as I stated , more tourists more money .

And boy, do some of these staff make a killing with tips. They're better off than local Brain Surgeons!

I refer you to my previous post. More money in the local economy

Most of these monster hotels are either government or foreign owned. You pay for everything up front, and precious little of what you've paid gets into the local economy.

I believe a lot of UK is foreign owned now, but in return some of the rest of the world is UK owned ......confusing but thats life.
You pay everything up front ?? well 'yes'!

frothy cheap draught lager

I think you will be surprised.


right to other 'rants'

Only real problem I have with AI is that those properties are not in great locations

Completely agree. Step outside of the back of Lara Beach/Kremlin ( who thought that name up) and its an empty warren wasteland, no place to walk .

But the Hotels have vast well maintained gardens to stroll in after your evening meal. For those that have not been , some of the hotels have large golf buggys to transport you from hotel thru the gardens to the beach.

PompeyPete

wallbash wrote: »

Ai is booming in Turkey, therefore as I stated, more tourists more money.

If the Russian Rubble continues in it's southerly direction that could very quickly affect tourist numbers.

If you went to Skanes (Tunisia) you'd see an AI resort in terminal decline, and Yasmine Hammamet is also starting to look very worn round the edges.

wallbash

But your argument would also impact on the whole Turkish economy. not just those 'awful ' Ai ?

I wonder why !! people are not thinking of any southern Med Countries just recently.

Ps You should be at your hotel in 10 mins after boarding your coach , transfer times are amazing.
See if they do guided tours of the kitchens ...you have to dress op in white coats/ hats/ gloves / and over shoes , but it really can be an eye opener.
pps When you return after having a wonderful time on your hols, pm me .
I will give you my recommendation for the best hotel Ai in Belek .

Of course thats a region that has been completely ruined by miles and miles of lush green open vista's dedicated to a few golfers!