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Advice on All Inclusive Holidays
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There is not a one size fits all and certainly no universal right or wrong otherwise only one would exist.
Firstly, I really wish we could move away from hotel star ratings, they are one of the biggest cons that there are. By no means are all 5*s equal and by no means are all 4*s worse than all 5*. Remember watching some "hotel inspector" type programme when I was off ill once and one of the properties was told that simply by closing their "box room" they'd go from 2* to 4* as it was dragging down their average room size and it was the only thing stopping them getting higher ratings and by having the extra two stars they could increase their price 50% - obviously for anyone who didnt stay in the box room nothing else will have changed other than the price.
Stars an ok initial wet finger but people really need to get less hung up on them.
Secondly, AI has its place, it can be useful when you are in the middle of no where and intend to spend every day by the pool/ on the beach as all your money is going to go to the hotel anyway and so its a case of estimating costs based on their prices.
If that isnt your plan then I am less of a fan because I do like going out and trying different places, seeing other things etc and so it doesnt work out cost effective if you are going to be eating out 50% of the time anyway. Part of the attraction of travel to me is experiencing the local culture etc and food/ drink/ nightlife (dont think clubbing) etc is part of that.
My experience of AI is that the quality and variety varies massively. For my tastes, remembering the above, they all tend to be a little too modern european/ UK biased though this could be useful if you/ other travelling companions are picky eaters with relatively token nods to local cuisine most nights.0 -
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!
Golf courses aren't good for the environment either.
Here's one quote...
"To develop a golf course, many acres of land may have to be cleared of natural vegetation and habitat, graded, and planted with what is often non-native grasses, trees, and shrubs. All that pretty green grass takes a lot of water, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides to maintain. The local water supply may or may not be adequate for the required irrigation needs. Chemical use, combined with over-irrigation may cause contamination of groundwater aquifers, surface water bodies, and the ocean. Native plants and animals may be destroyed/driven out. Natural coastal dunes or other coastal features may be covered over.
In addition, local streams may be diverted, which may impact freshwater aquatic life and may also interrupt sand supply to the beach. Although wetlands may be created, they may also be destroyed."
Google 'Golf course and the environment', there's plenty of stuff there.0 -
Firstly, I really wish we could move away from hotel star ratings,Stars an ok initial wet finger but people really need to get less hung up on them.
Agree but we have to choose our hols from normally a page in a brochure or a webpage and a few pictures. Not a lot of info when we could easily cost thousands. There is no easy answer.they all tend to be a little too modern european/ UK biased
Yes full of the modern standards we have like. Last years had a wet room .
Had a week in a hotel in Dorset , won many awards ( small hotel of the year) built many years ago , full of charm . But the central Heating left a lot to be desired and the bathroom was far far too small.0 -
PompeyPete wrote: »Golf courses aren't good for the environment either.
Here's one quote...
"To develop a golf course, many acres of land may have to be cleared of natural vegetation and habitat, graded, and planted with what is often non-native grasses, trees, and shrubs. All that pretty green grass takes a lot of water, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides to maintain. The local water supply may or may not be adequate for the required irrigation needs. Chemical use, combined with over-irrigation may cause contamination of groundwater aquifers, surface water bodies, and the ocean. Native plants and animals may be destroyed/driven out. Natural coastal dunes or other coastal features may be covered over.
In addition, local streams may be diverted, which may impact freshwater aquatic life and may also interrupt sand supply to the beach. Although wetlands may be created, they may also be destroyed."
Google 'Golf course and the environment', there's plenty of stuff there.
Turkey is fortunate to be awash with water. Beleck was a desert / scrub land not worth a thing , Golf Courses have been a HUGH boon to the area....... ask the population
As a Golfer I see the advantages and the local population agree.0 -
I always do AI, theres always a great choice on food as its mixed up every day, usually themed each day of the week.
I have loads of friends who would never go AI because they claim its too expensive, but then they fail to add in that they are having to pay for their own meals and drinks!
Most AI hotels also offer a free shuttle businto the nearest town and if you have a rep, you can book trips to local attractions through them.0 -
hgotsparkle wrote: »I always do AI, theres always a great choice on food as its mixed up every day, usually themed each day of the week.
Mixed up from the previous day's leftovers. Inexpensive (cheap) AI hotels work on a v.tight budget, and can't afford to chuck good food away, so they cleverly re-jig it.hgotsparkle wrote: »I have loads of friends who would never go AI because they claim its too expensive, but then they fail to add in that they are having to pay for their own meals and drinks!
In which case they're thick!hgotsparkle wrote: »Most AI hotels also offer a free shuttle businto the nearest town and if you have a rep, you can book trips to local attractions through them.
Those that have them work to a timetable, which might be inconvenient or there's too much demand. And they stop for the day at a certain time, which leaves you with a taxi fare to cost in. If you're a captive audience at an out of the way AI hotel, then the trips will be a lot more expensive than at any tour desk in town. But of course the tour rep, who needs your commission will also probably tell you it's dangerous to leave the hotel on your own!0 -
Mixed up from the previous day's leftovers. Inexpensive (cheap) AI hotels work on a v.tight budget, and can't afford to chuck good food away, so they cleverly re-jig it.
Back to previous post, suggest you get a tour of the kitchens when you are away. Also reusing ( safely ) food occurs EVERYWHERE. Have a trifle in a good hotel, the sponge preferred is from the previous day gateaux......I know that.will also probably tell you it's dangerous to leave the hotel on your own!
You HAVE been to some dodgy hotels!0 -
AI certainly has it's place! Once it's paid for then that's it, no more keep putting your hand in your pocket if the kids want another drink or ice cream ... Same goes for you with the alcohol
I've always found there to be plenty of choice & enjoyed most of the food. Also you don't have to go out searching for an affordable meal for you all, do you really want to go shopping on holiday, & it guarantees no cooking! Although it's nice to sample the local food, & if you want to try the odd meal out you still can. Enjoy!
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Yes full of the modern standards we have like. Last years had a wet room .
Had a week in a hotel in Dorset , won many awards ( small hotel of the year) built many years ago , full of charm . But the central Heating left a lot to be desired and the bathroom was far far too small.
Was explicitly talking about the food; if I go to Goa for a holiday I dont really want Fish & Chips Friday or Pizza Monday etc.0 -
We go on all sorts of holidays, with all sorts of board arrangements, but I can definitely see the attraction of A.I with children. Soft drinks are pricey in Spain, as elsewhere, and the bill for eating out every night can rack up on drinks alone. Self catering in the same resort that we used to go half board always cost us substantionally more, and that was only eating out once a day in mid-range restaurants. The hotel we frequent in Ibiza, has gone A.I as have many others, but we still go there because we like the hotel. It doesn't stop us eating out when we feel like it, or going out for days. Unless your children are very adventurous eaters, you will end up going to restaurants that primarily cater for tourists, so menus will be very similar wherever you go. At least good hotel food has plenty of variety for the fussiest eater. Our hotel has plenty of Spanish food as well, so suits everyone, especially me, as I always head for the paella!0
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