All Inclusive Cancun...what don't I know?

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Is there a "catch" with all inclusive resorts? I am planning on booking a trip to Cancun in the spring for DH and my anniversary. For 6 nights, it's about $1200 and that includes meals.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...Royal_in_Cancun-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

It is the #2 listed on Trip Advisor. I have never done anything all inclusive and I feel like there must be something I'm missing. It just sounds a bit too good. I feel like there is some information out there about AI's that everyone but me knows about. All the reviews are glowing. About the only thing I know is airfare isn't included.

 

[canadianjovigirl]

I will tell you that the Royal is a fabulous hotel and you will NOT be disappointed, we stay at their sister hotel Gran Caribe Real as we take the kids with us and the Royal is adult only. We have toured the Royal and ate there and it is fabulous and would be one of our top picks if we took an adult only vacation. The Royal is in a fabulous location with a great beach............go and enjoy a little peice of heaven on earth

The Mexico all inclusives vary greatly in price depending on location, amenities, restaurants etc etc and mostly the time of year you travel. We are going in Feb for 10 days and its a busy time of year then so we are paying around $2000 per person for 10 days. Our increase in cost is expensive flights as we normally pay $400 pp return and they were over $700 this time.

We love Mexico and travel there frequently.

 

[shoney]

All inclusive is pretty much all inclusive....drinks, meals, etc. Spa services, laundry services and bottles (not glasses of house wine) are extra at most properties. At Secrets I painted a piece of pottery and that was extra. For the most part, you eat and drink all you want and never receive a bill! my kids get a kick out of ordering room service....

One thing that I don't agree with is tips included. We tip while we are there! Of course you don't have to, but they work so hard and are soooo nice, we feel it is well deserved.

I suggest you go on the forums of tripadvisor...tons of info!

 

[Lewisc]

No real catch. Your price looks low. I'd expect the price to be closer to $300/night not $200. Are you going in the middle of the hurricane season? Are there some hidden fees not being shown.

The catch is the food, while very good, might not be as "gourmet" as some people hope for. The catch is the "top shelf" liquor might not be what you consider "top shelf". A catch might be hunting for a lounge chair, if the resort is full. It might be hard to get a reservation at the a la carte restaurant.

People who criticize all-inclusive resorts say you're depriving yourself of trying local restaurants. They saying the resort might be motivated to give you food just good enough, hoping you'll pay for some of your meals offsite. I'd be careful of a resort that charges for a la carte restaurants, I don't think Royal does.

NO REAL CATCHS. Generally a good deal.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Thank you so much everyone! Sounds like a plan! Now I just have to buy airfare first before it goes up. I want to go May 1- May 7. Our anniversary is May 3.

As far as the alcohol, DH only drinks beer, and I just have the occasional cocktail, so we aren't picky. I can't drink wine because I get horrible headaches.

I think you make a great point, Lewis, about going out and eating locally a few times. THAT is something I will definitely do.

Oh, and I would have to tip, too. I couldn't NOT tip. Oh my, I'm getting excited!

One more thing, I always use Kayak to do my travel searches, and they compare several websites and everyone I looked at said between $200-$215 a night for a regular room.

Thanks guys!

 

[Lewisc]

Because everything is included you won't by paying as you go. You won't be signing credit card vouchers, room charges or paying cash. In other words you can't just add a tip to the charge. Tips are included but if you're planning on tipping you should bring cash, or get cash from an ATM in Mexico.

You want a "catch". Tours booked through your resort might be more expensive then the same tours booked direct or through a different vendor.

Some people don't like the tan lines caused by the hospital type of plastic bracelet required by most all inclusive resorts.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

Thanks for the real inside tips! The more you tell me, the better I feel. It makes sense now about not being able to tip. We will have to make sure and have cash on hand, which we never, ever do!

This is my final decision! First I wanted to do WDW again. Then I picked Quebec. But Cancun for the 2 of us is cheaper than what I paid for a SOLO trip at a VALUE resort inc airfare and food. I'm so glad I asked you guys!

 

[shoney]

We bring 100 1's and 100 in 5's for tips. (a weeks stay)

The tour reps in the hotel lobby will bargain a bit.

Bring lots of sunscreen...can be expensive in the gift shop (24.00 for a can)

If you will be bringing home alcohol (kahlua is cheap there!) and you have a direct flight just buy it at the airport rather than having to pack it in your luggage.

When you arrive at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Then the sea of time share sharks. Do not make eye contact or talk to anyone until you exit the sliding doors and are outside. There you will find your transportation.

If I think of anything else I'll let you know!


adding: Also pay attention to the resorts dress code. We have seen people turned away from restaurants. A bathing suit with cover up is good for day. Men bathing suit with t-shirt (no tank tops) For dinner, women can get away with mostly anything, but most tend to dress up a bit...think sundress and nice sandals. Men usually need long pants, closed toe shoes and collared shirt. You really do not need too many day clothes...bathing suits by day and dressy clothes for night.

We love all inclusives. It is sooooo relaxing!!!!!!!

 

[Lewisc]

Check the prices in your hotel gift shop. Bargaining 1/2 price in town wound up being more expensive then just paying the posted price in the hotel.

Do some research. What excursions, if any, do you want to do? Price it in advance.

 

[ptcruisermom]

Check out Apple vacations you can usually get a package deal on your flight also. I have been to Punta Cana, and Jamaica thru them-wonderful, and they have reps in the hotel. Last spring my DD dance studio went to Cancun, our flight was not included all total I paid just a bit less for 4 days with booking flight on my own then I would have paid for a full week had we been able to go thru Apple vacations. but yes everything is included, I do tip also though like others have said take lots of 1 and 5's. My DD is now a fan of all inclusive and she is only 17.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

The catch is its Mexico. Compare those prices to some of the other Carribean islands, Mexico will be cheaper.

Even if the violence going on down there is away from the resort areas, the news of all the drug lord violence is still there and will keep people away.

The company my husband works for leases airplanes to rich people who prefer not to fly commercial and can afford private . They will not fly to Mexico.

DH and I don't like Mexico, even before all the bad press. We've given it several tries and never had a good trip even going in with an open mind. To each their own because I know many people who go nowhere else. Its all what you're comfortable with, because DH and I love Jamaica and we know many people who won't travel there.

 

[J'aime Paris]

Thank you so much everyone! Sounds like a plan! Now I just have to buy airfare first before it goes up. I want to go May 1- May 7. Our anniversary is May 3.

As far as the alcohol, DH only drinks beer, and I just have the occasional cocktail, so we aren't picky. I can't drink wine because I get horrible headaches.

I think you make a great point, Lewis, about going out and eating locally a few times. THAT is something I will definitely do.

Oh, and I would have to tip, too. I couldn't NOT tip. Oh my, I'm getting excited!

One more thing, I always use Kayak to do my travel searches, and they compare several websites and everyone I looked at said between $200-$215 a night for a regular room.

Thanks guys!

May 3 is mine and DH anniversary too! How many years of wedded bliss will you be celebrating? It will be 15 for us. Happy Anniversary!!!!

Also, we love AI in Mexico. Have a great time!

 

[shoney]

The catch is its Mexico. Compare those prices to some of the other Carribean islands, Mexico will be cheaper.

Even if the violence going on down there is away from the resort areas, the news of all the drug lord violence is still there and will keep people away.

The company my husband works for leases airplanes to rich people who prefer not to fly commercial and can afford private . They will not fly to Mexico.

DH and I don't like Mexico, even before all the bad press. We've given it several tries and never had a good trip even going in with an open mind. To each their own because I know many people who go nowhere else. Its all what you're comfortable with, because DH and I love Jamaica and we know many people who won't travel there.

You are absolutely right...Mexico is much cheaper! We do love it and preferred our 6 trips there to our 1 to Jamaica. While we have a good time anywhere, I didn't like that our resort in Jamaica was fenced in with people constantly hounding you from the fence. "lady...lady" got annoying after a while! maybe we just picked the wrong place (Sandals Dunn's River 1992).


I have to say I have never felt threatened in the least bit in Mexico. We have been to Cancun, puerto morelos, puerto aventuras and playa del carmen and all at different times of the day and with and without our children and never once had an uneasy feeling. I am glad the prices are so affordable and the luxury, food and service is still there as well. I never feel as though I am sacrificing anything by going to Mexico over other tropical destinations. It works for me!

that is what is so great....there is a destination for everyone!!!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

You are absolutely right...Mexico is much cheaper! We do love it and preferred our 6 trips there to our 1 to Jamaica. While we have a good time anywhere, I didn't like that our resort in Jamaica was fenced in with people constantly hounding you from the fence. "lady...lady" got annoying after a while! maybe we just picked the wrong place (Sandals Dunn's River 1992).


I have to say I have never felt threatened in the least bit in Mexico. We have been to Cancun, puerto morelos, puerto aventuras and playa del carmen and all at different times of the day and with and without our children and never once had an uneasy feeling. I am glad the prices are so affordable and the luxury, food and service is still there as well. I never feel as though I am sacrificing anything by going to Mexico over other tropical destinations. It works for me!

that is what is so great....there is a destination for everyone!!!

Well just like Mexico, in Jamaica there are way better places than others. DH and I would never waste our money in the Eastern part of Jamaica like Dunns River as well as Montego Bay. As you stated way too may beggers due to the overpopulation of toursts and cruise goers.

We much prefer the Western area such as Negril and even better is the Southwest area, only 1 resort and absolutely No beggers.

And you're absolutely right , I guess there is a destination for everyone.

 

[WVMomof3]

Did you already get it at that rate? I put in a few dates to see if maybe this might be something for me and my hubby to do, but got much higher rates. Then I put in your dates and still got a higher rate. I am seeing $400/night. One of the sites to come up says $200/night with (per person) in smaller print. Just want to make sure you are looking at the right rate. Maybe I did something wrong. It was kind of confusing with all of those windows popping up.

 

[shoney]

Well just like Mexico, in Jamaica there are way better places than others. DH and I would never waste our money in the Eastern part of Jamaica like Dunns River as well as Montego Bay. As you stated way too may beggers due to the overpopulation of toursts and cruise goers.

We much prefer the Western area such as Negril and even better is the Southwest area, only 1 resort and absolutely No beggers.

And you're absolutely right , I guess there is a destination for everyone.

So, Negril is different? I will certainly keep that in mind! Thank you!!!

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

So, Negril is different? I will certainly keep that in mind! Thank you!!!

Negril is beautiful. That is where the sunsets are. Some beggers not even close to over by where you and your husband were. Its horrible over there. DH and I visited Sandals Dunns River many years ago and have never been back to that part of Jamaica. You're right I must have been asked 50 times a day to get my hair braided. Annoying to say the least!

Even better is the town of Whitehouse, southwestern part, only 1 resort, adults only so not an option to bring the kids. But absolutely no beggers. I guess its not worth their while with only 1 resort of people to annoy.

 

[okeydokey]

Did you already get it at that rate? I put in a few dates to see if maybe this might be something for me and my hubby to do, but got much higher rates. Then I put in your dates and still got a higher rate. I am seeing $400/night. One of the sites to come up says $200/night with (per person) in smaller print. Just want to make sure you are looking at the right rate. Maybe I did something wrong. It was kind of confusing with all of those windows popping up.

I did too, as my DH and I are taking an anniversary trip mid-May (not sure where yet). The rate was $200 each so $400 for the night.

We live in Florida, so a better bet for us may be a cruise as we can drive to the port.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Did you already get it at that rate? I put in a few dates to see if maybe this might be something for me and my hubby to do, but got much higher rates. Then I put in your dates and still got a higher rate. I am seeing $400/night. One of the sites to come up says $200/night with (per person) in smaller print. Just want to make sure you are looking at the right rate. Maybe I did something wrong. It was kind of confusing with all of those windows popping up.

I plugged in dates too, figured couldn't hurt since the price seemed so good. My dates came up way more expensive too.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

May 3 is mine and DH anniversary too! How many years of wedded bliss will you be celebrating? It will be 15 for us. Happy Anniversary!!!!

Also, we love AI in Mexico. Have a great time!

Thanks! This will be our 19th anniversary

I will double check on the rates...that totally sounds like something I would do, not read the fine print! But still, the airfare is SOOOO good, if I have to pitch a tent on the beach, I will!

I was born in the bordertown of Douglas, AZ. You could literally see Mexico from the hospital room window. My grandfather was border patrol for almost his whole life. So, I have been to Mexico a few times, but just the border towns. I have to say, I'm not afraid to go. Anything can happen anywhere. And things can change. Beirut, Grenada and Vietnam are now huge travel destinations. At one time, they were the scariest places in the world to us. But thanks for all the tips! I would like to try Jamaica at least once.