Booking all inclusive resort - recommendations, who to book with, etc.

[marycaym]

DH turns 50 next month, I am researching thurs to mon get aways for end of feb/beginning of march.

What I am finding is it is cheaper to book a package (less than 2K) vs. build my own. I have looked at expedia, travelocity, kayak however the best fares w/air are coming up on "allinclusives.com" - does anyone have any feedback on this site.

Am looking at most likely Dominican Republic, DH is a lay in the sun do nothing kind of guy so we will not be leaving the resort, the thought of wearing flip flops and laying in the sun is heavenly!

Anyone who has any recommendations on resorts, other islands (however Jamaica is out, this a 2nd marriage for us and in our prior lives we both honeymooned there - we are trying to make new memories and new places for us!). Recommendations on who to book with, etc.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

 

[sunlover13]

Have you checked applevacations.com?

I always seem to find the best deals there vs. expedia, travelocity, etc.

Doylestown travel is a booking agent of Apple and they will give you 10% off the Apple package.

In the past, I have found the apple package, then booked through Doylestown for 10% less. All our paperwork, luggage tags, etc. come from Apple.

Having said all that, we honeymooned at Excellence Riviera Cancun which is in Riviera Maya. I think we booked through travelocity b/c they were not on Apple. This was in 2006 so they might be there now. I can't say enough great things about this adult only all inclusive resort. The food was awesome. 8 or so restaurants to choose from. No reservations needed, no wristbands, top shelf liquors, etc. There were 6 or so pools throughout the resort. The only negative is the water is not crystal blue like Cancun b/c the reef is right there so it is a little dark and choppy waters. It didn't bother me at all though since the pool was fine for me.

Check out tripadvisor.com for reviews.

Good luck!

 

[marycaym]

Have only ever used Apple once and had a horrible experience. We booked a family all inclusive at the occident xcaret w/the kids and when we arrived onsite we had been bumped from the resort (this was during spring break). There was an apple rep onsite at the resort and he was off no help! So I am hesitant to book w/them again....

 

[sunlover13]

Have only ever used Apple once and had a horrible experience. We booked a family all inclusive at the occident xcaret w/the kids and when we arrived onsite we had been bumped from the resort (this was during spring break). There was an apple rep onsite at the resort and he was off no help! So I am hesitant to book w/them again....

That stinks. I'd be hesitant to use them again if that happened to me too. What about funjet?

I would start with getting package prices for all those sights you mentioned above, apple, travelocity, expedia, etc. Then, find a reputable travel agent to get you a better deal. I've never booked through a travel agent before. I was in contact with a few of them, but they couldn't beat Apple/Doylestown's price. There were a couple that were recommended in the trip advisor forums. Maybe another DISer can recommend a good travel agent.

Honestly, I wouldn't hesitate to book with any of the travel sites like travelocity, orbitz, expedia, apple, etc. Just make sure you google for codes too. Orbitz had some codes last year that were $200+ off their packages. However, it still didn't come close to the apple website when we were looking last year.

Sorry, I'm not much help. Good luck!

 

[dalton165]

Since you are looking to book a trip soon I think you may want to choose another island. The Domenican Republic borders Haiti and Haiti has suffered a massive earthquake. I do not know if DR suffered any damage from this earthquake.

Personally I would find a local agent and "pick their brain" they should be able to steer you in the right direction once they know wwhat you want to do...how much you want to spend...etc.

good luck

 

[Poohbear5]

Google Just Imagine Tours Karyn Fallon.
She's a small business, guarantees 24 hour service (such as if you plane is delayed/cancelled, your room is not right, call her and she'll take care of it for you.)

 

[nunzia]

We went to an all inclusive in Mexico..Playa del Carmen...through AA vacations that included airfare. We stayed at Iberostar Queztal and it was wonderful. Just beautiful locale, very nice resort.
There are so many nice AI there, you could probably pick any one of them and be happy.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

You can try:

apple vacations
funjet
beachdestinations
orbitz
travelocity
expedia

We booked our June trip to Riveria Maya through expedia, we were just able to get the best price through them. And their cancelation insurance is really cheap for a full refund, something I wanted with kids and stuff, never know when they will get sick.

We are just like you, we lay on the beach all day and read, eat and drink. We leave the resort once or twice to shop or something. This will be our 3rd trip to Cancun, this time we are staying at Marina El Cid, in Puerto Morelos just outside Cancun. We absolutely love it there!

 

[tracycd2]

If you do decide to go to the Dominican Republic,

We can reccommend the south coast- La Romanna.
"Dreams" La Romanna
The water there is the beautiful clear water of the carribean.
Great if you like snorkling.
We have been to this resort twice.
I can't reccommend a travel service as we are from Canada,
But I have heard a lot of people saying good things about "Cheapcarribean.com"

 

[JennSaint]

DH turns 50 next month, I am researching thurs to mon get aways for end of feb/beginning of march.

What I am finding is it is cheaper to book a package (less than 2K) vs. build my own. I have looked at expedia, travelocity, kayak however the best fares w/air are coming up on "allinclusives.com" - does anyone have any feedback on this site.

Am looking at most likely Dominican Republic, DH is a lay in the sun do nothing kind of guy so we will not be leaving the resort, the thought of wearing flip flops and laying in the sun is heavenly!

Anyone who has any recommendations on resorts, other islands (however Jamaica is out, this a 2nd marriage for us and in our prior lives we both honeymooned there - we are trying to make new memories and new places for us!). Recommendations on who to book with, etc.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Have you checked cheapcaribbean.com??
We used that site to book our Turks & Caicos trip and had no problems!

 

[DisneyDreams4P&B]

We just booked our 2nd honeymoon (10th anniversary), in May at Barcelo Maya Palace. RT from atlanta to Cancun and our all inclusive is on the Riveria Maya. 5 nights all inclusive for $1359. we got it through Orbitz.