All-Inclusive Exchange

[nycjimster]

I looked at exchanging to all-inclusive resorts (mostly in Mexico), but it does not seem to make financial sense. The all-inclusive charges are over the top ($200 per person per night). Wondering if I am missing anything? Does anybody exchange to these all-inclusive resorts? Or is it better just to booked directly to the resort or similar all-inclusive resorts at a fraction of the price?

 

[tschwa2]

I think most people do not. The exchange companies don't care. If someone does exchange or purchase as a getaway, they win. They can put the nice resorts in their catalogs and salespeople at resorts can point to them while being vague about any additional AI fees. Sometimes even though high, it is even higher booking other ways. I have seen some with $3500 Mandatory AI fees that you can purchase as a getaway for $299 so $3800 total out of pocket and booking directly for 2 would have been $4400 for the same week. I wouldn't pay $4400 or even $3800 for the week but there are some that may.

 

[HudsHut]

You are correct. It never makes sense to EXCHANGE your week for an All-Inclusive. On II, the AI weeks can be purchased either as a Getaway (cash rental) or with the Accommodation Certificate ($299 or $229 redemption fee). The AI fees are paid directly to the AI Resort.

The AI resorts use II as another method of advertising. They offer every week of the year via II Exchange and Getaway, knowing that very few will be taken.

Novice II members then complain that "all resorts in the Caribbean are AI resorts". Since hundreds or thousands of weeks were deposited for each AI resort, the AI weeks remain in online inventory until they expire. Conversely, the non-AI resorts were matched by ongoing search requests, or are quickly taken if they do pop up in online inventory.

 

[geist1223]

If you are interested in a week at an AI in Mexico try Costco Travel. They have good deals that include airfare, AI Charges, transportation to and from Airport, etc.

 

[Shankilicious]

From what I've looked into in the DR and some Mexico AI resorts, it's definitely cheaper to book through Expedia or the like with combined airfare. There are a few exceptions but you're only gonna save a couple hundred at most. And like other have said, I wouldn't exchange my week/points for it. Do a getaway or AC.