All Inclusive Resort Daily Fees - Is it really a better deal?

[sandynow]

I've been searching for a resort for my daughter for her honeymoon. Their choice of locations is either Jamaica or Dominican Republic. The resorts that I have seen have daily all inclusive fees that are all in the $250-$300 range. That is per person, which seems high to me but I really don't know. Does anyone know how this compares to just booking the resort yourself? I would love to give them the week for their honeymoon but they would be paying the all inclusive fees. If it's not really a deal then I may as well hold on to the week. What is everyone's experience with, or opinion on this?

 

[VacationForever]

I don't know if Costco Travel still has the same deal and for the date that you need. My friends went to Jamaica on an all inclusive through Costco for less than $1000 per person for the week, and I think that even included airfare from the east coast. They said they had full ocean view and food was good.

 

[alwysonvac]

There are lots of old threads regarding this topic

Here's one from January 2015 - http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221907&highlight=Inclusive

 

[BevL]

I think if you review the old threads - you can Google search from the home page for "All Inclusive," you'll find that the general opinion is that you can get a package deal including flight and resort for cheaper than getting your own flight, giving up a week, paying an exchange fee and all inclusive fees.

It could be considered the reason that a good number of all inclusive resorts are available on getaways and extra vacation weeks.

 

[jlp879]

AI trades through II - not a deal at all

If your daughter is looking to DR or Jamaica for a AI type honeymoon, the best bet would be to book with one travel consolidators that include airfare in the price. Check out CheapCarribean.com or Apple Vacations as well as Costco.

Much better value there. Save your week for a different holiday.

Using an II exchange, you have to give up your week, pay the exchange fee, pay approximately $2800 up front in food and drink costs and then add on the cost of the airfare. Not a deal at all.

 

[bobpark56]

It depends on the time of year

AI rates vary with the time of year, with Xmas-Apr being the highest.

To put your rates in perspective, we stay at one or the other of the 2 Sandos resorts in Playa del Carmen every fall for $76-86 per day per person. But the we are owners...staying in a 1BR unit. Rates are cheaper in some other units, but higher overall for non-owners.

 

[sandynow]

Thank you!

Thanks everyone! I just did a search (probably should had done that BEFORE I posted!) It sounds like the general consensus is that it's better to hold on to our week and book AI vacations another way.