I'm a seasoned traveler having travelled across Mexico by bus alone for several months while in my 50's and some of the comments in the video and below made me want to write. All-inclusives are not just for sissies. Because of their incredible value and wonderful service, they make great base-camps if you want to go off exploring for a few days. Sometimes a vacation is just about relaxing and unwinding so none of us should feel that we've missed out if we simply enjoy the beach for our entire vacation without experiencing the culture. Hotels, by nature, aren't going to have local people staying in them. Not just all-inclusive resorts. If you do want to explore, the resort will be happy to help you on day-trips plus they have visiting reps who can sell you everything from major ruins-exploration, to museums, shows and zip-lines in the jungle. The food. It's hard to prepare a meal to please all family members so imagine trying to please palates from different cultures from all over the world. Many of the resorts have a Mexican restaurant with local dishes. What we think of as Mexican food in the U.S. isn't what authentic Mexican food actually tastes like. Our disappointment is sometimes that the food isn't what we expected rather than it not being "authentic". How we experience Mexican is different from what someone in China thinks is Mexican. Resort foods are sometimes somewhat indistinct but still quite good. You can always add lemon, salsa, sauces, etc. Things not included are made clear to us at check in and are in writing in the info packets they give us. The resorts are doing quite well financially and don't need to try to sneak a few extra bucks out of us only to have to listen to us complain. They are not "shifty" about add-ons. If they have a specialty restaurant that serves pricier dishes, rather than up everyone's rate, they just charge the people who want that little extra. Most of us do fine with all the restaurants that are included. I've never seen spa services included. Again, only those who want those service pay for it. Sorry this turned out so long but I have strong feelings about much of this.
Amelia Wilfinger I like what you added. My husband and I are turning 50 this April and would like to find an all inclusive to celebrate. He is physically limited requiring crutches, which (gladly) turns me into a pack mule. We just want to relax, and possibly avoid a godzillion screaming and unhappy little kids.
Nice work. Like Judy said, some resorts don't do wristbands. I've stayed at Secrets and Sandals in Jamaica, and at both places they learn who you are right away...and they often address you by name when they see you. It makes for an extra enjoyable time.
I'm in my 30s and have stayed in an all-inclusive in Cabo, a vacation rental in Playa del Carmen and an Airbnb recently near Puerto Vallarta. While I can appreciate the desire to want to just lay by a pool and be served all day while on vacation, I wouldn't want to do that for more than a few days, especially not consecutively. For that plus the isolation factor, bland food and, typically, poor quality hard alcohol, I wouldn't book more than a few consecutive nights at an all-inclusive, if at all. All-inclusives seem best for families and less adventurous types. If you have any desire to venture out but also want the ease of an all-inclusive while not paying for extra services you don't need/want, I'd spend the first 2-3 nights at an AI, and then maybe the rest at, still a nice hotel, but with more local flair that will allow you to venture out more easily and experience more local cuisine and perhaps be more accessible to more reasonably-priced activities than what an AI concierge might offer. As a side note, if you're looking to rent a place while on vacation, I wouldn't use Airbnb again - it's not quite vacation-y enough. VRBO was great and seemed to have better options for folks looking for a more relaxed, yet authentic and somewhat pampered vacation experience.
Thank you so much for making this video! I am really glad you talked about both pros and cons on all inclusive hotels in Cancun. I have never been to Cancun so this was so helpful to me.
Mark, everytime i go to an all inclusive resort, i get like 100-$1 dollar bills cause all the employees at the resort go the extra mile when u need help and their salary is not even close to our minimum wage
So glad I found your channel. I am moving from AU to Europe next year as an exchange student and you've helped me plan sooo much already just from watching your videos. Thank-you Wolter :D :D
Nice video. Haven't actually been on a all inclusive vacation before but we do cruise every year. Just this past march we were on a excursion in Aruba and fell in love with this DePalm area and how guests could go there all day. It was amazing but we were only there for like 7 hours. I want to go back but this time go to an aruba all inclusive, stay a few days to scuba 3 times, visit DePalm, and then go back. Thanks for the great comments. I wasn't sure what to fully expect.
What I like about when we hit up an all inclusive is the fact that we know what we are spending before we leave. My wife and I always pick one that has everything incuded, our only hidden costs is what ever excursions we want to take if we want or tips that we leave when we get great service. In 4 months we will be hitting the beaches again, not sure where as of yet though. Great videos btw.
that is a good thing. the initial sticker price can scare people but when you factor in the fact that you don't pay for the dinners and drinks extra then the price does not seem so shocking
Thanks Mark. Glad I found this video. Jenni and I are going on our first all-inclusive vacation next week for our 30th Anniversary. Great points and lots of help. Love to J.
I love that we don't have to leave the protected / safe resort grounds for a good time. We also appreciate not needing to pull out the credit card or wear a wristband where we go *Excellence and Secrets Resorts. I HATE having loud, falling down, sick drunks around me. Refuse to go during Spring Break. Would really appreciate those who go with their 'work' / corporate friends, act like they're not 18 yr olds without their parents.
Thank you so much for this video, we’re getting ready to go to an all inclusive in October, it’s nice to know what to be prepared for. Thank you thank you. It was so helpful.❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much for all your videos, they're amazing! There are so many videos about travelling out there but yours are really reflecting the real view on things and advices are for everyone, not only for certain travellers, but also for families which is great, so helpful-keep going Mark!
Sandy K thank you sand. I really appreciate it. Comments like yours help me realize we are helping out real people going on real trips :) Thank you! all the best on your travels!
I've been to 6 all-inclusives in the RM and NEVER got watered down drinks. Also, if you go to any of their web sites it will tell you that the SPA is NOT included. As far as the bracelets, I started going to the higher end resorts where they are not used.
What I love about all inclusives is that I can go to a bar and get extra drinks and offer it the the ladies I meet on the beach. I look all generous without killing my wallet!
Good tips, BUT...wrong on the food and drinks, at the Moon Palace the drinks are NOT watered down unless you allow your ice to melt and the food is fantastic. Agree with you on being familiar with the resort...get to know it. We have been going to the Moon Palace for 12 years (Every year) actually going in two months...LOVE The MOON PALACE!
I just stayed at the Excellence playa Majures in Sept, and it's so nice, the staff is amazing. You can eat and. Drink all day and night. They have a lobster house that's so good makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Great live entertainment. Great drinks. Oh how I miss that place. They definitely earned that #1 spot. They're the best! Treated us like royalty!!
James Zurawski Guess it depends on where one stays, I've never experienced that sales pitch at one. Maybe if you told them this is your last fling before serving ten to twenty for bank fraud they would leave you alone?
Wonderful tips! As a cruiseaholic I am saddened by the erosion of cruise line service while adding another fee per minute. Hence looking towards trying an all inclusive in the near future. You informed videos are very helpful, appears that all inclusive may be what cruising once was.
I've been to the Yucatan several times and all inclusives are great for the reasons you describe, but I do find myself getting bored by day three, and wanting to leave the bubble of the resort to explore the culture and country. I have found it safe to leave the resort (with safety in mind, never walking or traveling alone especially at night like you would anywhere) and have made my way to XCaret by taxi and into Playa del Carmen by foot, and have rented a scooter to explore Cozumel Island - no problem (you can barter on the price, like everything else). I have found Altournative Tours to be the best in terms of a combination of eco-adventure and cultural excursions. I highly recommend exploring the ruins. And taking in the night show at XCaret ecoadventure park. (BTW, I've been to both Chichen Itza and Coba, and climbed those ruins, and those pictures are accurate, not sure what the guy below is talking about... Tulum is on the ocean…). As for eating off the resort, I have done that too! Just be smart about it. We were recommended a nice little hole in the wall restaurant and had the best authentic meal and the best sangria! I've also tried mayan cuisine as part of a Altournative Tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. So don't be afraid to explore! Mexico is a beautiful country. Have fun and be safe!
What drive me crazy at those all inclusives are those peoples that put a towel on a lawn chair to reserve it for the day, even if they will use it only a few hours.
Really enjoyed your video. Wife and I are about to book at noon palace for December of this year. First time ever.....so a little scared for the right place!
If you have kids or a family then all inclusive is amazing as you don't have to worry. If your going self catering then you have to pay for everything and if you run out of money then you are stuck
I've enjoyed a couple all inclusives on both coasts of Mexico. From my experience the only real irritation you missed was the sales pitch. Quite a number of the all inclusives sell multiple vacations paid up front or time shares on their property. some of these can be pretty high pressure. Other than that, I loved particularly one resort in Puerto Vallarta where there were cabs waiting in front to take you down to older parts of town or the Malecon if you want to hit the touristy areas. Of course when you come back, all inclusive. Thanks for the video
I am been in Hardrock, and all the drinks have a lot alcohol, also in your room you have 4 big bottles of alcohol, Tequila, Rum, Whisky, etc., also they have 7 restaurant from all the places, mexican, buffet, brazil, italy, etc.
Hey Walter, YOu get to know the culture, but you have to leave the hotel. In Cancun you can take the bus for cheap and such. What I do is I will ask the locals where to go and I speak Spanish and that's how I get around. It can be isolating, but if you leave the hotel it's great. I prefer Acapulco becuase there are more locals from there. I also did All inclusive in Jamaica and it was really nice. We left the hotel and did things outside. Once you leave the hotel and go with the locals, the all inclusive is pretty lame..
+Tiffany Blake-Anttonen I was leaving most days as I got bored of the watered down drinks. it was so much fun getting out and exploring. though the all inclusinves sometimes make it tough to actually leave, did you ever notice that?
Thanking you for posting all of these tips! My husband and I are thinking about trying an all inclusive resort. I just can't decide which resort to go to. Typical chick problem - changing my mine a lot. ❤️
Never went on a big vacation. But next year is our 25th anniversary,. Suggestions on where to go. We want a beach, nice water, ala carte, unlimitied drinks
I just got back from the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun. It was AMAZING! I am a bland food eater (due to digestive issues) and I didn't find the food all that bland at all. In fact one night in particular, at "Spice" (the buffet), just about everything that I would eat had plenty of onion and garlic. The host that night arranged to get me a bowl of steamed rice and a plain, grilled chicken breast. The amenities, decor, staff, services, etc. were unbelievably wonderful. It was the nicest, cleanest resort/All-Inclusive that I have stayed in.
The key is to take the local bus, there are plenty of them route 2 will take you to Cancun City, cuz when you are in Cancun HOtel zone you don't interact with the locals, plust the real good seafood restaurants are in Cancun the city, not the Hotel zone.
I disagree about the food I thought it was great we were there for 6 days and we loved it I did not get tired of it at all. I thought the food was one of the best parts of the trip
Good info. IMHO, All Inclusives are for people who want to drink and never leave the resort (possibly because they are afraid to). The best thing about these vacations is getting OFF the resort and experiencing a foreign country. When we go to Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Tenerife, etc (we don't really bother with Cancun, which is pretty much an Americanized/Disneyland version of Mexico), we use the resort as a place to sleep and we spend most of our time discovering the culture of the country and mingling with the locals (other than the waiters and maids). And places like Puerto Vallarta have countless amazing restaurants in town that will all be missed by those who take all their meals on the resort. Forget All Inclusives. It's not the way to go if you want a real vacation experience.
I am a traveler, along with my two older brothers. My experience for the first time at Excellence Playa Mujeres, was extremely isolated, however, we were there for a wedding, so I had no reason to travel off resort (also being that it was too difficult). Never experienced the wristband issue there. Being that it was Cancun, I had NO need, or want to go off resort. But If I were to go to an area, I would most likely not go all inclusive, as I would want to experience the culture. I guess it just depends on the location you are going to. Puerta Vallarta may be an area I would avoid all inclusive, especially the way you have described it. ( I am a foodie, so I would want to get out and taste test!)
A couple of years ago! I got to an all inclusive in Cabo & I went on a couple of amazing trips part of a family trip! Went zip lining & snorkeling! Both activities were amazing! Wish my sister would've wanted to go as well!
We recently did Sandals in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and we went out every single day, organised our excursions (Dunn River Falls, Nine Mile) independently and got to meet some wonderful and interesting people. The resort was brilliant, don't get me wrong, but you can only drink and eat so much before it gets monotonous.
Hey I love your vids. We are from England and we love going to Cancun. We have been to Cancun 3 times and stay at the Riu Palace Peninsula. The staff there are fantastic. The only 2 things I dont like about the Cancun is where every stall or Market sells the exact same items and when Time shares always bug you with the same deals and say they are cheaper than anyone else. The all inclusive meals to me are not bland at all. As a person who lives in England travelling to a Mexican resort and to try American buffet food or Mexican food in the A La Carte restaurants in the hotel is fantastic. The taste is splendid. The alcohol at this hotel that we stay in is not watered down. In fact they do make the drinks alot stronger We are going back to Cancun in January 2016. :)
Walters World & Claire - We are planning our 30th Anniversary trip. We are trying to figure out the best place to stay. Did you stay at this same hotel the 2nd time? We basically want a higher end hotel that has rooms where you can walk right out onto the beach, swim up poolbar and prefer an adults only property or one that has an adult section. Has to have sand beach and shoreline not rocky.
I have always stayed at the Riu Palce Peninsula. The hotel we gp to has everything we love. www.riu.com/en/Paises/mexico/cancun/hotel-riu-palace-peninsula/Carole Lavrisa
Another disadvantage is that you need to forfeit a meal if you venture out into town to do something on your own for the day. You may not want to forfeit the value that you’ve already paid for.
Love your videos and as a first timer to AI they have been helpful. I do want to ask if there is a place we can get the schedule of what we can use our room/resort points on at Moon Palace? It doesn't make sense to me for it to be given to us when we check in; might want a spa on day of arrival. We are traveling in July 2014 for son's wedding and can't wait.
Although I usually prefer other places then all inclusive.. When I travel with my family anywhere in the Caribbean..I LOVE all inclusives :) Thanks for the tips though!!
Have you ever gone to the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya(Cancún) ? I was thinking about going and the reviews are great just wanted to see if you’d ever been and your thoughts...
I love how informative your videos are! Since youve visited allot of places maybe you can answer my question. I have a child that will be a teenager in 3 months, I wanted to take her somewhere special, fun but not expensive. Any suggestions?
Mia, I've never been to the east coast of Mexico, but I have found that on the Pacific side, I have the best luck last week of April first week of May. It is after all spring breaks have ended and before any summer breaks have started. This is also the end of the dry season before hurricane season kicks in. Even if their isn't a hurricane it still rains often and is uncomfortably humid. If I wanted to deal with that, I'd just go to Florida in August for cheap.
Hi! I was wondering if they usually offer life jackets, floaties and other water safety stuff for the little kids? Or should we bring our own? Thank you, we have enjoyed your videos prior our first visit to an all inclusive in Cancun.
jamaica is never shy with the alcohol. many times on my trip i had to get a new drink cuz the one they made me was wayyyyyy too strong. all rum and a shot of coke for colour haha Good tips in the video!
Johanna Yarema hey im jamaican but i have friends going and since im from there im no expert on hotels. my friends want fun plus nice accomodations. hedonism is fun but crappy rooms.
amazing entertainment at riu. Dont waste money splurging on the adults only side as there is no entertainment over there. they must walk across to the all ages one for any watersports and entertainment
Johanna Yarema great. Food is good? Another thing i hear about hedonism from my fellow jamaicans. The food is authentic and excellent. Think riu will be my pick
The reason why the alcoholic drinks are watered down is because the drinks are basically free, its included in the vacation package. However, if you pay for drinks separately, they might add more alcohol.
You are going to the wrong all-inclusive resort. Try Sandals many locations. Adult only, great beaches great and varied food, top shelf alcohol for the asking, lots of optional (charged) off-resort tours you can book at the resort, free hobie cats, kayaks, snorkling, free scuba if or after you are certified (they can train you - extra charge), most are English speaking countries, and most locations are reasonably safe off-resort unlike Mexico.
We are going to to on our first all inclusive to Puerto Vallarta July 2014, with my family. Should I call the hotel and find out what is and isn't incuded in their all inclusive?
good points as always. You know at the end of the day its about expectations. Don't go to an all inclusive if you want that authentic back packing marauding unplanned experience. But if you wanna spend some dough and go vacation American style (going to a nice hotel in an exotic country and never leave the hotel) by all means. It's a blast. FOOD BOOZE AND BABES. by the way. if you want strong drinks in mexico, the expression used is..."para los hombres" a bit macho but they, thats latin culture
lebo bhoy Awesome! Congratulations! we have a 5 love and hate cancun video as well that might give you a few more ideas too! all the best on the wedding and honeymoon
I've been to very good, and 1 or 2 'not so good' all inclusive resorts in Mexico. Stay away from the cheap places. I've 'never' had watered down booze! I watch them unseal the Don Julio, and it's just like the tequila I buy at home at Total Wine. Some places have specialized restaurants that have varied menus depending on the day, and they can be very good. While others the food is just, food. You do not have to go on a sales tour; I refuse to, and so my wife and I don't, though obviously as members of El Cid, we had (when we purchased a few years ago). My one gripe about these places is that they blast the music, and it penetrates your unit. So, if you don't like being woken from a nap, better ask for a condo far away from the pool areas. If it were (for example)Mexican instrumental music I might tolerate it more, but blasting loud obnoxious American modern screaming (can't understand what the woman is singing anyway) music is 'to me' very irritating. We go away to these places to try and get away from all the noises. And, so yes I prefer it to be quiet. I want tranquility. I want to hear the waves on the shore, not be drowned out by LOUD American pop music! We go away to have our batteries re-charged, not to have them drained!
Bambas Deforesra I can understand that feeling. I liked the one I was at but didn't feel like I was really in mexico. so I basically went out everyday to go see things.
+Sharma R We are planning a trip there in early June and would like to hear from someone who has actually been there. How likely would you be to visit again? What was you experience like? Food, Entertainment, ect..
+Scott Davis I am very likely to visit again, the service was very good and everyone was freindly. The food was very good at most restaurants, however at the asian one, our food was lukewarm. The entertainement is very good for adults/teens but there is not much besides a kids club for children. The overall experience was very good, amd you can ask them for top shelf liquor at no charge also ;). The beach bar seemed to be the busiest. Lastly, (this mightve been because it was the winter) but the beach wasnt the nicest when we went there. However, if you walk maybe 5-10 mins to the left of the resort (facing the ocean) there is a BEAUTIFUL lagoon that was always warm :)).
for couples, Sandals is the way to go - any location, although between St. Lucia or Jamaica - pick St. Lucia for greater feel of safety off resort. St. Lucia also has a resort on the north end that is cool for singles or couples while Jamaica has Hedonism (never been there and realistically never will) which also is couples or singles. But again, I repeat - Sandals!!!!
I'm a seasoned traveler having travelled across Mexico by bus alone for several months while in my 50's and some of the comments in the video and below made me want to write. All-inclusives are not just for sissies. Because of their incredible value and wonderful service, they make great base-camps if you want to go off exploring for a few days. Sometimes a vacation is just about relaxing and unwinding so none of us should feel that we've missed out if we simply enjoy the beach for our entire vacation without experiencing the culture. Hotels, by nature, aren't going to have local people staying in them. Not just all-inclusive resorts. If you do want to explore, the resort will be happy to help you on day-trips plus they have visiting reps who can sell you everything from major ruins-exploration, to museums, shows and zip-lines in the jungle. The food. It's hard to prepare a meal to please all family members so imagine trying to please palates from different cultures from all over the world. Many of the resorts have a Mexican restaurant with local dishes. What we think of as Mexican food in the U.S. isn't what authentic Mexican food actually tastes like. Our disappointment is sometimes that the food isn't what we expected rather than it not being "authentic". How we experience Mexican is different from what someone in China thinks is Mexican. Resort foods are sometimes somewhat indistinct but still quite good. You can always add lemon, salsa, sauces, etc. Things not included are made clear to us at check in and are in writing in the info packets they give us. The resorts are doing quite well financially and don't need to try to sneak a few extra bucks out of us only to have to listen to us complain. They are not "shifty" about add-ons. If they have a specialty restaurant that serves pricier dishes, rather than up everyone's rate, they just charge the people who want that little extra. Most of us do fine with all the restaurants that are included. I've never seen spa services included. Again, only those who want those service pay for it. Sorry this turned out so long but I have strong feelings about much of this.
Amelia Wilfinger I like what you added. My husband and I are turning 50 this April and would like to find an all inclusive to celebrate. He is physically limited requiring crutches, which (gladly) turns me into a pack mule. We just want to relax, and possibly avoid a godzillion screaming and unhappy little kids.
I've been to all-inclusive in Jamaica and never had these problems. It was all great
Nice work. Like Judy said, some resorts don't do wristbands. I've stayed at Secrets and Sandals in Jamaica, and at both places they learn who you are right away...and they often address you by name when they see you. It makes for an extra enjoyable time.
thanks for the heads up steve. much appreciated!
Wolters World dude u r awesome. I'm glad u enjoy our country. people like u r always welcome
Steve Gray I
well, I am glad that you are getting to watch now :) thanks for the sub and watching!
I'm in my 30s and have stayed in an all-inclusive in Cabo, a vacation rental in Playa del Carmen and an Airbnb recently near Puerto Vallarta. While I can appreciate the desire to want to just lay by a pool and be served all day while on vacation, I wouldn't want to do that for more than a few days, especially not consecutively. For that plus the isolation factor, bland food and, typically, poor quality hard alcohol, I wouldn't book more than a few consecutive nights at an all-inclusive, if at all. All-inclusives seem best for families and less adventurous types. If you have any desire to venture out but also want the ease of an all-inclusive while not paying for extra services you don't need/want, I'd spend the first 2-3 nights at an AI, and then maybe the rest at, still a nice hotel, but with more local flair that will allow you to venture out more easily and experience more local cuisine and perhaps be more accessible to more reasonably-priced activities than what an AI concierge might offer. As a side note, if you're looking to rent a place while on vacation, I wouldn't use Airbnb again - it's not quite vacation-y enough. VRBO was great and seemed to have better options for folks looking for a more relaxed, yet authentic and somewhat pampered vacation experience.
All inclusive is the only way to go. Just booked 15 days at a 5 star all inclusive in Cancun. Going to be absolutely amazing!
Thank you so much for making this video! I am really glad you talked about both pros and cons on all inclusive hotels in Cancun. I have never been to Cancun so this was so helpful to me.
glad we could help :)
Mark, everytime i go to an all inclusive resort, i get like 100-$1 dollar bills cause all the employees at the resort go the extra mile when u need help and their salary is not even close to our minimum wage
yeah, the people at my resort on this trip were crazy awesome helpful.
So glad I found your channel. I am moving from AU to Europe next year as an exchange student and you've helped me plan sooo much already just from watching your videos. Thank-you Wolter :D :D
Nice video. Haven't actually been on a all inclusive vacation before but we do cruise every year. Just this past march we were on a excursion in Aruba and fell in love with this DePalm area and how guests could go there all day. It was amazing but we were only there for like 7 hours. I want to go back but this time go to an aruba all inclusive, stay a few days to scuba 3 times, visit DePalm, and then go back. Thanks for the great comments. I wasn't sure what to fully expect.
again..this guy's awsome
What I like about when we hit up an all inclusive is the fact that we know what we are spending before we leave. My wife and I always pick one that has everything incuded, our only hidden costs is what ever excursions we want to take if we want or tips that we leave when we get great service. In 4 months we will be hitting the beaches again, not sure where as of yet though. Great videos btw.
that is a good thing. the initial sticker price can scare people but when you factor in the fact that you don't pay for the dinners and drinks extra then the price does not seem so shocking
Going to Cancun January 2018 staying at The Grand Sens..Thank you for the info on all your videos as we are first timers at all inclusive
Thank you for the Info. My husband and I were thinking of going to one. This helps us a lot
Thanks Mark. Glad I found this video. Jenni and I are going on our first all-inclusive vacation next week for our 30th Anniversary. Great points and lots of help. Love to J.
I love that we don't have to leave the protected / safe resort grounds for a good time. We also appreciate not needing to pull out the credit card or wear a wristband where we go *Excellence and Secrets Resorts. I HATE having loud, falling down, sick drunks around me. Refuse to go during Spring Break. Would really appreciate those who go with their 'work' / corporate friends, act like they're not 18 yr olds without their parents.
Mary Richter Some all inclusives refuse spring breakers, read up before you sign up. They clearly state that if that's the case.
Thank you so much for this video, we’re getting ready to go to an all inclusive in October, it’s nice to know what to be prepared for. Thank you thank you. It was so helpful.❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much for all your videos, they're amazing! There are so many videos about travelling out there but yours are really reflecting the real view on things and advices are for everyone, not only for certain travellers, but also for families which is great, so helpful-keep going Mark!
Sandy K thank you sand. I really appreciate it. Comments like yours help me realize we are helping out real people going on real trips :) Thank you! all the best on your travels!
I've been to 6 all-inclusives in the RM and NEVER got watered down drinks. Also, if you go to any of their web sites it will tell you that the SPA is NOT included. As far as the bracelets, I started going to the higher end resorts where they are not used.
Mark Goatley good to know. thanks Mark!
we went last year to a all inclusive. what i loved was NO WRIST BAND! We will be going back cause of service, beach, staff....
What I love about all inclusives is that I can go to a bar and get extra drinks and offer it the the ladies I meet on the beach. I look all generous without killing my wallet!
Good tips, BUT...wrong on the food and drinks, at the Moon Palace the drinks are NOT watered down unless you allow your ice to melt and the food is fantastic. Agree with you on being familiar with the resort...get to know it. We have been going to the Moon Palace for 12 years (Every year) actually going in two months...LOVE The MOON PALACE!
This dudes the man!
thanks matt ;)
I really like your videos, tons and tons of free, vital travel information. Greetings from Finland! :)
ole hyvaa :) you are very welcome. glad we could help!
I just stayed at the Excellence playa Majures in Sept, and it's so nice, the staff is amazing. You can eat and. Drink all day and night. They have a lobster house that's so good makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Great live entertainment. Great drinks. Oh how I miss that place. They definitely earned that #1 spot. They're the best! Treated us like royalty!!
I'm going in October! Any tips? And did you book your flight through them?
you are very welcome
The Moon Palace is an awesome resort. We learned the ins and outs over over 5 trips there. You really do need to look at the reviews.
Great Explanations about the good n bad about all inclusive reports!! Thanks for tips,, will take ur advice in our next trip to Moon Palace! !
1 More "hate" . Time share sales people (some resorts) non stop for your entire stay !! Love your videos by the way. Great job !
James Zurawski Guess it depends on where one stays, I've never experienced that sales pitch at one. Maybe if you told them this is your last fling before serving ten to twenty for bank fraud they would leave you alone?
hahaha Never thought of that !!!
Watch out for the Timeshare Presentation, avoid it if not interested...
Thanks for the video!! Going to the moon palace soon!! Can't wait!! Very helpful video!!
Tristan Harms you are very welcome :) I liked the place (it is where I was staying)
Wonderful tips! As a cruiseaholic I am saddened by the erosion of cruise line service while adding another fee per minute. Hence looking towards trying an all inclusive in the near future. You informed videos are very helpful, appears that all inclusive may be what cruising once was.
Hey do you have any direct messenger I would like to chat about some things with you email me marioqk@yahoo.com
I'm glad I came across this vid. Planning a return trip to Cancun this time at an all inclusive. Simple and informative. Thanks.
Martin Parrish glad we can help :) have a great trip!
you can visit belize that is right beside mexico and taste the cold belikin beers and travellers rum....enjoy the cayes etc.
You mention on how you can ask for non watered down drinks - but you don't actually state how to do it. So - what is the secret? :)
I always just ask for an extra shot. They always give it to you
you just ask - the clue is in your question, fuckwit.
Wow. Natalie is one salty bitter meat bag. Thanks to Jennifer and Eric for being useful mammals.
@@nataliewallace3836 horribly rude.
I've been to the Yucatan several times and all inclusives are great for the reasons you describe, but I do find myself getting bored by day three, and wanting to leave the bubble of the resort to explore the culture and country. I have found it safe to leave the resort (with safety in mind, never walking or traveling alone especially at night like you would anywhere) and have made my way to XCaret by taxi and into Playa del Carmen by foot, and have rented a scooter to explore Cozumel Island - no problem (you can barter on the price, like everything else). I have found Altournative Tours to be the best in terms of a combination of eco-adventure and cultural excursions. I highly recommend exploring the ruins. And taking in the night show at XCaret ecoadventure park. (BTW, I've been to both Chichen Itza and Coba, and climbed those ruins, and those pictures are accurate, not sure what the guy below is talking about... Tulum is on the ocean…). As for eating off the resort, I have done that too! Just be smart about it. We were recommended a nice little hole in the wall restaurant and had the best authentic meal and the best sangria! I've also tried mayan cuisine as part of a Altournative Tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. So don't be afraid to explore! Mexico is a beautiful country. Have fun and be safe!
Wow you sound so shocked that you got out of your hotel. Yes that’s what people do when they travel. They transport from place to place independently.
What drive me crazy at those all inclusives are those peoples that put a towel on a lawn chair to reserve it for the day, even if they will use it only a few hours.
Thanks for all the tips, am excited for our first trip to Cancun so this helps!!
I love your videos, they are the best! Very intriguing ☺️
Really enjoyed your video. Wife and I are about to book at noon palace for December of this year. First time ever.....so a little scared for the right place!
If you have kids or a family then all inclusive is amazing as you don't have to worry. If your going self catering then you have to pay for everything and if you run out of money then you are stuck
I've enjoyed a couple all inclusives on both coasts of Mexico. From my experience the only real irritation you missed was the sales pitch. Quite a number of the all inclusives sell multiple vacations paid up front or time shares on their property. some of these can be pretty high pressure. Other than that, I loved particularly one resort in Puerto Vallarta where there were cabs waiting in front to take you down to older parts of town or the Malecon if you want to hit the touristy areas. Of course when you come back, all inclusive. Thanks for the video
spot on my friend all inclusive means watered down drinks ,bland food and in the middle of no where
I am been in Hardrock, and all the drinks have a lot alcohol, also in your room you have 4 big bottles of alcohol, Tequila, Rum, Whisky, etc., also they have 7 restaurant from all the places, mexican, buffet, brazil, italy, etc.
Hey Walter,
YOu get to know the culture, but you have to leave the hotel. In Cancun you can take the bus for cheap and such. What I do is I will ask the locals where to go and I speak Spanish and that's how I get around. It can be isolating, but if you leave the hotel it's great. I prefer Acapulco becuase there are more locals from there. I also did All inclusive in Jamaica and it was really nice. We left the hotel and did things outside. Once you leave the hotel and go with the locals, the all inclusive is pretty lame..
+Tiffany Blake-Anttonen I was leaving most days as I got bored of the watered down drinks. it was so much fun getting out and exploring. though the all inclusinves sometimes make it tough to actually leave, did you ever notice that?
Thanking you for posting all of these tips! My husband and I are thinking about trying an all inclusive resort. I just can't decide which resort to go to. Typical chick problem - changing my mine a lot. ❤️
I prefer the traditional HALF BOARD, when staying in a good hotel. That has more "style" and quality I think.
Thanks, that is very helpful. I have considered all inclusive but I wasn't sure what to ask about.
I was on all inclusive on dominican republic. But we was out on tour too and saw little bit of the contry
Never went on a big vacation. But next year is our 25th anniversary,. Suggestions on where to go. We want a beach, nice water, ala carte, unlimitied drinks
Thank you for sharing, even in 2017 this is very helpful....you are awesome
Nice video and a lot of good tips, I'll keep them in mind!! thanks
thank you so much for your information about all inclusive resorts. Thinking of taking one in May 2015. You answered a lot of my questions.
glad to hear we could help :)
I just got back from the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun. It was AMAZING! I am a bland food eater (due to digestive issues) and I didn't find the food all that bland at all. In fact one night in particular, at "Spice" (the buffet), just about everything that I would eat had plenty of onion and garlic. The host that night arranged to get me a bowl of steamed rice and a plain, grilled chicken breast. The amenities, decor, staff, services, etc. were unbelievably wonderful. It was the nicest, cleanest resort/All-Inclusive that I have stayed in.
The key is to take the local bus, there are plenty of them route 2 will take you to Cancun City, cuz when you are in Cancun HOtel zone you don't interact with the locals, plust the real good seafood restaurants are in Cancun the city, not the Hotel zone.
I love your reviews! They are so helpful!
thank you!
thanks karlita!
when u eat in the resturant at all-inc...do u get in line for the food or grab what u want?
Love your videos, super helpful and insightful
I disagree about the food I thought it was great we were there for 6 days and we loved it I did not get tired of it at all. I thought the food was one of the best parts of the trip
Mark From Ky where did u stay?
How safe are resort areas? They seem like they'd be safe since they're well staffed and sort of closed off from the neighboring area.
Good info. IMHO, All Inclusives are for people who want to drink and never leave the resort (possibly because they are afraid to). The best thing about these vacations is getting OFF the resort and experiencing a foreign country. When we go to Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Mazatlan, Tenerife, etc (we don't really bother with Cancun, which is pretty much an Americanized/Disneyland version of Mexico), we use the resort as a place to sleep and we spend most of our time discovering the culture of the country and mingling with the locals (other than the waiters and maids). And places like Puerto Vallarta have countless amazing restaurants in town that will all be missed by those who take all their meals on the resort. Forget All Inclusives. It's not the way to go if you want a real vacation experience.
I am a traveler, along with my two older brothers. My experience for the first time at Excellence Playa Mujeres, was extremely isolated, however, we were there for a wedding, so I had no reason to travel off resort (also being that it was too difficult). Never experienced the wristband issue there. Being that it was Cancun, I had NO need, or want to go off resort. But If I were to go to an area, I would most likely not go all inclusive, as I would want to experience the culture. I guess it just depends on the location you are going to.
Puerta Vallarta may be an area I would avoid all inclusive, especially the way you have described it. ( I am a foodie, so I would want to get out and taste test!)
A couple of years ago! I got to an all inclusive in Cabo & I went on a couple of amazing trips part of a family trip! Went zip lining & snorkeling! Both activities were amazing!
Wish my sister would've wanted to go as well!
We recently did Sandals in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and we went out every single day, organised our excursions (Dunn River Falls, Nine Mile) independently and got to meet some wonderful and interesting people. The resort was brilliant, don't get me wrong, but you can only drink and eat so much before it gets monotonous.
Hey I love your vids. We are from England and we love going to Cancun. We have been to Cancun 3 times and stay at the Riu Palace Peninsula. The staff there are fantastic. The only 2 things I dont like about the Cancun is where every stall or Market sells the exact same items and when Time shares always bug you with the same deals and say they are cheaper than anyone else.
The all inclusive meals to me are not bland at all. As a person who lives in England travelling to a Mexican resort and to try American buffet food or Mexican food in the A La Carte restaurants in the hotel is fantastic. The taste is splendid.
The alcohol at this hotel that we stay in is not watered down. In fact they do make the drinks alot stronger
We are going back to Cancun in January 2016.
:)
Walters World & Claire - We are planning our 30th Anniversary trip. We are trying to figure out the best place to stay. Did you stay at this same hotel the 2nd time? We basically want a higher end hotel that has rooms where you can walk right out onto the beach, swim up poolbar and prefer an adults only property or one that has an adult section. Has to have sand beach and shoreline not rocky.
x
I have always stayed at the Riu Palce Peninsula. The hotel we gp to has everything we love. www.riu.com/en/Paises/mexico/cancun/hotel-riu-palace-peninsula/Carole Lavrisa
Another disadvantage is that you need to forfeit a meal if you venture out into town to do something on your own for the day. You may not want to forfeit the value that you’ve already paid for.
Great videos bud we're going for our honeymoon wondering how the weather is mid June
Love your videos and as a first timer to AI they have been helpful. I do want to ask if there is a place we can get the schedule of what we can use our room/resort points on at Moon Palace? It doesn't make sense to me for it to be given to us when we check in; might want a spa on day of arrival. We are traveling in July 2014 for son's wedding and can't wait.
Awesome videos. Very insightful and we'll done!
you are very welcome and thank you. Now go enjoy that all inclusive resort for me ;)
I can't wait to go to Cancun Mexico and enjoy my swim up suite.
that is awesome!
Go to the Royalton Cancun and review it! I’m going in July and getting married there and would like to hear what you thought of the resort
super helpful video! thanks so much for these tips
Lolabunny52092 thanks Lola. hope you have a great time in your all inclusive :)
Although I usually prefer other places then all inclusive.. When I travel with my family anywhere in the Caribbean..I LOVE all inclusives :) Thanks for the tips though!!
You should go to the Cozumel Palace! It is right in the city and all-inclusive!
Have you ever gone to the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya(Cancún) ? I was thinking about going and the reviews are great just wanted to see if you’d ever been and your thoughts...
I love how informative your videos are! Since youve visited allot of places maybe you can answer my question. I have a child that will be a teenager in 3 months, I wanted to take her somewhere special, fun but not expensive. Any suggestions?
what's the best time of year to visit these types of places. I know you mentioned not to go during spring break
Mia, I've never been to the east coast of Mexico, but I have found that on the Pacific side, I have the best luck last week of April first week of May. It is after all spring breaks have ended and before any summer breaks have started. This is also the end of the dry season before hurricane season kicks in. Even if their isn't a hurricane it still rains often and is uncomfortably humid. If I wanted to deal with that, I'd just go to Florida in August for cheap.
Thanks have you gone to Barbados I would like to take the family there which all-inclusive is worth the cost ✌️😎Thanks
Thanks a lot for the video!! It's really helpful.
Hi!
I was wondering if they usually offer life jackets, floaties and other water safety stuff for the little kids? Or should we bring our own?
Thank you, we have enjoyed your videos prior our first visit to an all inclusive in Cancun.
jamaica is never shy with the alcohol. many times on my trip i had to get a new drink cuz the one they made me was wayyyyyy too strong. all rum and a shot of coke for colour haha Good tips in the video!
Johanna Yarema hey im jamaican but i have friends going and since im from there im no expert on hotels. my friends want fun plus nice accomodations. hedonism is fun but crappy rooms.
I really enjoyed the Riu Montego Bay. The grand palladium lady hamilton was ok, but not my fav
Johanna Yarema riu was my pick but i wasn't sure about the entertainment part. Thanks
amazing entertainment at riu. Dont waste money splurging on the adults only side as there is no entertainment over there. they must walk across to the all ages one for any watersports and entertainment
Johanna Yarema great. Food is good? Another thing i hear about hedonism from my fellow jamaicans. The food is authentic and excellent. Think riu will be my pick
The reason why the alcoholic drinks are watered down is because the drinks are basically free, its included in the vacation package. However, if you pay for drinks separately, they might add more alcohol.
good tip :)
woltersworld Thanks
When I wanted a stronger "included" drink, I asked them to make it "fuerte" (that's Spanish for "strong") and it worked.
Great review. I like your take on all enclusive.
You are going to the wrong all-inclusive resort. Try Sandals many locations. Adult only, great beaches great and varied food, top shelf alcohol for the asking, lots of optional (charged) off-resort tours you can book at the resort, free hobie cats, kayaks, snorkling, free scuba if or after you are certified (they can train you - extra charge), most are English speaking countries, and most locations are reasonably safe off-resort unlike Mexico.
I want to take my family on an all inclusive. We are mid 30’s and enjoy things that involve technology. Do you have any suggestions?
I've been there went for 10 days it's amazing
We are going to to on our first all inclusive to Puerto Vallarta July 2014, with my family. Should I call the hotel and find out what is and isn't incuded in their all inclusive?
thanks for the tips will give it ago in July !!
they are fun and easy :) you will have a great time! All the best!
I love your videos, they help a lot !
do you have a list of top places to go in cancun. I see the pictures of the places, but I would like to know the name of them. thanks
I am traveling next month to an all inclusive resort in puerto Vallarta do you have any advice?
I also want to know about PV. I am a Bluegreen RCI exchange, anyone know a good place?
very good video!! is so helpful!! thank my brother
you are very welcome! enjoy the all inclusive for me :)
good points as always. You know at the end of the day its about expectations. Don't go to an all inclusive if you want that authentic back packing marauding unplanned experience. But if you wanna spend some dough and go vacation American style (going to a nice hotel in an exotic country and never leave the hotel) by all means. It's a blast. FOOD BOOZE AND BABES. by the way. if you want strong drinks in mexico, the expression used is..."para los hombres" a bit macho but they, thats latin culture
I love going to all inclusive. Already know before going that I will pay for spa treatments.
Would you mind if you say what kinde of job you have? Im really wondering.
He told once he is a teacher but who wants to nelieve him. He always seems to be on a holiday.
Hey dude I'm going to cancun for my honeymoon for a week , thanks for the advice
lebo bhoy Awesome! Congratulations! we have a 5 love and hate cancun video as well that might give you a few more ideas too! all the best on the wedding and honeymoon
I've been to very good, and 1 or 2 'not so good' all inclusive resorts in Mexico. Stay away from the cheap places. I've 'never' had watered down booze! I watch them unseal the Don Julio, and it's just like the tequila I buy at home at Total Wine. Some places have specialized restaurants that have varied menus depending on the day, and they can be very good. While others the food is just, food. You do not have to go on a sales tour; I refuse to, and so my wife and I don't, though obviously as members of El Cid, we had (when we purchased a few years ago). My one gripe about these places is that they blast the music, and it penetrates your unit. So, if you don't like being woken from a nap, better ask for a condo far away from the pool areas. If it were (for example)Mexican instrumental music I might tolerate it more, but blasting loud obnoxious American modern screaming (can't understand what the woman is singing anyway) music is 'to me' very irritating. We go away to these places to try and get away from all the noises. And, so yes I prefer it to be quiet. I want tranquility. I want to hear the waves on the shore, not be drowned out by LOUD American pop music! We go away to have our batteries re-charged, not to have them drained!
woltersworld,
What camera you used for this video?
also, Thanks for sharing tips about All Inclusive Package.
Ruptoit J.V this was on my galaxy s4 phone. hence the strange angle as it was propped up on a bottle of wine :)
+Wolters World You need a Flygrip for your phone.
So what IS the secret way to getting non-watered down drinks? Without paying extra.
We have been going to the Moon Palace for 12 years and the drinks are NOT watered down there. I disagree with #3...the food is VERY good.
I've been to an exclusive resort in Mexico and I felt like I was in a cage.
Bambas Deforesra I can understand that feeling. I liked the one I was at but didn't feel like I was really in mexico. so I basically went out everyday to go see things.
I felt that way at the last resort I visited as well as on a cruise. Trapped!
Thank you very much! Great tips!
Have you been to the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda in Playa Del Carmen??
I'm not the admin, however I was there around this time last year. If you have any questions, feel free to ask away :)!
+Sharma R We are planning a trip there in early June and would like to hear from someone who has actually been there. How likely would you be to visit again? What was you experience like? Food, Entertainment, ect..
+Scott Davis I am very likely to visit again, the service was very good and everyone was freindly. The food was very good at most restaurants, however at the asian one, our food was lukewarm. The entertainement is very good for adults/teens but there is not much besides a kids club for children. The overall experience was very good, amd you can ask them for top shelf liquor at no charge also ;). The beach bar seemed to be the busiest. Lastly, (this mightve been because it was the winter) but the beach wasnt the nicest when we went there. However, if you walk maybe 5-10 mins to the left of the resort (facing the ocean) there is a BEAUTIFUL lagoon that was always warm :)).
Who should you ask about getting drinks that aren't watered down?
God!!!
Jennifer Ford Order a double.
Can you recommend, a singles and or adults only all inclusive? trying to book and leave fairly soon?
for couples, Sandals is the way to go - any location, although between St. Lucia or Jamaica - pick St. Lucia for greater feel of safety off resort. St. Lucia also has a resort on the north end that is cool for singles or couples while Jamaica has Hedonism (never been there and realistically never will) which also is couples or singles. But again, I repeat - Sandals!!!!