All Inclusive Holidays - recommendations

superbiatch · 02-07-2009, 09:24

I want to go away for a week in October (the very start), I'm totally at a loss where to go mainly because of the euro and what I will get for my money.

Can anyone recommend a good 4* hotel, all inclusive in a chilled out location possibly on the beach in any of the following locations?

> Turkey (but not Marmaris)
> Greece (but not Zante)
> Gran Canaria
> Cyprus
> Lanzarote

I'm hoping that by going all inclusive that 'most' costs will be covered and then its my choice if I want to spend more money.

TIA

punky · 02-07-2009, 10:17

Its not in Europe but I always go all-inclusive in Mexico and thoroughly recommend it. The prices are also quite competitive to Europe as well. A friend of mine paid more than I did to go half-board in Rhodes. Up sides are better beaches, better weather and better people/service than on the Med.

Cancun is pretty insulated from swine flu AFAIK so you should be safe (FCO has dropped its restrictions). The drink flows freely. I get a package through Thomson or Direct Holidays which ends up good value. (around £71/night for my share based on 14 nights including flights and all-inclusive). I stay at the Riu Cancun and would always go back there. You never have to spend a cent once you're there unless you want to tip (and they do earn it)

Once you go all-inclusive you'll never go anything else. Its so liberating not having to worry abotu looking after money on the beach from theives and keeping it dry. You get straight out of the water and just walk up to any food or drink you want and just take it. Don't have to dry off, go back to your room and come back down again. Worth it for that alone.

lauzjp · 02-07-2009, 15:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

Once you go all-inclusive you'll never go anything else. Its so liberating not having to worry abotu looking after money on the beach from theives and keeping it dry. You get straight out of the water and just walk up to any food or drink you want and just take it. Don't have to dry off, go back to your room and come back down again. Worth it for that alone.

Totally agree with you there punky.

While saving up (via Thomas Cook vouchers purchased monthly - no expiry date!) for the ultimate holiday, I have got literally armfuls of brochures and have got cheapy wilko page markers and marked all the ones that we'd consider, which all have AI option or are All Inclusive. I find it so much easier than trawling the websites - can always use the net for more info.

So far we've only been to Hurghada in Egypt twice, but I'm still dying to go there again. Can't help you with any recommendations either I'm afraid! Thomson and TC have nifty 'deal finder' search options from their main pages? Have you tried asking on Trip Advisor? The other thing is just pop into a travel agent or phone them, tell them what you want & can they get back to you with some options

SMG · 02-07-2009, 15:39

Do you subscribe to Travelzoo m8, they have some good AI offers now & then.

http://uk.supersearch.travelzoo.com/...e=Gef&source=2

punky · 02-07-2009, 15:43

Another vote for Trip Advisor: www.tripadvisor.com

Its very, very accurate.

superbiatch · 02-07-2009, 15:48

Thanks for your advice guys, I've done AI a few times but only 3* and tbh I wouldn't have fed the food to my dog

So I don't mind paying more for better quality

@ Punky, unfortunately my friend isn't a good traveller so 4 hours tends to be the limit I'm afraid.

---------- Post added at 15:48 ---------- Previous post was at 15:43 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

Another vote for Trip Advisor: www.tripadvisor.com

Its very, very accurate.

Thanks - already onto it

I'm finding lots of great deals, then lots of negative press so it pays to do your research

Nugget · 02-07-2009, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

Thanks for your advice guys, I've done AI a few times but only 3* and tbh I wouldn't have fed the food to my dog

So I don't mind paying more for better quality

@ Punky, unfortunately my friend isn't a good traveller so 4 hours tends to be the limit I'm afraid.

Have you tried Club Med? The family Nug went to their resort on Sicily last year, and really enjoyed it - only a 3½ hour flight, so would be within your friends tolerance

They've got resorts all over the place, so might be worth looking at

superbiatch · 02-07-2009, 21:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nugget

Have you tried Club Med? The family Nug went to their resort on Sicily last year, and really enjoyed it - only a 3½ hour flight, so would be within your friends tolerance

They've got resorts all over the place, so might be worth looking at

Thanks Nug, just checked them out and only fly from London or Birmingham

Halcyon · 03-07-2009, 00:16

Thompson do some good packages.

Last year I went to Kos and stayed in a briliant hotel just outside Kos town.
I stayed in the ALice Springs hotel. It was great.
There are are lots of reviews of hotels and destinations on tripadvisor.com

On your first day of the holiday the Thompson reps will come and see you and offer some trips.
These are very good and are completly optional.
We bought two trips and got the third one free. Very good value including travel, lunches, boat tickets to our island cruise, etc.

http://www.thomson.co.uk/

superbiatch · 03-07-2009, 10:19

Have narrowed it down to these two:

http://www.sunwings.co.uk/Accommodat...x?accomId=1259

http://www.sunwings.co.uk/Accommodat...x?accomId=1256

Both are very reasonably priced and have mostly excellent reviews - anyone been to either?

Charlie_Bubble · 03-07-2009, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbiatch

I want to go away for a week in October (the very start), I'm totally at a loss where to go mainly because of the euro and what I will get for my money.

Can anyone recommend a good 4* hotel, all inclusive in a chilled out location possibly on the beach in any of the following locations?

> Turkey (but not Marmaris)
> Greece (but not Zante)
> Gran Canaria
> Cyprus
> Lanzarote

I'm hoping that by going all inclusive that 'most' costs will be covered and then its my choice if I want to spend more money.

TIA

Beginning of October, I'd recommend Lanzarote or Gran Canaria as you are more likely to get better weather in those locations.

superbiatch · 03-07-2009, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlie_Bubble

Beginning of October, I'd recommend Lanzarote or Gran Canaria as you are more likely to get better weather in those locations.

Did Lanzarote last year in October - love it

But kind of fancied somewhere a bit different, i get bored going the same place

punky · 03-07-2009, 11:32

There are some Riu hotels around the Med. See what the price is like there?

Riu are great for all-inclusive (well in Mexico at least, but i'm sure the policy applies around th world). I think if you got all-inclusive at a small, independent hotel it could be false economy.

superbiatch · 03-07-2009, 11:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

There are some Riu hotels around the Med. See what the price is like there?

Riu are great for all-inclusive (well in Mexico at least, but i'm sure the policy applies around th world). I think if you got all-inclusive at a small, independent hotel it could be false economy.

They are deffo in Lanzarote because I had a look around a few of them last year (i stayed in a luxury villa then).

Wicked_and_Crazy · 03-07-2009, 13:24

For Turkey and getting away from tourism have a look at this outfit

http://www.anatoliansky.co.uk/