TravelingMom

My family (my parents, brother & wife, myself, husband, and 10 month old) are planning a vacation over Thanksgiving week.

We've done extensive research, but have yet to find a vacation that we're comfortable with. We're considering all inclusive resorts because the package deals offered (by apple vacations, beach destinations, or vacation outlet) include airfare, food, and lodging for a price much cheaper than we could do on our own.

We have concerns, however, that the all inclusive resorts will offer tiresome or poor-quality food or rooms.

What feedback does anyone have on AI resorts?

So far, we've identified:
-Cancun - Palace, Fiesta Americana, and Iberostar resorts
-Punta Cana - Sunscape, Barcelo, or Iberostar
-Montego Bay - Sunset Beach
-St Thomas - Wyndham Sugar Bay

However, we'd appreciated info on any other resorts!

I know this is a rather broad questions, but THANKS for any feedback!

topaz_black

I'm a meeting planner for incentive groups, so I travel all over the world looking at properties for group travel.

Sunset Beach, the Holiday Inn Sunspree, or the Wyndham Rose Hall would be great choices for Montego Bay.

I am not a fan of St. Thomas at all, as I hate Iguanas, and they're EVERYWHERE. Big ones too. With that said, the Wyndham Sugar Bay would not be my first choice. The Ritz Carlton is by far the best on the island, and although your child is too young for Ritz Kids, caters to families with children.

I'm somewhat indifferent about taking small children to Cancun, while the resorts you named are nice indeed. I'm a big fan of Fiesta Americana Resorts....I don't see the list you have as being kid/family friendly.

I've never been to Punta Cana, so no comment.

One that is well received and missing from your list is Beaches in Turks & Caicos....very nice for kids, and large family groups.

I'd also suggest the Bahamas...the Radisson Cable Beach (moderate), and the Atlantis (superior). My family usually stays at the Radisson, on the all-inclusive plan, we go twice each year. We love it.

Hope this helps

Knowing

I'm not sure I would be too anxious to bring a child to Mexico or even Jamaica. Have never been to the DR. However, we have been to Sugar Bay. The rooms are VERY nice as is the pool area. Because St. Thomas is part of the USVI, you aren't going to see the thatched roofs and more of the traditional "Caribbean" things. An AI would be a good choice for the reasons you mentioned. There is a restaurant down by the pool area that does have self-serve pop and ice cream. Some days, someone will come by with a cooler of popsicles or a fruit platter and even a small fan and a water spritzer, which are nice touches. There is also a poolside grill which serves burgers, hotdogs, and chicken sandwiches. The restaurant up above has decent food and great desserts.

Ken_in_Mass

Hi TravelingMom,

Unfortunately I don't have any experience with the AI's you've mentioned.

Have you considered the AI's that are all along the coast south of Cancun. In and around the town of Playa Del Carmen and further south to Akumal. All of the large resorts there are AI.

My own personal take on Cancun is that its an outstanding party/shopping/nightlife place, but that usually isn't what we're looking for on vacation.

Just throwing out some ideas... have fun in your research.

Ken

TravelingMom

Thanks for the feedback so far. I think we have ruled out DR, based on reviews we've read on TripAdvisor. Unfortunately, Turks sounds amazing but it is out of our price range.

Having been to Cancun in my previous (party) life, I know the scene is not necessarily centered on families...but since my son will only be 10 months old, he'll be happy with a pool and a beach.

Topaz - What is it that you liked about the Fiesta resorts?

Ken - we have thought about the Mayan Riviera, but I've read that HepA&B shots and malaria pills are recommended. What's your take on this? If that's the case, I don't really want to be dragging a baby into that!

Someone else has mentioned renting a condo in the USVI. We've found a couple that fit into our budget - however, how much will we have to spend on food then? Seems like it could add up very quickly!

cartera45

Jamaica is a great place for children. Jamaicans are great with kids and very watchful. Water is safe to drink and the local food is as safe as anywhere you will go. I would look into Beaches Sandy Bay in Negril for AI. It is not as expensive as Beaches Negril but you can use the facilities and the beach is spectacular there.

benj

We stayed at Beaches Negril in May & there was a something for people of all ages to do. They have special things just for young kids & in Sept will start featuring Sesame Street there. I have seen some good deals through discount-all-inclusive.com. They sent us a better offer for Beaches than I could find on my own.

Also try checking Moon Dance Villas in Negril. They have a pool & are right at the beach. Each villa comes with your own cook & bartender. Everyone can choose whatever they want to eat. The villa staff watched my sis-in-law's 2 young ones while the adults walked the beach. You can do AI or not. I think they were charged less for the kids. Definitely worth checking out. She said it cost them less than doing AI at a true resort & everything was 1st class.