gillybrit

Hey - can somebody recommend an all inclusive resort for a family trip - several families travelling together with kids from 10 - 18. Looking to travel in August - probably 5 nights. Not the Cancun /Riviera Maya area or Dominican so I know that limits us quite a bit. Perhaps the Bahamas - not quite as hot? Looking to spend around $3000 for a family of 4 in one room.....


Thanks!

sassy_cat

$600 a night? or does your budget include flights? I presume it doesn't as you've ruled out the cheaper options.. ?

doug_stallings

By dismissing Mexico and the Dominican Republic, you've already locked yourself out of the cheapest options. If you'd consider a non-AI resort, I'd suggest Aruba (but there are also a few AI resorts there). You do have hurricanes to consider, and August and September are the top months for hurricanes in the summer. Really, you don't see that much variation in temps, so it's not like you're going to be that much cooler in the Bahamas than elsewhere, so that really shouldn't figure into your considerations.

Your budget is really low in the first place. There are more AIs in St. Lucia and Antigua than in the Bahamas, where the options are limited. You might find a deal at Beaches in the Turks & Caicos. If the budget includes airfare, then I don't really have any suggestions. It's way way too low. There are some very cheap and mediocre AI resorts in Antigua, so that is worth a look. And you could always go for a resort with an AI "plan" for meals and drinks rather than a big, splashy resort that includes all the entertainment and activities that an AI resort typically offers.

You'll certainly find deals this summer and the lowest prices of the year in August.

There are very few AI options in the Bahamas. You might look at the Sheraton Our Lucaya.

schmerl

Is there a reson you a ruling out Mexico and the DR?

KVR

I listed this in another thread, so maybe it will help you. Here's a list of hotels that offer AI hotels/plans:

Aruba - Aruba Marriott Rst & Stellaris Casino, Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Aruba, Occidental Grand Aruba, Riu Palace, Westin

Antigua - Hawksbill by rex resorts, Jolly Beach Resort and Spa, St. James's Club, The Verandah Resort & Spa

Jamaica - There are several in Jamaica. Too many to list and not sure you've excluxed them also.

Curacao - Breezes and the Marriott

Grand Cayman - The Reef Resort and the Marriott

Nassau - Breezes, RIU and the Paradise Island Harbor Resort

St. Kitts - The Royal St. Kitts and the Marriott

St. Lucia - Almond Smugglers Cove, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St. Lucian by Rex Resorts, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

St. Martin - Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Le Flamboyant Hotel & Resort

St. Thomas - Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Marriott Frenchmans Reef&Morning Star, Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa

Grenada - Grenadian by Rex Resorts

I agree your budget is not within expectations. We've been to many Carribean Islands and did an AI hotel, and for 2 people with air, many started at $3,000.

Take a look at some of the on-line booking agents, like Travelocity, Orbitz, cheapcaribbean.com or beachdestinations.com and see what a family of 4 with air and hotel will actually cost in various locations and then you can narrow down your destination. Some may have specials for so many nights, get one free or if your children are under the age of 12, they may can stay in the same room as you for free.

Since you are traveling during prime hurricane season, it is essential that you buy the trip/hurricane insurance. Get the plan that you can cancel "for any reason" and not just if your flight is canceled or your hotel closes. It costs a little more, but is worth it.

This baffles me also why so many people are excluding Mexico, which is the best AI destination out there in turns of AI hotel selection, price, amentities, and convenience. There must be an anti-Mexico site out there that we haven't found yet.

gillybrit

Thanks - the only reason I ruled out Mexico was because we were there already and wanted to try somewhere different. I could probably be persuaded to reconsider for the right deal.
I figured we were a little on the low side, but I didn't think we were that far off. I did find some Riviera Maya vacations for around that. Is the biggest problem with the budget because I have ruled out the DR and Mexico?

KVR

"Is the biggest problem with the budget because I have ruled out the DR and Mexico?"

Yes. I can agree with the fact that you've already been to Mexico and want to try somewhere else. However, Mexico and the DR are the cheapest vacation destinations so if you do want to try another area, you'll need to increase your budget. I persoanlly did not like the DR, so I don't usually recommend. But if you find something in your price range it's somewhere new and you could try it. There are many people who do enjoy that area.

What part of Mexico did you go to? Besides the Mayan Riveria/Playa del Carmen area, there is Cancun, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. We've been to those areas of Mexico numerous times and still haven't seen or done everything it has to offer, which is just one of the reasons we keep going back.

We've been to Puerto Vallarts also. Didn't really care for the beaches and water, but the topography was a lot like Jamaica and it was a very inexpensive destination. There is a Dreams AI chain resort there. It's a short bus ride to get into the Maceleon area of PV.

You might also check Belize or Costa Rica. An AI hotel might be an issue there though.

schmerl

Have you considered renting a condo instead of going to a resort? You may be able to come closer to your budget if you do that.

gillybrit

Hello - thanks for the update. We stayed in the Riviera Maya last time and maybe should reconsider that. We're in the Philadelphia area so flights to Puerto Vallarta may put us over budget. I need to do a little more research on the other areas of Mexico that you mention, unless you can give me any info?! As far as a condo, we really want a relaxing vacation where somebody else takes care of cleaning, cooking etc.. which is why we were leaning towards an AI
Thanks again

sassy_cat

gillybrit, you can afford a condo in Mexico and eat out at every meal for less than the price of an AI. the condo would just give you more space and you can find oceanfront condos in Akumal.

gillybrit

Hi Sassy - any specific suggestions. How about the cost of alcohol? Since the group includes many young adults that was actually one of the factors in selecting an AI!

schmerl

The Akumal Beach Resort is priced lower than a lot of other AI's. It is also not as fancy...just the basics, but it on a great beach and a short walk to the town of Akumal.

KVR

I agree, if your drinking a lot of alcohol going AI will be a better deal.

Since you've already been to the Mayan Riviera area, I would suggest Cozumel. There are plenty of AI resorts and they are a lot less expensive. We stayed at the El Cozumeleno in December. All rooms are ocean front. If you chose a deluxe catagory, the rooms are huge with wrap around balconies. They also come with mini frig with beer and other non-alcoholic drinks. However, kids are not allowed in the catagory room, but the other rooms will sleep 2 adults and 2 children. It's close to town. About a $7.00 cab ride. The food was a little iffy on the buffet, but just order off the menu instead.

Other AI resorts in Cozumel include:

Allegro Cozumel - Gets good reviews, but not close to town. Lower budget.

Aura Cozumel Wyndham Grand Bay - New property and classy. Can get expensive. Not close to town.

Cozumel Palace - Chain resort with the other Palace hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres. Very nice hotel. Man made beach and ladder to get into water. In town.

El Cid La Ceiba Cozumel - Don't know much about this hotel. Sits next to the Park Royal. Close to town.

Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort - This must just turned AI because I don't believe it was. One of the better hotels. I would definatly stay there AI or not for the right price.

Iberostar Cozumel - Chain resort with other Iberostars in Mayan Rivera. Iberostars get very good reviews. The problem with this one is location, location, location. If your not wanting to go into town much it would be good. Can get pricey with cab rides.

Melia Cozumel - Sits next to the El Cozumeleno. Great location, good small hotel. Small pool. There is a pier that divides this resort and the El Coz.

Occidental Grand Cozumel - Chain resort. Also a distance from town.

Park Royal Cozumel - Close to town. Huge time share property. Good value for the money. Newly renovated after Hurricane Wilma. The beach is across the street. There is an underground passage to get there so you don't have to worry about crossing the street. 3 pools all with swim up bars. Close to the cruise ship dock. Learn to duck the time share sharks in the lobby and you'll be fine. I would stay here on a future trip.

Sabor at Wyndham Cozumel Resort and Spa - next door to Aura Cozumel Wyndham Grand Bay. One offers more than the other in amenties and services. One is all adult and the other is family oriented.

Wyndham Cozumel Resort and Spa - Don't know much about. Not close to town. A solid chain hotel.

Caribzack

Hmmm Caribbean or Western NC...NOT !! What a joke !