Is it worth it to pay for all inclusive? I am planning on vacationing in Dominican Republic with my wife, it seems like all inclusive resorts runs $230+/night, but more in the $270 range. Provided that resorts have nicer beds and all, it seems like im paying an ungodly amount for food and location. I found a nicely rated hotel for $50ish/night with a pool but no 4-5 star service. Comparing those two, I would have to spend $220/day to make up the difference. I feel like we will be better off staying in that hotel and going out on the town to eat and get massages. Anyone have any experiences with all inclusives?
Have you every been to the D.R. before? I will preface this, and get to the point, and say YES it is worth it. The food and drinks are worth it, and the big one (in many resorts) is the gratuity. I easily ate and drank my money's worth the two times we've done all inclusive (Bahamas and the D.R.). You will pay more to eat and drink in the Caribbean, especially off the island. I'm not a fan of venturing off the resort in places like the D.R. (the bus ride in alone made me realize this), but I know Hooker enjoys exploring, so maybe he will chime in. Regardless, it's not like flying to some U.S. beach city, getting a hotel, and finding a restaurant and bar to visit.
Is alcohol really expensive there? And no I haven't been there. In all inclusive, do you tip? Also are massages extra$$? What do you mean by paying more to eat and drink off the island? Where would I be drinking if not on the island? I dont get how eating/drinking on the economy would cost more? Good hotels being $50/night seem like it would be dirt cheap to eat on the economy, though I wouldn't doubt that beer would be just as expensive as the states. Ive traveled to mexico and some other places so yea im a little worried but not too much.
So to those who have done all inclusive in locations. What is the point of going to that country if you're confined to one location? Im more of an adventurer guy, so in my eyes it's not different than saving the price of airfare and goign to a beach in America. Do you actually get the DR adventure? Another reason im torn is that my wife likes to be pampered and is not as adventurous as me, hence the dilemna.
I went to Cancun when I was 17 all inclusive. Saw a lot of European boobies thats for sure. Sent from my Samsung Galaxy s4
Never been to DR, so I have no idea how it is away from the resorts, but I always like to find a place off VRBO to stay. You can find some amazing houses for great value, especially if you go in the off season. Personally, I wouldn't go to a country if it was unsafe to venture away from the resort area.
Yea with my wife in school, going during peak times are my only option now. Im a bargain traveler and it kills me when I have to travel during peak season. VRBO is good, ive used it before, just don't feel like using it in the DR. I dont think DR is that unsafe as people think.
This is me and my wife, almost exactly To appease the wife, I always plan a couple of nice evening outs so she can still get all dressed up and feel pretty. Again, not sure if you could do this in DR.
D.R. I would say yes but in Jamaca I'd say no. Jamaca they give you crap and watered down beer. Never been but only heard good things about the DR.
Appreciate the responses everyone. I should ask now, About how much is good a price for all inclusive? and is DR safe?
I have done all inclusive many times and it is DEFINITELY worth every penny to me. All I have to do is show up. Never have to worry about tips or anything. Yeah, you can find cheaper places and the pay for all your food. But, eating and drinking alcohol can get expensive in other places outside the US. If you guys don't drink alcohol, then booking your own room and paying for your food would be more logical.
sharpeyesam, I could see all inclusive being expensive in europe, but DR is a third world country (I think) and meals should only be $5/pp. maybe $10 for a better place where you have less chance of getting cholera and such. But I just did a quick search 4-5star all inclusive (not including airfare) is about $400/day. $300/day is about a 3 star - I dont roll that way. I know ive raise my initial estimates, but I would think to equal $400/day living out in the economy would take ALOT of drinking. I know that alcohol prices are usually $2-$3 anywhere you go at minimum including third world countries. But I just don't see my cost going above $230 even staying at $50/night hotel. any thoughts?
What you have to realise is, all these Carribbean Island Nations have to have most if not all of their food imported. That costs$$$. I just got back from a cruise to Bermuda. If we ate off the ship, it would have cost us around $75 to feed me, my wife, and two kids. And, that's just for burgers. All inclusive is well worth it.
hmm, good point. This is an island, the cheaper countries ive visited have been connected to big masses. Ill look into other places in central america to visit.
Really? I was thinking DR thinking that it would be the cheapest, but if anyone knows of a cheaper place definitely let me know.
