Are there good All Inclusesive Resorts?

[PortableTech Member Find all posts View Profile Close PortableTech]

Greetings All,

I am currently trying to plan my next vacation with the family, and due to logistical reasons I have to spend at least 2 weeks outside the USA on this next trip home. I was exploring a few options that I saw on the SFX website which looked appealing as they had offers for an all inclusive Grand Palladium Punta Cana.

I am still talking back and forth with them to see if it will work as I want in the end, but the basics I am looking for is two weeks outside the USA at the End of May/Start of July. I am somewhat flexible on the start/end dates, but would like the weeks to be back to back. They do not have to be at the same resort, but if not, would like the resorts to not require additional flights to move between them. I am planning to bring the wife and older son (6) and want to make sure we either have a two bedroom or at least a setup where the master bedroom has a door we can close with a sleeper sofa. I need some time with the wife without kid eyes.

From what I have been told so far, the Punta Cana seems to have a Jr Suite that fits the bill, would cost me $600 and two of my bonus weeks for the room (was not going to use the bonus weeks anyway) and then about $1750 when I check in for the all inclusive part (covers meals, alcohol, entertainment). There is also no charge for our son as the first kid is free. We had looked at getting a 2BR at the resort, but apparently their policy states that a 2BR has a minimum occupancy of 4 people, so if we book it, we get charged for 4 All Inclusive fees, even if there are less people in the room.

This site seems to get good reviews and looks good overall, but this is the first time I have considered an all inclusive resort. The big driving force behind why I like this location so far is that it takes alot of the decision making out of being on vacation. My last trip home felt like everything was to rushed, to many decisions being made, and everyone over stressed at getting stuff done. I would think in a case like this the hardest decision anyone would need to make is what they wanted from the buffet for dinner, or what drink to order next. Also, we are quite near the Orlando or Miami airports, and as such it is a very short flight to islands in that location.

If anyone has any thoughts, advice, opinions, or would like to point out why this is a terrible decision, please feel free to chime in. This is a great group, and I have always valued the advice.

--PortableTech

[mofancyfree Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mofancyfree]

All Inclusive resorts

If you are going through RCI, becareful. Their all inclusive rates are higher than what you can get them directly through the resort. Of course if you book through RCI you have to get the all inclusive through them as well.

[PortableTech Member Find all posts View Profile Close PortableTech]

If you are going through RCI, becareful. Their all inclusive rates are higher than what you can get them directly through the resort. Of course if you book through RCI you have to get the all inclusive through them as well.

As it stands, I am working with SFX on this, and I have checked rates via the resorts directly as well, and they are higher than the combined costs associated with doing it via SFX. Also, it gives me that advantage of not having to pay the all-inclusive fees until I actually check into the resort. All they require is that I compete the exchange for the weeks part of the transaction with them up front.



-- PortableTech

[brother coony Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close brother coony]

Is the AI $1750 for two weeks or $1750 per week for two, if its $875 per week for two thats a good deal, $1750 per week is not,

went to Puerto Plata 5 years ago, rented a small SUV and drove around,but not much to see in DR,main hyway were good,side roads were really bad,potholes,

people were friendly but few spoke English (no need to, its there country) mention that to say if you rent a car to drive and do not speak Spanish,don't get lost

[PortableTech Member Find all posts View Profile Close PortableTech]

Is the AI $1750 per week for two or $1750 per week for two, if its $875 per week for two thats a good deal, $1750 per week is not,

went to Puerto Plata 5 years ago, rented a small SUV and drove around,but not much to see in DR,main hyway were good,side roads were really bad,potholes,

people were friendly but few spoke English (no need to, its there country) mention that to say if you rent a car to drive and do not speak Spanish,don't get lost

The $1750 cost is for AI for 2 Weeks. Just heard back from my SFX contact, turns out there are no true 1BR units at Punta Cana, just what they consider loft/jr suites, so if I want a a place for the wife and I to be able to have private time, that will have to be at an alternate location as i am not willing to pay double the AI fees just to get a 2BR. Any other suggestions or ideas are certainly appreciated. Just want this next vacation to be as worry free as possible.

-- PortableTech