AI or Not AI

[Alissa]

Originally Posted by Dan-0

Alissa, thanks for the link! Is that $400 per night? I'm confused.

No $400 for the entire stay for two people! My bar bill would be more than $400! I've never used them so I don't know if its too good to be true but from the reviews I'm reading online everyone has been please with them

[Alissa]

Originally Posted by Alissa

I found some great deals on cheapcaribbean.com. I don't know if there is some really fine print but to stay at the Ocean Maya for nights, two people was only $400. There was also a nicer a hotel for $700. Originally I wasn't even considering AI but once I saw those deals it was hard to pass up (it also seems to good to be true).

Just realized I forget to put the word five in...sorry for all the confusion. 5 nights for 2 people

[Dan-0]

Alissa, $400 for two people for 5 nights is a very good deal, IMHO. Excellent. But, like you said, just make sure that the price is not for a European plan, which doesn't include meals and drinks. That was my personal experience in dealing with one AI in Playa, which I won't name. They were advertising a special that was a European plan.

[MoonDollar]

Originally Posted by redhairgirl1

I still don't understand why a lot of you are saying that AI's are cheaper than getting a room for 60 bucks a night

We paid $1100 a person for 10 nights. That includes transfers, airfare, and all the food and drinks we want when we want them. When I look at airfare alone I can't find anything cheaper then $500. And that's on the low end. So, yes, even for 2 people it's MUCH cheaper for us. Considering when we do go in town for drinks, we spend quite a bit there too.

[SUNBABY]

400.00 for 5 nights is excellent. (even without airfare included) December prices at hotels are usually higher and you can plan on spending at least 4 bucks on a drink at a bar, unless you drink beer.
During the off season we usually spend around 50.00-70.00 a night for a room in Playa. Clean and with A/c but not on the beach.

If it was my first time in the area, I would stay at the AI with my friends. You can always cab it into town to check it out for your next visit cause you will want to come back to Playa.

Just make sure it is all inclusive. Go and enjoy!

[xunshyne]

Originally Posted by Alissa

My friend is getting married in early December at the El Dorado Royale. That resort is rather pricey so I will not be staying there. This will be my first time in Playa (actually the first time in Mexico). The town looks so nice that I'm not sure if I want to be stuck at a resort. I found some ridiculously cheap AIs (Ocean Maya & Ocean Coral). It would cost me a lot less if I stay at the AI but I feel I would be cheated if I didn't fully experience Playa. I can't make up my mind on what I want to do.

Does anyone have any advice that could help me make a decision???

I just looked online at CheapCaribbean.com at the El Dorado Royale from December 4-8 (4 nights) and you can get an ALL-INCLUSIVE Junior Jacuzzi Suite for $231 a night. I don't know if that's still too much per night, but it's better than $400!

[GreatLakes]

Originally Posted by Alissa

I found some great deals on cheapcaribbean.com. I don't know if there is some really fine print but to stay at the Ocean Maya for nights, two people was only $400. There was also a nicer a hotel for $700. Originally I wasn't even considering AI but once I saw those deals it was hard to pass up (it also seems to good to be true).

Hey Im married too Alisa w/ 1 S! How about that. If we do a AI it will be Either the GPR or BMC. Try the Blue, Cielo, or Eclipse non AI I;m lucky Brent and Kathleen ordered me an extra bedroom at Casa Jalepeno!

[marissab]

Originally Posted by xunshyne

I just looked online at CheapCaribbean.com at the El Dorado Royale from December 4-8 (4 nights) and you can get an ALL-INCLUSIVE Junior Jacuzzi Suite for $231 a night. I don't know if that's still too much per night, but it's better than $400!

there are lots of deals out there now! hotels are suffering because people can't afford to fly due to high air fares!

[Beth&Scott]

Originally Posted by Alissa

Thanks everyone! I have officially made up my mind! I'm not going to do All Inclusive. I'm thinking about the Playa Palm since its right on the beach and not a far walk to everything

I just checked out this hotel online and it looks awesome....but cant seem to pinpoint the hotels location from the website. Anyone know what streets its by?- of course 5th- its on the water, but what side streets?

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Beth&Scott

I just checked out this hotel online and it looks awesome....but cant seem to pinpoint the hotels location from the website. Anyone know what streets its by?- of course 5th- its on the water, but what side streets?

Map of Playa Palms | Playa del Carmen, Mexico | In The Roo

[Maverick69]

I'm not a fan of AI's. Never have been. Some places you don't have much of a choice. If I have achoice. no AI's. No real negatives to add, its just me.

[GreatLakes]

Originally Posted by Maverick69

I'm not a fan of AI's. Never have been. Some places you don't have much of a choice. If I have achoice. no AI's. No real negatives to add, its just me.

Hey with the way airfares are looking right now it may end up being the better deal for us next Feb.

[Sideways]

Lemme try to put my spin on it.... I had one AI experience (was roped into it with friends) Aventura Spa Palace. Compared to my other Playa experience non AI. Based on 2 people.....

AI - $3200
Cabs- $200

total - $3400

Pros - Unlimited booze


Cons - Horrible food - Ambiance.....ummm...no.
2000 inmates hotel wide
Took 20 mins to walk to lobby to get out
The unlimited drinks were not always available for what we wanted
(i.e. call drinks)
No Beach at this particular AI (all rock)


Non AI- $700 per week (or cheaper...place on 5th ave. OR in half moon bay
Akumal)
$1000 booze (high side)
$700 food.... Places like Carboncitas, or other taquerillas/Restaurants
$250 rental car (fully insured)
$60 in gas... (including trips to Tulum and Coba....plus daily playa
runs)

Total - $2700
-$300 no rental car
$2400

Pros - Solitude as far as not being stuck in a massive resort.
The luxury of eating where you want for each meal. Better food.
Get the drinks "I" want
If in PDC... no cabs needed to stumble home
Clubs, Shopping at no extra fee/time

Cons - Compared to MY AI experience?? Absolutely none


I see where AI's can benefit families for sure! But for an individual or couple???

[Streckman]

Originally Posted by Sideways

Lemme try to put my spin on it.... I had one AI experience (was roped into it with friends) Aventura Spa Palace. Compared to my other Playa experience non AI. Based on 2 people.....

AI - $3200
Cabs- $200

total - $3400

Pros - Unlimited booze


Cons - Horrible food - Ambiance.....ummm...no.
2000 inmates hotel wide
Took 20 mins to walk to lobby to get out
The unlimited drinks were not always available for what we wanted
(i.e. call drinks)
No Beach at this particular AI (all rock)


Non AI- $700 per week (or cheaper...place on 5th ave. OR in half moon bay
Akumal)
$1000 booze (high side)
$700 food.... Places like Carboncitas, or other taquerillas/Restaurants
$250 rental car (fully insured)
$60 in gas... (including trips to Tulum and Coba....plus daily playa
runs)

Total - $2700
-$300 no rental car
$2400

Pros - Solitude as far as not being stuck in a massive resort.
The luxury of eating where you want for each meal. Better food.
Get the drinks "I" want
If in PDC... no cabs needed to stumble home
Clubs, Shopping at no extra fee/time

Cons - Compared to MY AI experience?? Absolutely none


I see where AI's can benefit families for sure! But for an individual or couple???

You forgot you airfare dumbass, so it looks like AI wins out when you compare that. Ambiance?? Oh, yeah, places like the Playa Maya with there 10' by 20' pool are great. Add in the cool nightime enertainment you get at an AI and hands downs AI wins. Sorry bro, no argument can sway me. But if your argument makes you sleep better at night then go ahead and believe it.

[Sideways]

Originally Posted by Streckman

You forgot you airfare dumbass, so it looks like AI wins out when you compare that. Ambiance?? Oh, yeah, places like the Playa Maya with there 10' by 20' pool are great. Add in the cool nightime enertainment you get at an AI and hands downs AI wins. Sorry bro, no argument can sway me. But if your argument makes you sleep better at night then go ahead and believe it.

Airfare was seperate in each case.......... dumb ass

Enjoy the cattle drive Colorado....

[redhairgirl1]

Originally Posted by Sideways

Airfare was seperate in each case.......... dumb ass

Enjoy the cattle drive Colorado....

fight fight fight fight fight