AI or Not AI

Alissa · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 11:58 AM

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???

PlayaWithMe2 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

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've been to several All Inclusives and also stayed in Playa at a smaller hotel.....and I would have to say....I enjoyed staying at the smaller hotel by far. There are many hotels that won't break the bank and you get to experience Playa and all of the great food restaurants have to offer. I don't know what you are paying for an AI.....so I can't give you a comparison in regard to money ......but what if this great deal at Ocean Maya turns out not so great in regard to food, drinks...etc. Maybe El Dorado offers a day pass for you to purchase if you decide to go the non AI route.....

marissab · #3 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

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???

Hi. The primary thing to think about is that you can't just POP into an all inclusive. You have to pay for a day pass. Or night pass. Not sure how your friend is working it out with wedding guests but sometimes resorts let guests come inside the resort for just the wedding and reception for free. Sometimes they ask for the person (or Bride) to pay for them to attend.

Either way, you won't be allowed to just hang with the wedding party the days before the wedding.

I'd bite the bullet and stay with your friends. I'm sure you don't want to miss out on all the fun.

Alissa · #4 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 01:37 PM

Unfortunately staying at that hotel is not an option for me (its about $400 a night). If I don't find alternate accomodations I won't be able to afford the trip. Honestly I don't think anyone but the bride and groom are staying at that hotel. The night before the wedding we'll be having dinner and drinks in town, I'll be there the day of the wedding (with a guest pass) and we are going to be doing an excursion together. So I will have plenty of opportunities to spend time with my friends

Libby · #5 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 01:56 PM

All-inclusive resorts are a terrific option for many people. I know a lot of people who wouldn't do it any other way. But the fact that you're worried about being stuck at a resort makes me think you'd be happier staying in town. Playa del Carmen is a safe, beautiful town with a great diversity of options in lodging, restaurants and nightlife. Give us an idea of your budget and your needs, and we can suggest some hotels for you.

Dan-0 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 02:34 PM

I would just like to add that if an AI has an advertised special, read the fine print and make sure you know what you're getting. Last year, one of the AI's was advertising a very inexpensive special in the local newspaper. But, when I checked it out, it turns out that the special was for a "European plan". It's my understanding, and the hotel confirmed this, that a European plan basically means its not all-inclusive, you have to pay for meals and drinks. Maybe this is standard among AI's, I don't know because I have never done an AI- I pretty much agree with the others who like to stay at one of the smaller hotels in town. There are so many nice, inexpensive hotels that are within walking distance of the beach and 5th Ave.

Beth&Scott · #7 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 11:47 PM

Playa is one of the great places you can get a way with not staying at a resort. I highly recommend a non AI all the way---you will not regret it!!!

SUNBABY · #8 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 12:09 AM

Do keep in mind that you will need a Taxi to go back and forth to the resort. You might want to check the rate. The El Dorado Royal is a good 20 minutes or more away from Playa.

$400.00 a night sounds very high to me.

redhairgirl1 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 02:28 AM

Ok, let me get this strait, you are going alone, and don't know where to stay? Are you sure that your friend hasn't set the accomodations up for you? I would think that if you are in the wedding party, they would at least do that. If you are going just to be their for your friend, and you alone need to find a place to stay, skip the AI, and go for a cheap hotel. Are other people going that you know, and are gonna hang out with?

Put it this way, how often do you plan on never leaving your AI if you get one? My friend and i stayed at Playa Maya last year, which is right on the beach, and breakfast was included for $120.00 a night. And that was for a double room. This year we are staying at Hotel Alux, which is not on the beach, but only a few blocks for $60.00 a night.

Playa Maya was the perfect stay, but since we decided to go 2 weeks this time, we cut our hotel price in half, since we were hardly ever in it!

Playa is way too cool of a town to not visit daily

Alissa · #10 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 11:06 AM

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

Streckman · #11 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhairgirl1

Ok, let me get this strait, you are going alone, and don't know where to stay? Are you sure that your friend hasn't set the accomodations up for you? I would think that if you are in the wedding party, they would at least do that. If you are going just to be their for your friend, and you alone need to find a place to stay, skip the AI, and go for a cheap hotel. Are other people going that you know, and are gonna hang out with?

Put it this way, how often do you plan on never leaving your AI if you get one? My friend and i stayed at Playa Maya last year, which is right on the beach, and breakfast was included for $120.00 a night. And that was for a double room. This year we are staying at Hotel Alux, which is not on the beach, but only a few blocks for $60.00 a night.

Playa Maya was the perfect stay, but since we decided to go 2 weeks this time, we cut our hotel price in half, since we were hardly ever in it!

Playa is way too cool of a town to not visit daily

I can handle it once a week for a few hours. Shopping for an hour or two, a few drinks while bar hopping, lunch or dinner...I'm done. Get me back on the beach and in the water

1hotmama · #12 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 02:12 PM

okay, my two cents.....We've stayed at AI's the last two times and we are going non AI this time. Im very excited for this trip and think its going to be great to be in town. Plus, I'm going with some of the most terrific people I could dream of vacationing with.(Not all the best are coming but a lot).

The first time we went down was to ASP for our honeymoon. It was our introduction to the area and a recomendation by a TA. We fell in love with the area. WE loved the resort but at the same time did feel very confined because it was very removed from anywhere else. The food was alright nothing spectacular but wonderful staff and atmosphere.

Last year we stayed at the Royal. If you want to go AI I think this is the place. Beautiful place, great food,, spectacular staff...and right in town so you arent confined to the resort.It was a great place to feel pampered.

This time we are staying at Posada freud. Right in the middle of town and we'll get a much more local feel for the place and can spend the days with our friends. Last time we decided we wanted to stay in town next time for a more authentic stay in mexico.

However, that being said, we would not rule out staying at the royal again in the future. I love it in town and it offers that option...however(and maybe Im a brat for this but...) I gotta say I love the jacquzzi tub in the room and Im a complete sucker for 24 hour room service. You just cant beat it....and the beds were so comfy and getting to have food brought to you at anytime and eat it in that bed....told ya I was a sucker.

I think its great that you are staying town and yu should do what will give you the best experience that you want and can afford.

MoonDollar · #13 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 06:47 PM

We always travel AI

I love it and really couldn't afford to do it any other way. We drink a lot and enjoy laying on the beach or in the pool bar. It's great for the type of vacation we go on. That being said. We always go in town. We are not the type that think "well we paid for this so cannot go anywhere else". We go in town and other towns and bars and restuarants. We have never felt confined and never felt the need to never leave. However, on the days that we aren't feeling so motivated, it is wonderful to not have to move to far to find food and drinks.

The first 3 days we are the, the manfriend and I will be in town. After that it will depend on our moods/hang overs.

I will have to say that if and when I travel there by myself I would feel more compelled to stay in town. But that is an entirely different vacation then.

Streckman · #14 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 01:46 AM

I've mostly done AI as well, 'cept this time down I'm not. However, my family loves the beach and loves to drink and eat and there ain't no less expensive way to go than AI. We rent a car and get out most days anyhow, so we do the best the RM has to offer. I"ve seen the little small pools that some of the hotels in town have and they don't fit with my 'after the beach part of the day is over I wanna party at the pool bar' philosophy. We also did AI's in years past so my daughter could meet alot of kids and have more fun than a non AI could offer. Now that she is older we'll consider the cost (food and booze mostly) of AI versus non AI.

redhairgirl1 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streckman

I've mostly done AI as well, 'cept this time down I'm not. However, my family loves the beach and loves to drink and eat and there ain't no less expensive way to go than AI. We rent a car and get out most days anyhow, so we do the best the RM has to offer. I"ve seen the little small pools that some of the hotels in town have and they don't fit with my 'after the beach part of the day is over I wanna party at the pool bar' philosophy. We also did AI's in years past so my daughter could meet alot of kids and have more fun than a non AI could offer. Now that she is older we'll consider the cost (food and booze mostly) of AI versus non AI.

Welp! My advice to you is don't spoil your self so much Jimbo

I know ya didn't ask for it, but there it is

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

Dan-0 · #16 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 02:55 PM

redhairgirl1- good point, that was what I was wondering as well. I can think of a lot of reasons to go AI, but less expensive? I guess if you figure the cost of the hotel plus 3 meals a day for a family of four, or whatever, it may work out to be close. I guess it depends on how much you drink and what restaurants choices you make. For my family, there's no comparison, going AI would be way more expensive. I would like to do it one of these days, if we could go without the kiddies.

shoediva · #17 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 03:27 PM

Generally I think AI's save us money, but they also offer flexibility. My husband and I eat breakfast earlier than the kids. Last year my daughter would get up early enough to eat, but the boys didn't and she didn't want to eat alone, so I would sit with her and have tea and fruit. I just find the whole AI thing to allow everyone to do their own thing at their own pace.

It also allows us to be a little adventurous with food. We might try something unfamiliar if we know we can get something else if it's horrible.