Need help finding an "All Inclusive"

[trailshredder]

What are some of the differences between a 4 star and a 5 star. I was told by a freind not to book anything less than a 4 star. I have heard some people say that the food was terrible at an all inclusive, and others say the food was very good. Can I assume that the one with terrible food was under a 4 star rating?

The difference between a four star to five star is huge. Food and service drops huge between the two. We stayed at the Allegro occidental in Cozumel and it was a four star.....the service was horrible and the food was not nearly as good. So needless to say we went back to the five star RIU resorts and haven't found a bad one.

 

[liv2ride]

I really appreciate all the feedback! It was great to hear a lot of great different options. I had another post questioning the safety of Mexico and decided that with my 2 kids, and wanting to do a few excursions, I may not feel 100% safe bringing my family outside the grounds of the resort. However, I will keep this information for if or when we decide to do an "all inclusive" with another couple and just stay on the beach.
We have decided to go to Jamaica (Negril) and spend a couple nights at my sister's resort on the cliffs (www.bananasgarden.com/ next to Ricks Cafe'), jumping off the cliffs. and the rest of the week at a hotel on the beach called Sea Wind resort. We plan to take a day trip to YS Falls so we can do the zip line and enjoy the falls and rope swing. Thanks again for all the feedback, and lets ride safe this winter!

 

[rawfish]

Couple of tips. Everyone seems very nice and they will reach out to help you, carry a bag, get a door etc.. However they are doing so to get a tip. If you want that service fine if not make sure you have you grab your bags, open doors, etc before someone does it for you.

If you go to the falls you will need sandals. You need either water sock type sandals or sandals that have the velcro straps. Flip flops will not do.

Bring your own and have them on. Their will be vendors around the gate that sell them but it is a rip off.

Their will also be people who will be carving stuff out of wood and sometimes they might start to carve your name as they approach you playing it off as they are giving it to you for free. They are not. That's how they sucker you in. Just look the other way keep walking DO not say your name and jus tsay no thanks or ignore them.

You will also want a disposable water proof camera. Buy them here in the USA for you go. Some places rip you off and will charge up to 50.00!


Ocho rios is a nice place of the eastern side of the island. Its pretty safe even at night. Visit the falls, plantations, and if you can make it up to the blue hills for coffee.

The currency is USD bring lots of ones five etc to tip and use to buy stuff so you don't need to make change.

Don't order jerk from any places like Margrarita vill, Hardrock etc... The best Jerk you will find will be at the some rest stop or shack on the side of the highway.

Some pics

I also always rent a car and drive. They are RHD and people drive like its nascar. Buy the insurance and who cares!

 

[rawfish]

Oh have fun its a wonderful country and their are some very nice humble people. If you are staying at a all inclusive, they say you don't need to tip but do so if you get good service. At an all inclusive they are not pushy.