Day 1 of holiday. Hell.

We’ve done a few TUI Blue Sensatori AI’s and they were very nice. Now I’m trying to work out if we had nice AI’s or if I’m just common as muck with low standards. I didn’t feel out of my depth the times I’ve been to the Dorchester if that helps? 😂

Edit to say the common and Dorchester bit wasn’t directed at the post I’m replying to but the OP.

To me the solution is self-catering, live frugally some days with cheaper activities and food, then a few meals out in beautiful restaurants.
But you are there now. Just get a good book and enjoy it. Headphones in and relax listening to music. Just make the best of it.

It sounds awful. I am poor and can barely afford a holiday but I am still too snobby to go to a AI.

Its not the fault of other people that you didn't do your research and are incapable of planning something you enjoy within your budget. Or that you seem to lack the initiative to enjoy this holiday in your own way. No one is forcing you to sit round a complex. Use it as a base and get out and enjoy the beauty and culture of the country. I'm sure the majority of people at your hotel would also prefer luxury (why would it make them uncomfortable and not you? You're the same background, as you say) but it's too bad, isn't it? We make the best choices we can within our budget.

Change your holiday destination. Places like Greece or Turkey also attract a certain "clientele" of people. Northern Italy, South Tyrol and Austria have amazing luxury hotels for families without the grubby vibe. The coast along Venice is great for beach holidays. Realistically, you need to budget 1K per night for 5* all inclusive but those are really do match up to expectations. You just have to keep holidays shorter or stick to one "big" holiday every two years.

I am a poor snob on a much lower income than you

we book separate hotel/flights book a small family run hotel or apartment or house , so simple but nice and eat out in local places, going to different countries like Norway, Poland, Croatia … lots of options (but maybe it is probably not the luxury you crave)

It’s really hard to find a non AI in Turkey now. We have used a lovely self catering place near Bodrum for the last few years. So filter by self catering to avoid the AI crowd.

Probably costs about the same but we get better accommodation and often just have a bread, cheese and fruit meal anyway.
People watching at an AI is the best fun though! Especially the money’s worth lot.

Go somewhere more expensive? Club Med or Ikos don’t have any ‘riff raff.

Or you could just be one of those people who goes abroad but comment about how they don’t like seeing British tourists abroad.

Haha you are a massive snob, but at least you're owning it.

Plan for next year - find a nice airBNB/apartment somewhere buzzy - maybe a larger but more provincial town in Italy or France, away from the main tourist cities/resorts to keep costs own. Then find out from the locals (ask your airBNB host, or even ask on reddit) the best places to eat in the area, and if there are any hidden gems.

Oh dear - that sounds awful. What a shame - you've put me right off doing an AI holiday.

1. High end all inclusive are a thing, why didn’t you book one of those.
2. Im pretty sure you’re allowed out of even low quality AI hotels. If you don’t like it, then go out everyday.

TUI all inclusive = not for me either

IKOS all inclusive = top notch, couldn’t fault it, but pricey

AI is great if it’s very high end, we do this once a year.

OP I've been on amazing holidays with a fraction of your budget. Your problem is the AI bit. Those are by definition not high end, imo.
Book self-catering and eat out. Go and visit stuff, do wine tastings and museums and sit on lovely beaches.
I don't think it's possible to feel luxury sat on a sun lounger for a week eating from the same restaurant every night with the same people around you.

Who do you consider to be rough guests?

Did all inclusive many years ago and never again. We go self catering or now mostly hire a villa or apartment so much better for us and kids

are you staying at a 5* All Inclusive?
We generally do go AI for ease, but I also only pick AI’s which have true, unlimited A la Carte offerings - the permanent dinner hall experience is not for me.

You should look at Turkey (Antalya, Lara Beach or Belek), they offer pretty decent value for money in some cases. Don’t even bother with AI’s lower than 5* rated there though.

Greece have some gorgeous options but again it depends on what you are really looking for both culinary , budget and experience wise.

We usually pay around £1.5k per person for a week, it’s never less than £1k-pppw.

I've only done all inclusive with IKOS (on a few occasions) and i thought it was fabulous.

Not sure what OP means by clientele but everyone seems lovely when I've been. No lager louts (pretty sure there's no lager on sale anyway).

Just go on booking.com and search your target location/hotel criteria/price range.

Or daydream on:

https://www.i-escape.com

I’ve never been on an all inclusive, but imagine this is a fairly standard situation. It’s bound to attract people who expect value for money, similar to all you can eat restaurants. I dislike hotels as a rule. Having to live in close proximity to hundreds of other people for an extended period of time is not for me. Give me an isolated cottage in the middle of nowhere is my idea of a good holiday!

You get what you pay for. You need to increase your budget or lower your expectations.

Because the reality is you are chasing this ideal probably created by some instagram influencer on what Greece or Spain should be like. All local, small town, white curtains blowing in the wind of an open window, med vibes with sunsets and sangrias.

Then you choose an AI resort which is just Butlins at the end of a plane journey and you’re disappointed.

My experience is that in order for holidays to be special they need to be better planned and thought out than just clicking a button to ‘book now’…

You don't sound well-travelled OP.

All inclusive =/= low end

I've done AI in Cyprus, Fuengirola, Egypt, Morocco and Cancun. I didn't drink out of plastic cups, or do the conga and there wasn't chips, every night. You book your tours etc with your holiday provider, your meals out are included and you are eating were everyone who is non AI is eating. Around waterfalls etc there isn't a lot of choice.
Some of the stories on here can happen in any hotel and you are still sharing the same flights. It's about research. A AI can just be the difference of £25 a day. You could spend that on drinks, including coffee etc.

The all inclusive aspect isn’t the problem, it’s how much you forked out. I’ve been on some very nice all inclusive holidays