Day 1 of holiday. Hell.

I’m really not an all inclusive sort of person but it sounds like you’re not either and you’ve done it again. Of all countries, I really wouldn’t do Greece AI, but that’s down to wanting a more authentic experience. I would rather choose to eat in little Greek tavernas each night. I’ve done AI in Mexico many years ago which I’ve heard is far superior AI levels than Europe. Against the cost of AI now in Europe, I’d rather get to eat out each night instead

Family income of £60k per year. We go to an AI in Egypt for 2 weeks every year and love it. Our hotel costs us £7000 for a family of 4

I cannot get my head around spending 11% of your annual salary on one holiday. Mindblowing.

5 star AI isn’t as good as 5 star non AI though tbh. I know what you mean OP. There was a thread full of people like us earlier in the summer 😄

From experience, AI on the med is waste of money and a waste of time when you should be trying out local tavernas and going out every night instead of being held hostage in this hotel.
I will only do all inclusive in the carribean as it’s great value for money and stunning setting and delicious food. Cancun/cuba/rivera maya and it is not more expensive than a med holiday. They normally have around 8 restaurants on site and you’re spoilt for choice.

Olympic lagoon resort in Cyprus is where to go for AI.

How old are your kids? Tbh there's no holiday that involves airports and flying anywhere which is luxurious enough to make up for the faff and disruption to routine.

Our holiday this year was not cheap and it was exhausting. But the kids loved the waterpark and the disco and had so many new experiences. They got to swim everyday and play on the beach in the evening. It was nice to have that time with them.

But a break it wasn't! I was slapping sunscreen on exposed skin every 5 minutes and trying to fend off the super-sized mosquitos, while dealing with fussy kids at the hotel buffet and making sure they were fed before I could eat myself. And the airport was a hassle.

The most relaxing holidays we've had so far have been lodge/caravan breaks in this country somewhere cheap and cheerful with a good pool and a soft play. We can throw all our shit in the car and just drive there, we get a shop in with food the kids actually like eating and we usually pick somewhere with a nice view and just bumble about for a few days. I think low expectations are key! We haven't spent a lot so it's just nice to have a bit of time together.

Was it superb, or are you just one of the easily impressed peasants that the OP is looking down on?

So, OP, if you hated the all inclusive last year, why did you go again this year?!
I totally get why you don't like it, but there are so many other types of holiday.
We've had many, many holidays over the years, but never done AI. Just book B&B somewhere at a nice hotel (and the budget doesn't need to be big), and then go out to different places for dinner. It's not difficult, but you seem to lack imagination.

I’m a bit confused - did you book a cheap AI hotel? Why is the clientele so different from your expectations?

I wouldn’t book an AI through the likes of TUI or Jet2, certainly wouldn’t book an all inclusive in Greece!! But some are amazing - the likes of The Atlantis Dubai, for example. I’ve also experienced some amazing ones in Mauritius. So they’re definitely not all the same, you’ve just booked the wrong place.

I admit the thought of an AI hotel makes me shudder. Even half board is too much.

We always book bed and breakfast terms only or self catering after a horrible two weeks half board in Sorrento. We rapidly swapped the evening meal for a packed lunch instead.

It leaves us free to go out and explore. I'm not the sort to want to lie around the pool eating and drinking either .

Can you cut your losses and just use the hotel for sleeping and breakfast?

You need to book a villa and eat out at tavernas. Honestly AI in Greece is just pointless as the food is amazing.

Ikos is chav free.

I hope I’m not the only one who really wants to know the name of the hotel…

I love this OP.

Hope it gets better.

it was your choice!

Hmmm you are free to leave the hotel, and go to other restaurants!
If you want luxury then pay for it.
By the way I’ve been on lots of holidays, many AI. I don’t drink much and certainly don’t clamber for a subbed. I’ve still managed to enjoy myself.

You didn’t mention bad or annoying behaviour from the peasants who dared to book the same hotel as yourself so I’m guessing that’s not the issue here. I don’t believe it’s commonplace to chain guests to the railings if they try to leave such places, so maybe plan days out and/or outings for each day like a normal person so you aren’t stuck slumming it for the remainder of your stay.

Family income of £60k per year. We go to an AI in Egypt for 2 weeks every year and love it. Our hotel costs us £7000 for a family of 4. It's right on a private beach, a lot of opportunities for excursions, the food is actually really good and they have multiple restaurants, an onsite spa, and a large waterpark for the kids. It may be other people's idea of hell but it's a lot more luxurious than a lot of AI places and quieter because there's only around 300 rooms. We are introverted quiet people and have never had an issue with the guests that stay at the same time as us - never witnessed any rowdiness.
What's the point in going on holiday to somewhere you're not going to enjoy? Pay more and go to somewhere a bit quieter with more opportunities for luxury.

There's a difference between AI 5* with TUI and Ikos / Sani. Not just the £6k v £16k price difference either.

I booked AI 5 once or twice pre and post kids (the £8k kind) and hated it. Moaned to a friend who suggested Ikos and Sani. They said there's 5 AI and then theres actual luxury.

Neither are for me though so we do our own holidays and Air B n B / villa it. Whether it's SANI or Ikos or TUI I just don't like other people.

I found more very very wealthy (£1m+ bonus types) on a campsite in the Cotswolds trying to give Sebastian (in his pink chinos) and Jemima a wholesome weekend in the pissing rain than I have at a 5* resort on the Med.

Look at Ikos or Sani for next year. Sani doesn't include drinks but has all the other luxury AI activities included plus loads of gorgeous restaurants and a marina, so it feels more like a resort and is very luxurious if you stay at Porto/Dunes/Asterias.

Neck a cocktail and get on the karaoke. If you can't beat them...

Can someone explain how you find these NON aI hotels? Do you book independently or do you still use operators like jet2 and tui? The regional airport near me has very limited flight operators, so when I look at booking a small hotel b and b I’m often disappointed to find it also does AI. I wish you could filter that OUT as an option, along with family friendly!

Avoid AI then - even the 5 star ones. We went to an Ikos and you still get the same kind of “clientele” you mentioned, just the ones with a bit more money. Food was rubbish esp given the price. Maybe people don’t notice because of how much they’re drinking all day. It’s like emperors new clothes. Everyone going on about it being amazing even when it isn’t. I wouldn’t do AI again.

Do a villa and pick nice local places.

We did a couple of mid range AI holidays twice many years ago when the DCs were young, it wasn't really our cup of tea. Felt like you were queuing at a school canteen, hard to find a sun lounger, bit claustrophobic etc and there was a couple of rowdy groups. But it was easy, so I can see why they appeal.

I would be tempted to try a five star AI, potentially would have a better experience.

😂😂 have you ever heard of IKos? AI in Greece and the most stunning place I’ve ever been to. Off again on Sunday, can’t wait.