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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think all inclusive holidays are very good value?

157 replies

Septembersun101 · 22/08/2026 12:58

Have just returned from a week all inclusive in Greece.

I used to be a bit snobby about all inclusive and assumed it would be a bit crap but honestly having done it a few times now I think it’s such good value.

Admittedly it’s not as authentic as some other types of holiday. But we’ve just paid 3k for a 5 star AI.

The room was lovely with a patio overlooking the pool. There was a huge waterpark with our ds loved and no queues so we all went on as many times as we liked. There were 8 al a carte restaurants in much mixed it up and got us away from the buffet madness. Where we were able to have relaxing 3 course meals with drinks. There were 5 places you could eat for lunch buffet style.

A private beach for hotel guests only.

If you just want some fun in the sun with your children and not to have to cook for a week I think it can be outstanding value for money.

OP posts:
Septembersun101 · 22/08/2026 13:07

hahabahbag · 22/08/2026 13:00

did you book very late, seems very cheap for school holidays. I do agree they are good value but they vary a lot

We booked 6 weeks before.

Admittedly, we booked quite late because we were unsure of our plans. We held our nerve and waited for the price to come down and luckily it did.

We only had one child with us this time so were able to all bunk in one room. Those things bought the cost down a lot.

I’ve been to 3 AI type places now and each one has surpassed my expectations. Each one has different strengths but all have been very good in their own ways.

OP posts:
Livelovelaughfuckoff · 22/08/2026 13:04

I suppose it depends on what type of holiday you want really. I loathe the idea of staying in such a large resort and only eating within the hotel so it wouldn’t feel like good value to me because I wouldn’t enjoy it. But if you had a great time then yes it sounds like you got value for your money.

ScarlettSarah · 22/08/2026 13:04

I've never been on one, but interested to try. If anyone has any specific recommendations, please let me know. They all look much the same online.

Thunderdcc · 22/08/2026 13:03

They're like any other package holiday, there is an element of risk. Do you go smaller in the hope that the pool is quieter but then that usually has knock on effects on the range of choices. Or do you go huge, probably have a decent range of options but risk there not being enough pool space / sunbeds etc and every day being a bit stressful.

We have just come back from a package holiday and it was fab 😊 but we were warning the kids if you see someone super annoying on the plane then chances are you're about to spend the week with them. It is just the way it works 😂😂😂

Squirrelblanket · 22/08/2026 13:01

I think they are great value and we've used them in the past when we had tighter budgets.

I wouldn't stay in one now as I enjoy staying in smaller b&b type pieces and trying loads of different restaurants. I just enjoy a different type of holiday now. But they were great at the time and of course if you have kids!

hahabahbag · 22/08/2026 13:00

did you book very late, seems very cheap for school holidays. I do agree they are good value but they vary a lot

Parcelpass · 22/08/2026 12:59

Like anything it varies. I always do AL. Stayed in some lovely hotels.

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