All inclusive - are they full of drunks?

[gerispringer]

I’m looking for a relaxing break on a Greek Island for my DH and I. We like a bit of luxury and I keep seeing offers from all inclusive resorts. They seem good value, but as neither of us drink alcohol for various reasons, wondered if the availability of “free” alcohol meant the place would be full of obnoxious drunks necking down the booze. Also, is it worth if you are non drinkers?

Really depends. I’m at one right now, in Spain, and yes pretty much everyone is enjoying a few cocktails around the pool or whatever but they’re not ‘drunk’ and I haven’t seen anyone behave obnoxiously (although gets a bit merrier at night) It’s a very kid oriented place with lots of splash pools etc and Disney themed entertainment shows of an evening though which is very obviously not the sort of place you’ll be booking. I definitely feel the alcohol does bump up the feeling of getting your moneys worth, though.

Latterly often use AI hotels due to disability - it's often easier for me now. Not many drunks (although I do have to wonder at beer for breakfast at times), but then I generally repair to a quieter bar or my balcony with my Kindle because I am not a fan of the entertainment! Seldom come across anyone obnoxiously drunk although last year I did get collared by a young bloke out of his head on alcohol and weed - he wasn't obnxious, but just very talkative (and didn't get the hint I was reading).

I've been to all inclusive a few time, we normally look for adult only, higher rated hotels. Never seen people obviously 'drunk' but there is definitely a merry atmosphere. Could just be everyone on their holidays and in a good mood though.

I'm not sure if the value will be worth it without drinking though, for us, that's where the main value is added i think

Full of drunks, no. The odd one who is drunk and rude to staff, yes.

The only time I have seen loads of drunk people at an AI resort was when we went to one in Mexico and ‘Spring Break’ fell during our trip. Some US students who were clearly not used to drinking much got a bit over-excited and absolutely smashed on the cocktails. Other than that it’s always been pretty sensible.

It really does depend.

I've only ever been on All Inclusives in Montenegro. Everyone was very well behaved.

The only AI we have seen completely smashed is when it has co-incided with a wedding or when we made the fateful decision of going to a Holiday Village (never again!)
Most are completely fine especially if you go for the smaller ones with a high star rating.

I think they’re a great holiday option for those of us with disabilities.
We’ve been on a few, in various family / friend combinations, and haven’t had any problems with unpleasant drunks. I certainly feel safer in an AI bar than in a local town of an evening.

You get the bar flies who drink a lot and stay up late. They won’t bother you and you probably won’t even see it if you’re a sensible sort who drinks moderately and goes to bed early 😃

What type of AI are you looking at? It's not just the possibility of drunk people that's off-putting but more that having to get your food from a buffet isn't a very relaxing experience.

There is a la carte AI but it's very expensive.

If you're imagining the 'going for a wander and eating dinner at a beachside taverna' then best avoid AI.

I have not found this no.

They are full of people though, which I personally don’t find very relaxing.

I would think it depends on the type of hotel and also it's location which might dictate the main demographic of guests.

We've always done AI in the past and never seen 'drunks' roaming about the resort.

But i imagine you could easily guess at a few all inclusive hotels in areas famous for the nightlife where you definitely would.

Agree!

I wouldn't choose a reasonably priced AI if you are looking for luxury. The very expensive AI are usually luxurious but ime reasonably priced ones are anything but. Book a small local hotel in a beach town and then you can go out trying different restraunts each evening.

Depends on the hotel. Ive gone all inclusive 5 star to nice family hotels quite a few times in eurpoe and carribean and it's been lovely, no drunks, just nice holiday vibe.
I once went to a 3 star with the girls in my early 20s and it was to a party island and yes that was full of drunks and I was one of them😂

Not at all in my experience but we’ve only been to decent ones!

Not in my experience. We go for the ease with kids and usually choose a 4 or 5 star one . We don’t drink a lot.

@WearyAuldWumman

whyyyy would you do an all inclusive in Montenegro?? Lovely restaurants there!

Ime it depends on where you go and the type of place

The alcohol is so watered down I think you find it hard to get drunk!

I was just thinking this! 🤣

Not in my experience.

I think all inclusives are more full of families with kids! They are so much easiar - that’s my perception of them anyway (as an all inclusive convert since having children)

im not a big drinker at all but drank a LOT of cocktails last year on ai, didn’t even get a buzz! The alcohol is definitely watered down, quite hard to get drunk and I tried really hard for several days .

Oh, I know.

The first time we went, we were only half board. The second time, however, DH was quite poorly so it was the easier option.

ETA When I went last yr, it was my first time travelling abroad on my own (apart from a wedding in Ireland) so I was feeling a bit fragile. AI was a bit of a security blanket.