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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Day 1 of holiday. Hell.

517 replies

gilesday · 02/10/2025 21:17

This will come off really bad I appreciate that but sod it I have to speak my truth.

Day 1 of our family holiday we came to Greece. Have been excited for it. It’s all inclusive which is our second time, last year we did all inclusive and same thing I hated it. Don’t know why I thought it would be different but anyway.

I hate it. The hotel is just crap. The clientele are typical of what you would expect at an all inclusive and I just seriously regret it.

The thing is, I get I’m being a snob. Let’s be honest clearly we have the same budget as these people I’m slagging off (100k combined income) so should probably be a bit more humble, but I can’t. Every fibre of my being feels like I’m not built for this. I want better. I want luxury. I’m sooooo much more at home at high end places, where as the people here would probably feel uncomfortable there and like this better.

is anyone else like this?

What do I do, just avoid all inclusive from now on and stick to nicer hotels but just breakfast, eat out and explore more?

What do people do who are like me but equally don’t have the Dorchester budget?

OP posts:
FortyDegreeDay · 02/10/2025 22:06

Get a better job to increase your household income and then you can holiday at more luxurious hotels in exclusive destinations with higher class people although they might just look down their noses at you!

tabbycat70 · 02/10/2025 22:07

I've only ever been on one AI holiday. It was in Croatia and was lovely, no drunken behaviour or anything tacky. We just did it because it seemed the best hotel in the area for young children.
I'm not a big fan of 'luxury' either to be honest. We don't spend that much time in the hotel, although we do like a nice swimming pool of possible, as we generally head out to see the sights in the area and to eat local food. We usually stay in small hotels with great reviews.

3luckystars · 02/10/2025 22:07

And I thought I was missing out!

what kind of stuff is going on?

Ella31 · 02/10/2025 22:07

gilesday · 02/10/2025 21:17

This will come off really bad I appreciate that but sod it I have to speak my truth.

Day 1 of our family holiday we came to Greece. Have been excited for it. It’s all inclusive which is our second time, last year we did all inclusive and same thing I hated it. Don’t know why I thought it would be different but anyway.

I hate it. The hotel is just crap. The clientele are typical of what you would expect at an all inclusive and I just seriously regret it.

The thing is, I get I’m being a snob. Let’s be honest clearly we have the same budget as these people I’m slagging off (100k combined income) so should probably be a bit more humble, but I can’t. Every fibre of my being feels like I’m not built for this. I want better. I want luxury. I’m sooooo much more at home at high end places, where as the people here would probably feel uncomfortable there and like this better.

is anyone else like this?

What do I do, just avoid all inclusive from now on and stick to nicer hotels but just breakfast, eat out and explore more?

What do people do who are like me but equally don’t have the Dorchester budget?

I actually dont think you are wrong for disliking AI. It's the way you describe the other guests that's so distasteful.

MagicLoop · 02/10/2025 22:08

Why do AI then? You don't need a high budget to avoid the kind of experience you're describing. You just need to get an apartment/villa and self-cater/ eat out. I'd far rather self-cater or camp than do AI.

Praying4Peace · 02/10/2025 22:08

Snobby post, reeking of prejudice.
Describing guests as typical of all inclusive????
Enjoy your holiday

CoffeeLipstickKeys · 02/10/2025 22:09

Well you’re there now
Download books,podcasts some mindfulness apps and just crack the fuck on with making best of it

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 02/10/2025 22:10

AI generally are crap, for holiday makers and the local businesses. AI in Greece is mad. Greek food is gorgeous.
Find a lovely hotel, have breakfast if you want and then explore the area, Eat in a variety of restaurants, sampling the local cuisine.

NebulousWhistler · 02/10/2025 22:10

I did AI for the first time last year. It was an Ikos resort in Greece.
It was nice and might be worth a look. Most of the restaurants were a la carte and I didn’t come across any buffets or drunkards. The alcohol was also premium brands rather than watered down rubbish.
I guess not all AI is alike.

CheeseWisely · 02/10/2025 22:10

There does seem to be a lot of people on this thread who assume an AI hotel holds you prisoner for the duration. We book AI or HB on occasion if it’s cost effective, but it doesn't rule out leaving the property to explore or eat as and when we fancy it, unless you’ve spent every last dime on the package.

Pregnancyquestion · 02/10/2025 22:11

I love a good all inclusive, went to some lovely all inclusives, and been to a cheaper one but knew I was going to eat out a lot too. If they’re not for you that’s fair enough.

What I don’t really understand though is why the other people at your hotel are having this much of an impact on your holiday. I go on holiday with my DW, we eat at our our table, we find a quiet area around the pool, we do trips out. The ‘class’ of the type of people at the hotel have little impact on my holiday.

Unless you’re in some cheap hotel and the people there are screaming at their kids, getting drunk and obnoxious and getting in your space then you should just try and concentrate on your family and enjoy yourself

youalright · 02/10/2025 22:12

Did you do no research before you booked it. These days with the Internet you can find everything you need to know with TripAdvisor, tiktok and you tube to prevent this happening. The bottom line is lesson learnt just make the best of it.

pizzaHeart · 02/10/2025 22:12

You booked crap hotel, that’s the problem it’s nothing to do with AI.

Pomped · 02/10/2025 22:12

You’re not on a proper 5* AI then.

Tbh I think you only ever get the real premium offering at Adults Only places which obv isn’t possible for you it seems.

Suck it up and make the best of it, so many can’t afford a holiday at all.

Sunshineismyfavourite · 02/10/2025 22:12

I don't mind an AI, we have done a couple. One was as you describe in Cyprus and one was lovely - that was in Mexico and was more expensive. DH hates AI he isn't so much a snob but hates crowds, queuing and people getting bladdered and singing karaoke (perhaps he is a snob?)😅

We usually stay in a small hotel/apartment complex, we tend to book direct with hotels. I find them by joining FB groups of the resort or island we are looking at and read posts and make a decision that way. You can get great info this way and choose something that you think will suit you.

Theif · 02/10/2025 22:12

Champagne taste, lemonade budget. Get a better job.

ProfessionalPirate · 02/10/2025 22:12

Yeah, we’re lucky enough to be Ikos regulars but if that level of AI was out of budget I’d definitely just avoid AI altogether. Chin up and make the most of your holiday now you’re there, but don’t make the same mistake thrice.

Pipsquiggle · 02/10/2025 22:13

You get what you pay for.
We tend to go for 5 star AI or a private villa.
I explicitly ask my travel agent to only pick resorts that aren't chavvy.
She's always recommended top end resorts - more expensive but worth it

JacknDiane · 02/10/2025 22:13

Sorry, this made me laugh 😃

rockstarshoes · 02/10/2025 22:13

I bloody love all-inclusive on a Greek island!
I go Grekotel - Food is always glorious, grilled fish, kebabs, Greeks salad,
lunch in the beach bar, coming off the beach at 6ish for a sun downer!
I think you’re just in the wrong hotel OP!

TabbieMctatty · 02/10/2025 22:14

I love a good all inclusive. My favourite ones have been in turkey. Did one in Crete this year and it was ok. For the money we paid it was all just very average and I wished I'd chosen somewhere in Turkey again. I felt a bit disappointed on day one but gave my head a wobble, felt grateful for being there and just enjoyed switching off and spending time with DH and the kids having fun, being in the pool, not having to cook etc and away from the pressures of us both working full time, school, admin, housework etc. For me an all inclusive makes me feel like I can totally relax with 3 young kids when we've gone villa holidays even just thinking what to fill the fridge with or chuck on the BBQ is another thing to do and the kids do love making holiday friends which isn't so easy in a villa. I certainly couldn't give a toss about the other people, as long as people are behaving, no violence etc then who cares. I actually like that we get chatting different people from all over UK and Europe and the kids make friends with kids from all over.
But DH is keen to not do AI next year - plus prices seem to have gone insane, so I think next year we will do something different. I like the sound of an apartment in a complex so it's a bit of both worlds.

Northerngirl821 · 02/10/2025 22:15

“I have to speak my truth”

YABU just for that ridiculous statement.

If you don’t like all inclusive then don’t book all inclusive ffs.

Breadcat24 · 02/10/2025 22:15

you should stay at home because you do not sound a joy to be around

ttcat37 · 02/10/2025 22:16

Erm, earn more so you can stop booking cheap hotels then? There are some incredible luxury all inclusive hotels. Presumably those are out of your budget and you’re left with the buffet/ kids club ‘4 star’ places. Increase your budget.
P.s. the other people there are probably saying the same things about you as you are about them…

Orangemintcream · 02/10/2025 22:16

I would also hate a cheap AI with buffet food. Nothing about it appeals.

Ive had some fantastic cheap holidays staying in very basic accommodation eating out in amazing local restaurants each night instead. So much nicer.

If I could afford it I would consider Ikos or similar but tbh I would probably still prefer to eat out at local places - just maybe slightly better accommodation that what I use now.

I know some people who get cheap AI mainly for the drinks - but I’m not a big drinker so this wouldn’t be value for money for me personally.

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