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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:
SorryNotSorry00 · 02/10/2025 22:32

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.

Sparklesandspandexgallore · 02/10/2025 22:33

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.

HonoraCausa · 02/10/2025 22:33

it was your choice!

jjeoreo · 02/10/2025 22:33

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 love this OP.

Hope it gets better.

Cupofteawithsugar · 02/10/2025 22:33

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

Sausagemash · 02/10/2025 22:34

Ikos is chav free.

Bulbsbulbsbulbs · 02/10/2025 22:35

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

TheWytch · 02/10/2025 22:35

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?

Xpelier · 02/10/2025 22:36

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.

Cynic17 · 02/10/2025 22:37

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.

Theif · 02/10/2025 22:38

Worriedalltheday · 02/10/2025 22:17

I’ve done AI Ikos in Greece and it was superb.

op what star rating is it ??

Show quote history

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

CrispieCake · 02/10/2025 22:39

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.

itsallabitofamystery · 02/10/2025 22:40

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

VaccineSticker · 02/10/2025 22:40

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.

ResusciAnnie · 02/10/2025 22:40

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 😄

User5306921 · 02/10/2025 22:41

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.

FriedFalafels · 02/10/2025 22:41

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

BlouseyBrowne · 02/10/2025 22:42

Sounds like you’ve booked the wrong hotel. Ikos in Greece is all inclusive and really nice, unfortunately not child-free.

In my opinion, unless it’s 5 star, AI can be a bit low rent, especially in the med.

Toottooot · 02/10/2025 22:43

Maybe you lower the tone at the higher end establishments you reckon you feel at home in.

Camelcarpet · 02/10/2025 22:43

I'm not sure that 100k combined income necessarily tells us how good the holiday you've just booked is. You could've still got a cheapo AI in an area known for it's nightlife... What did you spend on the holiday? Plenty of classy destinations, you've just got to book the right place!

Aweemawe · 02/10/2025 22:44

If you have expensive taste, you’ll just have to go on holiday every 3 years instead of every year 🤷‍♀️

Ladyymuck · 02/10/2025 22:44

We love Ikos ai in Greece. Its first class

GustavMunchkin · 02/10/2025 22:46

Generally if you don’t want to be around everyone else book independently & travel independently. It’s perfectly possible on your budget.

WestwardHo1 · 02/10/2025 22:46

Why on earth do you need all inc? Rent somewhere to stay, then go out for meals and support the local economy.

StepawayfromtheLindors · 02/10/2025 22:46

I’m so much more at home in high end places 😂