We used to have this dilemma too, but now we go AI, but we don't feel shackled to the hotel - if we want to go out somewhere we will. I know some people think we're daft, paying twice in a way, but it works for us; on those "by the pool" days everything is taken care of, and when we feel like escaping, we do. I'v enever been one who has to get "my money's worth" by staying in the complex because I've "already paid for everything".
At the end of the day, though, it's all down to personal choice and what suits you best. Good luck!

thanks
I think this year was the first time we have done AI and where we went we couldn't go anywhere outside the hotel, so that's why my hubby would prefer to go Hb so we can go for a walk outside the hotel, it seems most AI are away from it all.

For me it can depend on where I am going.

If it was Europe tend to only want accommodation only so free to go off and use different restaurants and bars as prefer varietyand also if the hotel is much good you are stuck with it.

Understand the cost implications but usually you can find a cheap and cheerful place to fill the kids up.

Somewhere like the Carribean then would choose AI option.

Kind Regards
Stewart

thanks,
The Carribean is way over our budget, but will look into the pros and cons and costs before making our minds up.

Our last 6 holidays have all been AI; totally sold on the idea now, once you've paid the final invoice you don't have to worry about how much money to take - particularly if you're going for a "laze around the pool" type holiday.

I'm a room only or Bed & Breakfast fan myself. Much prefer to find little local places to have lunch and dinner. Went all inclusive once but it just confirmed that we prefer to go out to dinner. The all inclusive we went to was off the menu for all meals, but as many all inclusives have buffets for the most part, we avoid them because I really don't like buffets.

But with kids I can understand the conveneience for you to go all inc.

Lisa

Sancho Proudfoot - last 6 holiday AI - any good ones that you would recommend for next year then????? We love AI - kids can wonder off around the complex without the worries of are the eating / drinking enough - so while the children come with us we are firmly AI !!!!!

We've done HB and AI and I don't think that is the issue regarding freedom, it is more about the hotel location, surrounding facilities and cost of using those facilities. The AIs we've had except the last were close enough to restaurants/pubs for members of the party to eat out whenever. The last one in the DR was not, but there was no real need due to the hotel facilities and quality.

What extra freedom do you get with HB, you still have paid for breakfast and evening meal, but they are fixed times, so you either fit in or pay extra to eat out same as you would with AI.
With the HB we found it annoying to say the least that we had to keep forking out during meal times for drinks, even water.

At our last AI, they started breakfast at 7am, from there on it was possible to get something relevant to eat or drink somewhere in the hotel until 6am, so you actually had the freedom to eat if and when you wanted to.

Again it comes down to the definition of freedom. The main plus with AI is the drinks for kids whenever they want them, and the freedom you get by not having to carry money etc. around with you while you are in the hotel. We spent 2 weeks in basically cossie, towel and wristband. This freedom from worrying about where to put the valuables if you want to go in the water, have we got enough for the drinks this morning, woops forgot the icecream costs etc is what I enjoy most. We certainly don't tie ourselves to the hotel though.

Hi we will be going all inclusive this year with having too teenagers and a 10 year old it works out expensive hb for us last year.
We are stopping in Benidorm in the Magic group Hotels so if the kids get bored you can go to there sister hotels theres about seven in Benidorm so you have alot of differant things to do you can use your all inclusive in all the Hotels.
So well worth it and you will never get bored.
21 days today weeeeeeeee

Hi emmrich

they are:

Hotel Gloria, Yalikavak Turkey - actually NOT recommended, too "german-oriented" for my liking

Nile Cruise, via Archers Direct - would go back tomorrow!

Anka Beach Resort, Turkey - very good I would guess super with kids

Sri Lanka, with The Travel Collection (aka Kuoni) - again would go back tomorrow!

Houda Beach Skanes Tunisia, again very good, and I think probably great with kids

thanks for the replies guys.

lucky
Have been looking at that group myself, I have kids roughly the same age as yours, so i think AI will be better for us again, just have to pursuade hubby

Hi welshoney go for it were stopping at the Magic rock Gardens in three weeks will post a review when i get back as there are no recent ones of yet.
Ive seen the pics of the Monika hotel alot better Hotel so i think we will be hopping on the free bus to the other hotels.
You also get a free medival night not had much good reviews for 30 euro but as its free why not.

Hi

We stayed at the Monika apts. a few years ago. It is in a lovely situation, not far from the cala n' Finestrat beach, and also close to local bars.

If you decide to use this chain of hotels, make good use of the free bus which goes to all the hotels. You get transport to the centre of Benidorm and are able to eat and drink at any of the sister hotels. Great value for money.

Carol

thanks for your replies, will look into it monday, when I@ve got a day off.

I've been reading this thread with interest.

Hubby told me to look for next years holiday. Thanks lucky and CarolB,
I'll be checking out the Monika Apartments and AI. We ususlly go self
catering but the change might be good.

Other halfs always wanted to go to Benidorm. Who do you book with, if
you don't mind me asking?

Helenxx

we have done both AI and HB I think it all depends on circumstances, if you are on a limited budget, have children or just a cheap last minute then AI is the best as you know exactly how much money you need otherwise HB is best then you can see more of the country/island you are visiting most hotels let you exchange dinners for lunch or a packed lunch but drinks can be expensive if you drink a lot then again some have an add on package for drinks, as the saying goes you pays your money and makes your choice, good luck with whatever you decide

Hi bluebabe we booked with direct holidays 2 adults 3 children we have had to pay adult price for two fo my children as they have there own room i know they will get alot out of there all inclusive i know it will work out alot better and also having so many choices of Hotels to eat,drink and swim.The monika i think as the best pool so i will be visiting.We are not actually stopping in the central area but there are some Hotels round that area if were are doing some shopping and the kids need drinks and food.
Not long now cant wait the weather not been to good here either. roll on sunny benidorm

Hi lucky......thanks a lot for the info. Just need to sweet talk hubby into

going AI now

Helenxx

bluebabe,we went ai to benidorm this year.the hotel was the flamingo benidorm and would recommend it.mary priced it off the first choice website then took it to the shop and saved us £100,because benidorm has so much entertainment we spent most nights in the town but we still saved ourselve's quite a bit over b+b or h/b

garry