We went AI about 10 years ago when our son reached that classic awkward "Kevin" age of 16, not quite an adult but past the child stage.
I made a big mistake in choosing a large "family friendly" AI hotel in the Greek Islands (no names) which I assumed would suit him best -he could feed and water himself any time of day without our having to dole out cash endlessly.
Anyway, many of the adult guests seemed intent on getting their money's worth of alcohol from when the pool bar opened at 10am until bedtime. Many were well oiled by lunchtime and their offspring were abandoned and left to their own devices. I felt really sorry for the hotel staff who had to suffer these kids running loose - a pack of them kicking a football up and down the reception area for example, running around in hordes or dive bombing into the pool.
I like a drink as much as the next man - but parents need to take responsibility for their youngsters behaviour. especially in a public situation.
Several like minded guests made complaints to the rep - but that was a total waste of time.
That experience put us off the idea of AI, although we have mellowed in recent years and realised that AI in principle is not a bad idea - it's the type, nature and size of hotel that might be.
The moral of this story is - do your homework on this website before choosing an AI hotel.
It got rowdy at night, swearing, spitting, blasting balls at each other across a crowded pool, youngsters babysitting their younger siblings while Mum and Dad raided the bar at night, a small group of lads running around the hotel at night 'shooting' the hotel staff with toy guns! Honestly it felt like the family from Shameless had joined us!
However a few complaints from guests and staff to the Rep led some getting a written warning sellotaped to their hotel room door telling them if their children carried on misbehaving and annoying other guests then they would be put out of the hotel. Signs were also put up on the restaurant doors too. The behaviour did calm down alot and children were supervised better. However the Parents who received the letters could be heard moaning night after night about how crap the hotel was, how miserable the staff were etc! Talk about thick skinned! After those few first days with the new crowd we were glad we were going home a few days later, other guests going home on the same day as us also felt the same.
It really does seem such a shame that the holiday you have saved so hard for to enjoy for a week or two is spoilt by fellow inconsiderate guests however I would not let this spoil my choice of an AI holiday. But I agree with you about reviewing hotels before your book. I would not choose a massive AI complex with several pools for the very reason we are discussing - other people!
By the way the hotel on a Greek island you didn't want to name in your post - it isn't the Corfu Panorama Resort (formerly Sidari Village) is it? I hope not I am going there this year!
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.
Similar Topics
-
First Time Experience
Posted by intervoice in Greece and other Greek Island Discussion Forum
-
First time all inclusive
Posted by michelle45 in General Holiday Enquiries, Hints and Tips
-
going All Inclusive for the 1st time....
Posted by foxymum in Turkey Discussion Forum
-
First Time All Inclusive Booker - HELP!!
Posted by Nanny Den in General Holiday Enquiries, Hints and Tips
- day time snacks all inclusive