We've been going to Aruba every yr for the last 23 yrs. more or less.
In the last 3 yrs. restaurant prices have increased far beyond the expected.
This topic has indeed been talked about a lot. There are AI people and people who want to get dressed in the evening and wander out off property for a change of pace, getting away from the resort for a while.

We never did AI's but they are getting more attractive to us now.
Average class restaurants and exclusive ones as well are charging more and more and giving less and less.
A side salad is almost non existant. A full dinner with or without an appetizer, a drink or two, coffee and dessert, for two is almost $100 or more with the added 15%.

I ordered a $15.95 pork tenderloin dinner at Iguana Joes downtown upstairs, with a salad. $6.50 extra for the salad, very small, and I asked for some bread with the meal and they told me it was not included, it was on the menu as a side order!

We all realize and accept that food is brought into the island and costs more resulting in higher prices than the norm. However they are "over-charging" and always using the imported food aspect as their excuse. Alcohol especially is being sold at ridiculous prices.

Its the honeymooners and one time or first time visitors that usually do not complain.
However that doesn't make it right.
I'd love an AI sold for as many days as you choose.
That would give people more options all the way around.

I don't know if they offer this or not, but they used to offer a 7-5 meal plan, which was 7 breakfasts & 5 dinners which allowed you to go out 2 of the nights and sample something different. Of course this didn't include any drinks, but it was another alternative. While I like my drinks, my wife doesn't drink much, so an AI doesn't benefit me. But for what you spend on the AI for drinks, you can buy a lot of Rum or Vodka and make your own. Just another thought.
2 days to go!!

I totally Agree on the all inclusive. Eating on a tropical island is not my priority either. I stayed at the Divi, it was nice getting cocktails all day long for no extra charge.

I just got back from the TAM and all inclusive and enjoyed using both the Tam and the Divi's rest. and bars....it IS easier, you don't have to carry money when you float down to the Bunker Bar to get a drink, you can catch up later for tips...the food is good and yeah, dining wasn't a priority for us...it was just enjoying the island and swimming the ocean.....

So I agree, it is the way to go and yes the high rise all inclusive and the low rise inclusives are different and I heard talk there where charges for some stuff in the high rises...

Going back next year and can't wait....no more shopping for me, all monies go to my "Aruba Fund" now....LOL....

Enjoy, wish I was getting ready to go now....;O)

>>>> "like paying $15.00 everytime my wife and I want a cocktail."
---- I would not want to pay that either. Way too much. Sounds like Hyatt or Marriott prices. My wife and I pay less than half that for 2 drinks.
There are non AI resorts and restaurants and bars that are very reasonable. Just have to know where.

My husband and I have never been on an all inclusive vacation. We are thinking about going but we don't drink alcohol, will it be worth it to us?

RAM,
Good points. I was first introduced to the SANDALS concept in Jamaica and loved it. Got to admit that the beads were less than fun to walk around with but then the entire thing was a bit of a gimmik. In any case it was fun and I went home with unspent beads.

What is offered today far exceeds that system (in my opinion) and is a cleaner and more effective way to handle a vacation. If you are on a budget, it certainly puts guidelines in place, however I find that many, if not most, persons using the AI plans end up going out to dinner anyway. Six of one and half dozen of the other.

Best way to vacation and best plan to use is the one that makes you feel good and makes you happy.

charles
arubafastphones.com

I totally agree all inclusive is worth it for the drinks because that adds up quick well so does the food but for the food, I didn't really care for it, we were there in April at Allegro and it was just okay. To me it was just like college food and the same thing everyday, so in that regard it wasn't really worth it. Also we had to make reservations at two of the restaurants there even though we were all inclusive and could only eat at the italian restaurant once. so who knows what the best way to go is.

i do agree . when you go AI you can spend your money on so much different things then food and drinks.
we found Divi just perfect for us. we have two teens that didn't allways want to eat with us. they had the choice to eat whenever they felt hungry.
my husband and i did try lots of different food and drinks that we probably wouldn't try if we had to pay for them.
everything was just pefect so pefect that we are going back in 157 days!

Tina

I have to agree depending on your budget. We did not stay at an all-inclusive and I regretted it. The drink costs are really a little bit too much for us. We did stay at a high rise. The restaurants were very good but with 2 kids along it really was a small fortune paying for everything out of pocket. I would try an all-inclusive next time.