we are planning a family trip in June 2006, should we go all inclusive? Is there only one All inclusive plan available? How is the food? Is there a grocery store near by and how are the prices?

There is an all inclusive plan. However, I would not do that. It is too expensive for what you get. A grocery store is only about 2 miles away.

Sue, If you have a young children the all inclusive plan would probably be easy for you. The holiday Inn has mini fridges in the rooms but no place to cook. We went in july with a 2yo and 5yo and it was great to not have to drag them all over the place for places to eat. Our meals were quick and we all enjoyed the food very much. If they are older, you may not want to do AI and try the restaurants on the island which are supposedly excellent. It depends on how much emphasis you place on food and dining on vacation. we considered ita low priority and just wanted to eat quick so we could get back to the beach. If you have any specific questions about the HI, I'd be happy to help.
Karen

Hope you like crowds and paying for your beach chair.Lowrise hotels are much quieter.

It depends on your situation if you have hungary teens that eat constantly, or if you like to get a resort and stay put it might fit you. If you like variety ther are many resturants within walking distance (1/4 mile.) If you have a car(Rentals are cheap),then there are great optons on the small island. I dont' think there is enough money difference for that to be the deciding factor in most case.

There are too many choices to be tied to the all inclusive. Price won't be a deciding factor(unless you have a couple of hungry teens). You can walk to 15-20 different spots.

Hello,
Just spent the week of Oct.16 to the 23rd at Holiday Inn in Aruba. The place itself is not bad, the rooms are clean and the grounds are well kept. The food on the other hand I must admit needs a little help. Breakfast was served daily at La Palmas restaurant right next to the casino and there was an assorment of usual breakfast food as well as a gentleman making omelets. Lunch was good at the Sea Breeze outdoor restaurant. You can also get a small pizza at the bar by the pool. Dinner on the hand was not as good. There was not a great selection and we found ourselves eating out 3 of the 7 nights. Miramar restaurant at the Holiday Inn was excellent but you must make your reservation by no later than 8:00am otherwise you are out of luck, you'll be eating dinner at bedtime. I think we would return to stay at the Holiday Inn as they have very affordable prices, however we would not take the all inclusive or just eat out everynight and take advantage of the all inclusive for breakfast and lunch only.
I hope this helps you.

I wouldn't do an all inclusive at the Holiday Inn. There are too many nice restaurants and good food to enjoy on the island. I don't think the HI offers the best in food.