curious

I saw what appeared to be good rates at Club Med and called to inquire. I was told that my 12 year old would have to pay the same as the adults, but not my 9 year old. I told the agent that I would not pay an adult rate for my son and I thought that Club Med was hurting for business, so wouldn't they let him pay the childs rate? No. Oh well, there are plenty of other all-inclusives who will. In fact, I've got a trip to Costa Rica on hold now that is doing even better than a child's rate, they are letting 12 and under kids stay FREE! <BR><BR>No wonder Club Med is going out of business. I just can't believe how stupid some of these "businesses" are. It makes you wonder who's running the show. I know there was a related thread to this recently and I am hoping people from the resort industry read this forum. They should know that they are losing out on much-needed business by sticking to ridiculous policies. Wake up before you lose that huge family travel market. Remember travel industry, right now it's a buyers market!

ohliz

You couldn't pay me to to stay at a Club Med again. The "hands up" song still makes me cringe. I wouldn't worry about the rates, just go somewhere that doesn't make you sing dumb songs with accompanying hand motions after dinner.<BR><BR Liz

curious

Liz, I was unaware of that little ritual. Good thing they do overcharge - my husband would have had a fit if I booked us somewhere that made us join in sing-a-longs. Now you've got me thinking, are there any other resorts that treat their guests like summer campers that I should avoid?

Not

All-inclusives like Sandals, Allegro have many organized activities.

ohliz

I have only stayed at 2 all-inclusive resorts, Club Med in St. Lucia and Sandals in MoBay Jamaica. Since my first trip NOT to an AI resort, I haven't gone back, we really prefer villas and small hotels.<BR><BR>Club Med was the most "campy" - we had to sit with others at dinner (tables seated 8 people and we were only 2, no tables for two there). Then there's the song, which you don't have to sing but everyone does - you can avoid that area but that's where the entertainment is so...<BR><BR>Sandals wasn't as bad. We were frequently asked to play this or that game but they took no for an answer pretty well. Entertainment was typical all-inclusive stuff which I personally find to be kind of lame...piano bar, disco with 5 people all waiting for someone else to dance first, that sort of thing.<BR><BR Liz

curious

Wow, thanks for the heads up. Having never been to an AI, I had no idea. I just thought it would be nice to pay for everything up front without doling out $$$ for every little activity or drink, but now I'm not so sure!

xxx

When is Club Med going out of business??? Are they closing up all their resorts worldwide?

curious

They've closed some resorts but not all. I don't remember the specific ones that are closing, perhaps their website has info?

Ellen

I've been to several Club Meds. Some were great, others were flat out awful. They never MAKE you participate in anything. The only thing we really don't like at all, which would be why we aren't doing all inclusive anymore, is that you eat 21 meals in the same place. Yes, the menu varies, but by the 3rd day we were just dying for something different. Part of visiting different countries is experiencing the cuisine. We went to Club Med Tahiti & ended up eating outside the club at least 4 nights. However, the food at the Cancun club is amazing & the entertainment in town vs staying at the club every night is great, and not expensive.