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Why We Bailed on the All-inclusive Resort

January 16, 2020 By Nancy 10 Comments

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We’re only two weeks into the new year, and already I’m changing our vacation plans. My family just bailed on the all-inclusive resort we booked for this summer.

Delays, Delays, Delays

When I first booked the resort, it was scheduled to open seven months prior to our arrival. I figured our timing would be perfect. The resort facilities would still look new, but the staff had time to smooth out some wrinkles.

The resort’s opening has been delayed three times. Three! One tour operator is now saying the resort won’t open until June, which puts our trip in jeopardy.

Since I joined a social media group with other guests, I’m hearing stories about how current guests are being re-routed into other resorts. In some cases, guests aren’t getting a choice since there might only be one other resort in the brand with openings for their entire party. Some people who booked ocean-view rooms are stuck with garden views.

The worst part is that the resort’s communication is awful and inconsistent. Some folks were notified of the delay weeks before others were. And, during that time when people would call the resort, staff denied knowledge of any delays.

I just wasn’t feeling it. Since my cancellation fee was only $50, I bit the bullet and canceled.

a swimming pool on a beach
Photo by Suzy Brooks on Unsplash

Making Alternative Plans

We still want to go to Cancun. We already purchased our flights! Thankfully, there are dozens and dozens of other resorts to choose from.

I wanted to book one with a better beach and a teen club. We decided to book a comparatively very large resort, Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres. This resort is so huge that it has boats to take you from one part to another on water canals. We have a family suite, which is two adjoining rooms.

The biggest draw for this resort, however, is the attached Rafa Nadal tennis center. My son is a competitive tennis player and a big Nadal fan. We knew that Nadal has a school in Mallorca, but until now we didn’t know he has a new school in Cancun. We plan to get him a few lessons there, He is going to freak out!

Bottom Line

Our original resort might be open by the time our dates roll around. Or, it might not be. Either way, I’d rather be in control of where we stay instead of getting assigned to a resort because of a delay. I’m disappointed that our original resort is having so many delays. But, there are so many resorts in Cancun with excellent amenities. I’m looking forward to this short summer getaway.

Have you made any changes to your 2020 travel plans yet?

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Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Author: Nancy

Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.

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Comments

  1. Deltahater says

    January 16, 2020 at 8:18 pm

    We are booked at Now Natura for mid-February (Feb 15-18). Their communication has been excellent and I feel they are taking care of us. Construction delays can happen and I knew that when we booked it so early. We have been to several of their properties and I am 100% convinced they will do the right thing for us.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      January 16, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      @Deltahater I’m glad you are being taken care of. I don’t get the same impression that everyone is as happy with the alternatives they are being offered.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    January 16, 2020 at 1:55 pm

    We just got back from the Hyatt Zilara Cancun and loved it so much, we are considering taking kids to an AI this summer. We got in on the $250 rebate on the Hyatt cards and that helped plus booked a night on points. There are so many AI resorts, I’m trying to narrow down a good one for our family. Wish Hyatt would run another promo but doubt they will over summer break.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      January 16, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      @Jennifer I”m glad you loved your time at Hyatt Zilara! There are so many AI resorts to choose from, I’m still not sure if I made the right choice.

      Reply
  3. projectx says

    January 16, 2020 at 1:22 pm

    Good move. The $50 is well worth the piece of mind!
    As for our family, we’re headed to Alaska this summer.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      January 16, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      @projextx Alaska, nice! On a cruise, or a land-based vacation?

      Reply
      • projectx says

        January 16, 2020 at 3:13 pm

        Mostly cruise. We fly into Anchroage and will drive south to Seward. Stay there for 2 nights, then jump on the ship for 7 nights, southbound to Vancouver. We’ll spend a day exploring the city, staying overnight then return home.

      • Nancy says

        January 16, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        @projectx Sounds like a great trip!

  4. Clyn6 says

    January 16, 2020 at 11:03 am

    The Hyatt Ziva might be a good choice. I have stayed at the Zilara adults location. Riu Palace Peninsula was quite nice. Lots of pools and beach areas and the buffet had good food. Or for just a hotel stay we like IHG Intercontinental Presedante Cancun.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      January 16, 2020 at 11:11 am

      I’ve heard so many good things about Hyatt Ziva. It’s fairly cost-prohibitive with my family of five, but maybe one day.

      Reply

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