Why We Bailed on the All-inclusive Resort

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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.

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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