Just come into a bit of info.
It appears that the All Inclusives have been having a bit of bother with patrons drinking all day and then causing trouble.... How surprising is that?
So, they have asked the breweries and booze suppliers for special low alcohol booze. In response the suppliers are now producing 1/2 strenght drinks, 2% beers, and 20% spirits especially for this market.
Now to add to the constant complaints about the food, punters are complaining that they can drink all day and not get drunk....
Maybe if this becomes common knowledge it will encourage some of these punters to get out of the complexes and into the bars and resteraunts in town, and thus help the local business.
Where did you hear that, austin7. Caleta´s dead at the moment. Hotels are full.
quote:
woe10
Frequent Contributor
1500 Posts
Posted - 08 May 2012 : 15:05:11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where did you hear that, austin7.
Caleta´s dead at the moment. Hotels are full.Lost me woe ? Is that not a contradiction ? [?][?]
[;)][;)]
quote:
Originally posted by Paddster
quote:
woe10
Lost me woe ? Is that not a contradiction ? [?][?]
[;)][;)]
I Might be wrong... but Im reading that Caleta is dead at the moment because the AI Holiday makers in Hotels seem to be happy with the current alcohol content...
I assume they are also content with the food too.
Or Caleta wouldnt be "Dead"
.... I think it what woe10 meant, but (as I said) I may be wrong
IMHO there is no comparison between Caleta Resturants and the AI on offer there....
Sorry, UK Greg is right. I should have made it clearer. The AI hotels are full, but the streets, and most bars and restaurants are dead. Comprende Paddster.
Hi All
I'm new to the Forum but have been a regular visitor to the Island/Caleta over the last 5 years. I usually stay in Villas so I have the choice of where I want to eat and drink, and I prefer it that way. I'm over for a week from Saturday (pleased to see the weather looks like warming up) but unfortunately I'm staying at one of these AI gaffs as that's where the people I'm going with have booked. But no doubt I will be escaping to enjoy some of the bars and restaurants Caleta has to offer. Can't think of anything sadder than going all that way to sit in your compound drinking watered down lager all day!!
Welcome to the Forum Clem.
Happy Holidays.[:)]
Got ya woe,cheers........
Yeh, it´s sad to see, but what can you do. The Tourist Board are over the moon that they have Russians coming over. The Tourist Board judge tourism by the amount of people coming through the airport. Full stop.
East Europeans DO NOT spend money when they come here. As they are All Inclusive, they are told they don´t need to take money with them.
Ive never read so much number two in all my life. Why dont people get off their high horse about AI? Its peoples choice where they stay and drink. I use AI hotels everywhere I go but like many other who do I go out most nights to eat and drink.
AI is not just about booze its also about the overall standard of the hotels and also in the majority you dont get drunks everynight of the week waking others up at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning.
Come on folks its a democratic world we live in and theres always someone worse off than yourself. Live and let live
sorry but All inclusive IS all about the quantity of food and drink. No point to it otherwise, may as well go half or full board.
wow - intersting response to my wee bit of information, which for you out there came direct from a brewery rep who is supplying 2% lager to several AI complexes.
I am surprised to hear the the Caleta hotels are full, because the Corralejo ones are virtually empty. There are a few Italians, some French, a few straggling Scandewegians, but very few Brits or Irish. No One is spending any money and the streets are deserted, the bars and restaurants deserted. My business is the quietest I've ever experienced in 5 years.
Every business owner I talk to, agrees that this is the worst May they heve ever known, and all inclusive deals are certainly a major contributing factor to this.
A study carried out in Turkey last year showed that only 10% of the money spent on all inclusive holidays ends up in the local community. This is something that concerns us all, if the tourists come here with no money, Corralejo and caleta will end up as ghost towns with nothing but closed businesses.
This could be a very bad year with a high attrition rate for businesses.
For some people All Inclusive makes sence, however the tour companies are trying to force all tourists into this, otherwise why do they charge more for self catering than for an AI package. The Hotels don't want it, their staff don't want it, the local community certainly don't - it is time the tourist authorities here realised that they have to take action to restrict this growth before it is too late. It is alrady being done in parts of Grand Canary, Lanzarote and mainland Spain.
taken from News in the Sun Tenerife
All Inclusive Numbers Up
.
May 072012
.
Thirty per cent of visitors to the islands in the first quarter were on all inclusive deals, an increase of 5.4 per cent on the same period last year.
According to the latest government figures, the popularity of the all inclusive holiday varies by nationality, so that while more than 40 per cent of German visitors opted for it, only 16.2 per cent of Spanish visitors took the option.
The latest survey also reveals that 70 per cent of all tourists are repeat visitors to the islands, with 81 per cent of British visitors having been before.
http://www.newsinthesun.com
"So, they have asked the breweries and booze suppliers for special low alcohol booze. In response the suppliers are now producing 1/2 strenght drinks, 2% beers, and 20% spirits especially for this market."
Please don't let Cameron and the UK 'Moral majority' get wind of this one......pleasssssee ;-(
quote:
Originally posted by mickboy
Ive never read so much number two in all my life. Why dont people get off their high horse about AI? Its peoples choice where they stay and drink. I use AI hotels everywhere I go but like many other who do I go out most nights to eat and drink.
AI is not just about booze its also about the overall standard of the hotels and also in the majority you dont get drunks everynight of the week waking others up at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning.
Come on folks its a democratic world we live in and theres always someone worse off than yourself. Live and let live
Well said! I stayed in an AI during my last visit to Caleta, I couldn't fault it, perhaps if the local restaurants offered better value for money AI's wouldn't be so popular.
And the Hotel I stayed in was full of local staff, I have no guilt about not giving to the local economy, because I did , I helped pay all the staff wages that week............Guess where I'll be staying next Caleta visit [8D] and I won't spend all my time slurping lager and sitting around the pool, not all AI guests do that
Do you know..there is a street in Dublin called Georges Street.It's not a long street.Just about 300 meters,but there are more good restaurants and bars on that street then there is in the whole of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote put together.
People are flocking to AI because they are sick of the grotty karaoke/sports bars with nine televisions blaring at full volume through the day.They are sick of the "factory" restaurants that churn out poo every night knowing no-one will complain and no-one will return.They are sick of paying high prices for low standards.They want value and they are voting with their feet and their wallets.
AI is the future of tourism on these islands...but don't take my word for it.Ask Thompsons.
quote:
Originally posted by kevin2003
Do you know..there is a street in Dublin called Georges Street.It's not a long street.Just about 300 meters,but there are more good restaurants and bars on that street then there is in the whole of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote put together.
People are flocking to AI because they are sick of the grotty karaoke/sports bars with nine televisions blaring at full volume through the day.They are sick of the "factory" restaurants that churn out poo every night knowing no-one will complain and no-one will return.They are sick of paying high prices for low standards.They want value and they are voting with their feet and their wallets.
AI is the future of tourism on these islands...but don't take my word for it.Ask Thompsons.
(http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/13/Trolling.jpg)
If they're watering down alcoholic drinks i can't see A/I being the future of holidays on the island. Punters drinking 5 pints a night and the missus her cocktails and both still going to bed stone cold sober every night will soon have them clammering for a holiday down the local bars and eateries.Even dropping the prices won't save it once tourists get wind of that one.
QuoteOriginally posted by kevin2003
Do you know..there is a street in Dublin called Georges Street.It's not a long street.Just about 300 meters,but there are more good restaurants and bars on that street then there is in the whole of Fuerteventura and Lanzarote put together.
are you related to one of these kevin2003?
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/mrbass_trombone/muppets.jpg)
i take it you have never been to La scapella or dovela or temple bar in corrie
I am surprised that Caleta hotels are full, as here in Corralejo several are closed for annual renovations or because they have no bookings. The ones that are open are telling me they are only 30 - 40% occupied. So between these and the ones that are closed it probably works out that Corralejo is only at about 20 -25% occupancy. Most businesses I talk to are 30 - 40% down on last year (mine too), but the really worrying figures are that these business are also considerably down on May 2009, which for most was their worst month ever.
Some of the All Inclusive are possibly very good, but the majority.... I get a lot of All Inclusives into my office, and the biggest complaints - "the food is number two" - "the service is terrible" (Hotels have cut back on staff to save money as they don't make anything from the AI clients)
It is also significant that I have had emails from regular returners desperately trying to find private holiday lets, and they are finding it virtually impossible - this is the curse of the clasmpdown on private lettings...
The authorities don't seem to want the towns to survive - they want all tourists in All Inclusive hotels period.. This is no way to operate tourist resorts.
Quote Kevin2003:
"People are flocking to AI because they are sick of the grotty karaoke/sports bars with nine televisions blaring at full volume through the day.They are sick of the "factory" restaurants that churn out poo every night knowing no-one will complain and no-one will return".
The problem is that 75% of Brits have brains like Sheep, and go where they´re told to by Travel Agents. You´ve all heard the stock Travel Agents phrase, "I recommend that hotel, I´ve stayed there myself", and they fall for it.
Tour companies make more money with AI, as the SLOP they serve as food, and the CHEAP BOOZE they serve in PLASTIC CUPS costs almost nothing. The "Sheep Brains" are paying for it in their holiday, when they think it´s "FREE".
A lot of AI clients won´t be returning because of this. Even Barcelo in Caleta are having a re-think due to the DRUNKEN DROGS they have been attracting, causing their normally high standards to fall dramatically.
There ARE nice Bars in Caleta that DONT have 9 TVs blasting out all day, and NO KARAOKE, if you just look for them, and not follow the "Sheep".
quote:
Originally posted by austin7
The authorities don't seem to want the towns to survive - they want all tourists in All Inclusive hotels period.. This is no way to operate tourist resorts.
Okay...let's leave aside for a moment the fact that this is a sovereign Spanish island and that their policy for the development of tourism on these islands is solely a matter for them...
....AI is the perfect model for the Authorities here.It creates employment both directly and,through suppliers,indirectly.It generates tax streams from capital,labour,social insurance and value added taxes.But perhaps most importantly...these businesses tend to re-invest in themselves.They have one eye on tomorrow.A crucial element in the success in any business.
Now,if we look at the self catering sector from the same perspective we are bound to ask how many property owners who holiday let pay taxes on their rental income? How many bars and restaurants employ staff "on their books"? And how many of these businesses are compliant with hygiene and urbanization regulations? Not many I fear.
We are moving from the free-for-all local economy that has existed for 25 years,to a much more regulated one.The Spanish economy is in deep trouble and the Clarion call has gone out from Madrid......"more taxes now".And for the millions of tourists coming from Northern Europe this year.....well...they just want value for money.They are going AI.
quote:
Originally posted by woe10
Even Barcelo in Caleta are having a re-think due to the DRUNKEN DROGS they have been attracting, causing their normally high standards to fall dramatically.
TripAdvisor currently ranks the Barcelo in Caleta at No1.
http://tinyurl.com/cm5tqqe
Thanks for that Brightspark.
It's a bit like watching a Tsunami....but in slow motion....and from a safe distance.[:D][:D]
Lets not forget a hotel does not have to be All Inclusive to create employment directly and also through suppliers. A non A/I hotel will also generate tax streams from capital, labour,social insurance and VAT as they have always done long before A/I was just a twinkle in some entrepreaurs eye.Theres no doubt the Spanish tax system needs tightening up if they are to gain maximum revenue, but proper policing and regulation in the private apartment/ villa sector could bring them in more than they ever dreamed if it were done correctly.I would also say in contradiction that the vast majority of businesses and property owners are playing it legally,(or thought they were) and bookings for self catering villas and apartments are as strong this year as they've ever been.
quote:
Originally posted by kevin2003
Thanks for that Brightspark.
It's a bit like watching a Tsunami....but in slow motion....and from a safe distance.[:D][:D]
Bahhaaahaa good one ;)
just to contribute (or not), I have my opinions on this but done it loads of times in the past here and really can't be bothered to get into it now [:p]
This argument about A1 comes up all the time. People have a choice. If they want A1 as a package deal it is available. If they dont want A1 they can book their flights and accommodation separately on the Internet.
quote:
Originally posted by Cameron
Lets not forget a hotel does not have to be All Inclusive to create employment directly and also through suppliers. A non A/I hotel will also generate tax streams from capital, labour,social insurance and VAT as they have always done long before A/I was just a twinkle in some entrepreaurs eye.
100% Agreed.But AI brings with it a new and crucial element.Added Value.No business will resist the opportunity to get a greater return on an existing asset base.
I don't know about this years bookings because I have yet to find a reliable source for those numbers but I can tell you that after a flat start to the year AENA passenger numbers to Fuerte are down 9.1% in March and 16.6% down in April.The other islands aren't much better.
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/estadisticas/es
can only go by my own experience and this year is no better or worse than the last four or five.I know others who say the same.
Government statistics here....http://www.gobiernodecanarias.org/istac/
http://www2.gobiernodecanarias.org/istac/dw/indicadores/coyunturaeconomica/lstIndicadores.jsp?codAplicacion=32
I've just done a few price comparisons staying for 7 nights in June (exc flights);-
s/c b/b a/i
Broncemar 77 110 189
San jorge 109 138 283
Costa Caleta 182
Tahona 70 90 170
Caleta Gdns 65 93 167
Barcelo 230 362
It's a no brainer when you can upgrade from s/c to a/i for in some cases just over £100 for 21 meals + daytime snacks and drinks.
Quote from kevin2003
"How many bars and restaurants employ staff "on their books"? Not many I fear."
I think you´re making assumptions here. Do you have anything to back up your claims. It´s not like the old days. Inspectors are going round all the time checking up on Bars & Restaurants.
I know people that have bars and have a real struggle at the end of the month to pay:
Social Security Payments.
Taxes To the Government.
Taxes to Ayuntimiento.
Payments for Music License to SGAE (Spanish PRS).
You can´t get away with any of the above nowadays.
i am goina A/I this year as it was cheaper than H/B when booking it.
myself, missus & two kids(8&5) going to caleta (broncemar beach) for a week in june thomas cook were wanting £1600H/B or £1450A/I.
thats a no brainer[:D]
We went to visit friends in a complex and asked for a glass of wine which not only smelt awful, looked yellow and tasted like the old retsina years ago. I asked what is this and the barman said all inclusive have this wine and lifted a massive plastic container. I told him I was not all inclusive and we were visiting friends and if this is what all inclusive drank I never want to go there. He immediately gave me a decent glass out of a proper bottle from the fridge. Cheek eh? [^]
quote:
Originally posted by kevin2003
QuoteOriginally posted by austin7
The authorities don't seem to want the towns to survive - they want all tourists in All Inclusive hotels period.. This is no way to operate tourist resorts.
Okay...let's leave aside for a moment the fact that this is a sovereign Spanish island and that their policy for the development of tourism on these islands is solely a matter for them...
....AI is the perfect model for the Authorities here.It creates employment both directly and,through suppliers,indirectly.It generates tax streams from capital,labour,social insurance and value added taxes.But perhaps most importantly...these businesses tend to re-invest in themselves.They have one eye on tomorrow.A crucial element in the success in any business.
Unfortunately Kevin, your comment that AI creates employment both directly and through suppliers, and generates tax streams etc, is a bit naive and incorrect.
The hotels are being forced by the tour operators to accommodate their AI operations. The tour operator is the only organisation that makes money from this enterprise (they are in the UK, Germany,France, Italy etc) the hotels do not make money, they are forced to provide all food and drink for a daily budget of between 8.00 - 13.00€ per head per day.
The amount of wastage they are encountering is staggering, the only way the hotels can survive is by using the cheapest ingredients they can, and by reducing their staff levels to the minimum.
An illustration of this is that lot of them use paper cups for drinks to save them having to employ people to collect the glasses and wash them.
The staff in these places are not happy, as with no money changing hands, there are few if any tips. So no extra cash going into the community.
The hotel suppliers are no better off, as they are having their margins squeezed by the hotels, and in a lot of cases have lost business as some of the chain hotels are now buying their supplies in bulk and having them shipped here from elsewhere, so more revenue lost to the local community.
Further as the hotels and suppliers are not making anything like the same margins as before, they are actually paying less taxes so the government and local authorities are losing out too.
The other businesses in the community are suffering as they are getting fewer and fewer clients, so making less money - paying less taxes and having to lay off staff, this is too much for some businesses and they are forced to close, so more unemployment, and loss of tax revenues.
This affects everybody.
Last year research was carried out in Turkey on the affects of AI on the local communities, the conclusions showed that they were seriously damaging the local communities, and that only 10% of the money filtered its way into the local community.
quote:
Originally posted by austin7
Unfortunately Kevin, your comment that AI creates employment both directly and through suppliers, and generates tax streams etc, is a bit naive and incorrect.
The hotels are being forced by the tour operators to accommodate their AI operations. The tour operator is the only organisation that makes money from this enterprise (they are in the UK, Germany,France, Italy etc) the hotels do not make money, they are forced to provide all food and drink for a daily budget of between 8.00 - 13.00€ per head per day.
The amount of wastage they are encountering is staggering, the only way the hotels can survive is by using the cheapest ingredients they can, and by reducing their staff levels to the minimum.
An illustration of this is that lot of them use paper cups for drinks to save them having to employ people to collect the glasses and wash them.
The staff in these places are not happy, as with no money changing hands, there are few if any tips. So no extra cash going into the community.
The hotel suppliers are no better off, as they are having their margins squeezed by the hotels, and in a lot of cases have lost business as some of the chain hotels are now buying their supplies in bulk and having them shipped here from elsewhere, so more revenue lost to the local community.
Further as the hotels and suppliers are not making anything like the same margins as before, they are actually paying less taxes so the government and local authorities are losing out too.
The other businesses in the community are suffering as they are getting fewer and fewer clients, so making less money - paying less taxes and having to lay off staff, this is too much for some businesses and they are forced to close, so more unemployment, and loss of tax revenues.
This affects everybody.
Last year research was carried out in Turkey on the affects of AI on the local communities, the conclusions showed that they were seriously damaging the local communities, and that only 10% of the money filtered its way into the local community.
I will give you some credit Austin.Your post has all the hallmarks of your opening post.Full of scare....but a little light on facts....and links.
To address Woe's earlier points:
The taxes and charges you detail are mandatory for every business.You would not be able to open the doors on your premises without full compliance.....but that was not what I was referring to.
I was referring to payroll.I was referring to the sea of the casually employed from whom the state derives no benefit and sadly,themselves,receive no benefit or entitlement.
quote:
Originally posted by mitjh
We went to visit friends in a complex and asked for a glass of wine which not only smelt awful, looked yellow and tasted like the old retsina years ago. I asked what is this and the barman said all inclusive have this wine and lifted a massive plastic container. I told him I was not all inclusive and we were visiting friends and if this is what all inclusive drank I never want to go there. He immediately gave me a decent glass out of a proper bottle from the fridge. Cheek eh? [^]
What was the name of this AI and do please give us the link to their TripAdvisor page.
I'm intrigued.
quote:
Originally posted by gish
thats a no brainer[:D]
Got it in one.[:)] Enjoy your hols.[:)]
The taxes and charges you detail are mandatory for every business.You would not be able to open the doors on your premises without full compliance.....but that was not what I was referring to.
I was referring to payroll.I was referring to the sea of the casually employed from whom the state derives no benefit and sadly,themselves,receive no benefit or entitlement.
This is exactly what the big Hotels are doing. Especially the bigger chains such as Barcelo. Most of their workers are on Temporary contracts and are hired and fired a will. Working for minimum wages, a lot of them are from Eastern Europe. Most of the Entertainers are from Bulgaria, Romania etc. I know a girl who works at Elba Sara as an animator and is on "forced unpayed leave" at the moment as her temp contract has run out, and there has to be a period before they can take her on again. All loop-holes to get away with paying the Government taxaes. That´s why Spain´s f@cked.
Google Teddy Bautista. He´s the Director of SGAE, (the Spanish EQ of the PRS in UK) He siphoned off millions of euros into his own bank account, that was paid from the likes of small bars, in music licence money, all the way up to Digital Music downloads, and he´s getting away with it because his friend is the Minister of Culture.[:(!][:(!]
Just read that he´s been "Unfaily Dismissed" from his post and has been offered 23,000 euros/month pension. That´s "Broke Spain" for you.
I know it´s nothing to do with AI, but it´s all linked in with the overall corruption going on here. EG. Plastic flagons of wine for All Inclusive clients..
Woe,temporary contacts and minimum wages are a feature of every developed economy.For better or for worse.
As for corruption? I agree.You couldn't make it up.[:(]
quote:
Originally posted by roar of the rovers
i take it you have never been to La scapella....
No......but I've been to Mario's and it's one of my favourite places on earth.[:)]
Hmmmm!! - I started this post just to put a bit of infrmation into the public domain, and it has turned into a debate on the pros & cons of AI. Interesting!!!
I have been asked to provide links to verify my info.
My info on the 2% beers etc came direct from a rep of one of the best known beers in the Canaries, he was quite open about the info, but stressed that if it got out "it did not come from him".
As for other info, my business takes me into most of the hotels, bars, restaurants etc in Corralejo, and I talk to the owners/directors and employees of these businesses on a daily basis.
Most of my conversations have to be taken in confidence and therefore are unatributal, I am sorry if this does not satisfy the unbelievers, but perhaps if they went to some of the hotels/bars/restaurants/businesses and spoke to the same people I do they would find that I am not exaggerating the situation, if anything the situation is worse.
I have seen a link to the report on AI from Turkey somewhere within this forum, unfortunately I can't remember where I saw it, possibly someone else can remeber and furnish the link.
Life is tough all over europe, another round of job losses with clinton cards going belly up, if it's AI or no holiday then that is what many will choose.
We travel regularly to Fuerte,but rarely if ever go into BritIrish bars or restaurants.If we eat or drink out it will be in local bars and restaurants, having said that we buy most our fooddrink at the local supermarket - i know many other frequent travellers who adopt a similar outlook. I do not want to travel to Fuerte to sit in a brit bar drinking overpriced brit beer surrounded by the smell of fried food, I can go to the uk to do that!
"I do not want to travel to Fuerte to sit in a brit bar drinking overpriced brit beer surrounded by the smell of fried food, I can go to the uk to do that!"
Nice one !!! The thing is, a lot of people do though. You know what they say, "Can´t stand that Foreign rubbish".
"... a lot of people do ..." not from what Austin 7 seems to be saying, rather thay prefer to sit in the AI hoteln!
At Easter we were told that AI will be finished by Jan 2013. We will believe it when we see it. If true, then life will resume as normal for all bars and restaurants on the Island. Hopefully!!
quote:
Originally posted by redynet
At Easter we were told that AI will be finished by Jan 2013. We will believe it when we see it. If true, then life will resume as normal for all bars and restaurants on the Island. Hopefully!!
Hi Red, was that with a particular Travel Agent/Hotel??
Hi Trench - I appreciate what yo are saying, but it is not just the Brit/Irish bars that are suffering, everybody is.
last month the local Business Association & Chamber of Commerce (all Spanish) demanded a meeting with government and local authority representatives to ask what their intentions were regarding All Inclusives, and what they were going to do to help the local business community. From what I have heard - the responses were totally unsatisfactory, and typical political spin and gobbeldegook, however the new minister for tourism seems to be a bit more switched on, as he has stated that they tourist authorities should do more to help and encourage the independant travellers to the island.... but then they go and try to close down every privately owned holidasy let.....
you have to ask yourself is it corruption and are little brown envelopes swaying the decisions made by those that matter. There is no other earthly reason why they would compromise the livelyhoods of the smaller businesses in their major tourist resorts by over promoting A/I and destroying the self catering private rental market at a single stroke.None of it makes sense but then again i always think the worst of any local government body or national politician.
Could be i'm wrong and they're just honest and stupid.
Lets get one thing clear here. There´s All Inclusive, and there´s All Inclusive as mis-sold to Holiday Makers in Caleta De Fuste.
CALETA DE FUSTE
Free Beer and Gut-Rot Wine served in Plastic Cups until 11.00pm
Free Food in one Buffet Type Restaurant. Same every night.
TYPICAL CARIBBEAN: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, MEXICO, CUBA, ETC..
Breakfast:
Buffet varied with whole-grain products, cooking live, fruits, juices and cava
Breakfast continental, snack
Lunch:
Buffet with hot and cold dishes and show cooking
Dinner (at the restaurant "Don Manuel"):
Buffets and dishes prepared "for the moment"
Special evenings: theme Buffet, 3 times per week
Optional dinner (previous booking):
Brazilian restaurant "La Bodega" (main dish served at table, buffet of starters and desserts)
Italian restaurant "Luigi" (à la carte, buffet of starters)
À la carte:
Japanese restaurant "Yokohama"
-Grill / Steakhouse
"Krystal" fusion restaurant
Formal dress is required for dinner (main restaurant: t-shirt with sleeves for gentlemen; theme restaurants: long pants and shirt with sleeves for gentlemen)
Snacks 24 hours
For lunch and snacks: free choice among the offers of all th hotels of the Riu Resort (basil.) Riu Palace Bavaro)
Drinks:
National and international drinks 24 hours
Drinks by the pool
Consumption of drinks in all bars in the Riu Resort (basil.)
Riu Palace Bavaro and "Pacha" disco)
The replacement of the minibar and liquor in room dispenser
Room service 24 hours
The safe in the rooms
Sports and activities:
Table tennis, gymnastics
4 tennis courts in the Riu Resort
Gym, sauna, jacuzzi
Windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkel equipment
1 test dive in the pool
Entertainment program:
Daytime Entertainment for children from 4 to 12 years (every day)
Daytime Entertainment for adults (every day)
Live music, program night Riu or shows (every day)
"Pacha" disco (open nightly)
The entrance to the casino of the Riu Palace Macao
The entrance to the disco "Pacha" (Basil) on special nights
The clients of the hotel must be identified with our "All inclusive" wristband
Woe10 has it right, The original "All Inclusives" were the like of Club Medeteranean, with excellent food, drink and facilities, but these were expensive. The next stage were places like the Dominican Republic, Egypt etc where it was often considered too dangerous to venture out of your complex.
This is not the case here, Corralejo, Caleta etc are perfectly safe places to go out, the tour companies sell these resorts as family friendly, yet we often hear that reps are telling people it is not safe to go out unless on a tour company organised outing, a total contradiction.
However what is happeneing here is that the tour companies are trying to do bargain basement All Inclusive, to attract the biggest numbers. The hotels are having to compromise with quality to provide quantity on a very minimal budget and the results are inevitably poor.
Also the bargain basement prices tend to attract the wrong type of tourists.
One of the very sad results is that a lot of these tourists will never leave the complex, then return home tell people they came to Fuerte on holiday and it was Sh**
Just another bit of info - Just hjeard that Thomaas Cook numbers for may are down 50%...