All-inclusive resorts...what's the deal?

My girlfriend and I are starting to think about where we'd like to go for spring break at the end of February - early March 2006 (our senior year of college). It'll definitely be someplace warm, and I'd prefer someplace out of the country (or Hawaii).

One of the options we're lookng at is an all-inclusive resort in a country like Curacao or Jamaica. The reason is because neither of us have ever traveled out of the country, and exploring a foreign country at night isn't something we're too keen on (muggings, etc.). The all-inclusive option seems like a great deal for us, since all the places I've looked at on Expedia include:

airfare to destination
6-night stay
meals
drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
activities
tips

averages about $1100 a person for most places I've looked at so far. These are all beachfront resorts with the smallest rooms available.

Is there anything I should be wary about? The prices seem great. Should I stick with well-known names (Sandals?) or do you have specific recommendations?

 

[BigJ]

I'd stick with the deals with more popular and well-known business. There's really not too much to worry about with these all-inclusives. That said, I have never personally done it, but my closest friends and family members have done it, and have had nothing but amazing experiences in Aruba, Jamaica, Cancun, and other places.

 

[Tu13erhead]

When I was 17 I went with some friends and their families to Aruba. We stayed 7 nights at the Divi (www.diviaruba.com), which is all-inclusive. Because I was under 18 (and therefore could not be served alcohol), I only paid $750 or so for the whole trip. My 18+ friends paid around $1700, but it was also during the peak vacation time of the year. IIRC the price drops to ~$1200 during the summer.

Honestly, it was the best week of my life. It was awesome to not have to worry about bringing cash with me, just walk up to the bar and grab a drink, pizza, sandwich...whatever. Though we took some trips off the resort I definetly enjoyed it more on the resort.

My recommendation for a place like Aruba is to stay away from the high-rise hotels. Everything there seems extremely fake and "touristy", I didn't at all feel like I was in Aruba.

Hmm....that's all I can think of for now.

 

[Spike]

I am a big fan of the floating all-inclusive resorts, AKA cruise ships. About the only difference is the alchohol which is fine if you are someone like me (I definitly do not drink much). We paid ~$1600 per person for 14 days of cruising in the med. That included room, food, room service, tips, most ship activities. Things that cost extra included drinks, day-spa, and a few services (clothes cleaning, arcade, etc...).

If you are looking for a resort many friends of mine have done the Sandals route and had a blast. I may look at those in the near future but there something about waking up in a new port every day that make me like cruises so much.

-spike