Question about all inclusive restrictions at various resorts

[jrberton]

I seem to be getting conflicting answers on when an all-inclusive plan starts and ends. Some travelers have said that when they arrived at a resort earlier than the check in time, that although they couldn't get into their rooms, they still got their wristbands for the all inclusive meals and drinks while waiting for their room. Conversely, if they had a later flight at check out time, the resort let them take advantage of the AI until their shuttle picked them up, at which time the wristbands were cut. However, I've also read from others who say that the AI begins and ends at check in and check out and anytime other than that you are expected to pay for food and drink. That it is rude and foolish to expect the resort to feed you outside those times. I've been to an A-I resort in Cancun twice and once in Puerto Morelos and each time the AI stopped when the airport shuttle picked us up and our wristbands were cut. Now the resort I'm planning to stay in June reportedly only allows access to A-I within the check in/check out times. Does any experienced Cancun/Riviera Maya travelers have any input of what most resorts do on this?

[Steve]

Every AI we have stayed at in the area (must be around 20) gives you the bracelet to enjoy the facilities as soon as you arrive, even if your room is not ready.

When you check out they will sometimes take your bracelet and give you a 'salida' which is a ticket that serves the same purpose as the bracelet and entitles you to continue using the AI facilities until you leave the hotel.

[cheetah27]

Everytime we have been even if its before check in they put the bracelet on and let you use the hotel, eat drink swim whatever..and leaving We usually fly out in the late afternoon or evening and they have always let us keep our bracelets on til our shuttle picks us up. They would just hold on to our luggage.

[jrberton]

Well, I emailed the Gran Melia Cancun to get an answer but they never responded. However, someone who was there previously, said they were told the AI plan runs from noon of check in day, to noon of check out day. Because the Gran Melia Cancun gives the guest the choice of AI or the European Plan, it's not an ALL all-inclusive resort. So, if check out is 12 noon and your flight doesn't leave until 6:00pm, you have to pay for your drinks and food after check out until you leave the resort.

[Accutemp]

that is correct at the Melia brand resorts......I just got back tuesday night from the ME Cancun by Melia and right on the check out papers it says check out and AI ammeneties are noon time......they take off your braclet and don't give you a little slip to go get any food or drinks like other AI resorts......they do give you a option for late check out at 3pm for the extra cost of $50 per person or $75 per person till 6pm........lol

[Princess015690]

it also depends who is at the counter.. our flight was after noon.. and they let us use facilities until the shuttle came.. I think it really just depends on who is working .. nothing is ever set in stone in mexico, lol

[Gringation]

Anywhere I have been has let me use the AI as soon as I checked in, and let me continue using it all day after I'd checked out. We usually leave around 5 or 6 pm.