A family of eight, including the author and his extended family members from Scotland and England, recently stayed at The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Despite a previous positive experience in 2016, their latest visit fell short due to the resort’s lack of a booking system.
The group paid approximately $25,434 for a two-week package vacation, including flights from the UK and accommodations at the all-inclusive resort. However, they faced long waits and difficulties in securing dinner reservations, particularly with a large group of eight people. The absence of a booking system made it challenging for them to get a table at the restaurants.
The family’s experience was improved when they were upgraded to a suite on the second day, but even this upgrade couldn’t make up for the initial issues. The resort eventually provided a haphazard solution by creating a timetable with reservations for dinner each night, which helped alleviate some of the problems.
However, the group still faced limitations in their dining experience, and they had to order room service due to limited menu options. This lack of flexibility made it difficult for them to enjoy the full range of services offered by the resort.
The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences is part of a growing luxury-focused tourism industry in Mexico, with Visit Mexico reporting significant growth in the country’s tourism sector. Despite this, the all-inclusive resorts may struggle to accommodate large groups like the author’s family.
In light of their disappointing experience, the family will consider alternative options, such as renting a private property that can better cater to their needs. The resort didn’t respond to a request for comment on the matter.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/mexico-all-inclusive-resort-family-disappointed-2024-12