Anyone recommend a good all inclusive in Playa Blanca ? We stayed Papagayo Arena last year, which was really good, but its gone up by about £700 this year. We managed to get it for about £3100 for two adults and two kids last year, high season. Cant find it for any less than £3800 now, closer to £3900.

Personally I hope they increase the AI prices even further

Cheers overhere.

would never go ai ever again, it spoils the holiday meaning you are tied to the hotel all the time and stops you from experiencing local cultueres etc!

Poug, i know what you are saying and if it was just me and the Mrs, then i would much prefer to do me own thing, but with two kids, its much easier to do all in.

I got flights for 3 and a Villa with a private pool for about half of that for 3 weeks.

And the local economy will get my food money.

What would people do if AI did not exist anywhere?
I know they would eat and drink in the resort and surrounding areas, they would see the sights and their kids would get a choice of flavours of ice cream and ´real´coca cola!!
3 grand for a family of 4!! - would it really cost you that much to go halfboard and go out and getabout a bit?

Feck the AI.

There are plenty AI places, but why bother when there are so many beautiful restarunts in PB. The prom is full of them and all are good value. If you are around for more than 3 nights, you will definitlely find one that is suitable. My favourite is Restaurant Playa Blanca, run by the renowned Sandy.

Save money, go for accomadation only or self catering and try all the unique estabishments on the prom for your cuisine.

If you want to go AI then do so. You are spending your money on your hols for your family. It is not really for others to tell you what to do, suggestions might be more helpful.

A lot of people here don't have much time for AI, so this may be the wrong place for a recommendation. However, please do look at prices for villas/apartments or even half board and compare. There is alot to be said for making your own arrangements and doing your own thing.

Dik!!! AI is suffocating large parts of the island with substandard rubbish while at the same time putting many places out of business.

So yes you are correct a lot of people do not have much time for AI.

Going AI, doesn't mean you have to stay in all day and night to get your "Moneys worth". Do go AI, but try the restaurants and bars as well.

What percentage of people who are wearing an AI armband that allows unlimited food and drink are going to do just that?

Very silly margaret.

Me for one
I've only been AI once, and twice I went out to eat, silly me.

While you could argue that the local government should not allow AI at all (not sure if this is legally possible), the truth is that AI is the response rather than the cause.
AI exists because Lanzarote and Spain are (relatively) a lot more expensive than they used to be. A self-catering family holiday in Lanzarote is expensive and going AI is often a no-brainer.

At nearly £4k I would say it's a non starter rather than a no brainer.

I'm going for 3 weeks in July

£1295 for a villa with private pool

£585 for return flights for 3 from Manchester

That's less than half what the OP was paying and it's for 3 weeks and not 2.

I couldn't justify the expense of AI against that.