There has been lot of debate over the years in Negril, about All Inclusive hotels versus EP (European Plan) plan hotels.
Well, the verdict is out, and the conclusion is that there are more similarities than differences between Negril’s EP and All Inclusive resorts, and, as in all things, they both have their pluses and also their minuses.
Within Negril, you will find scores of EP and All Inclusive resorts to suit all vacation styles, from five-star luxury, family friendly or adults-only.
Both types of resorts offer access to the legendary seven mile beach for those located on the beach road, or the cliffs of West End for the EP hotels located further west, as well as sparkling swimming pools, sumptuous food, spas and many other amenities.
The fundamental difference between the two, is that with the EP hotel, you pay for the amenities as you go, while with the All Inclusive, the cost of your room includes all your meals, beverages, taxes and tips, and on-site activities.
Who is the European Plan perfect for?
The EP plan is perfect for you if you are looking for more flexibility to venture outside the hotel to take part in the culture, attractions and culinary delights of Negril and other parts of Jamaica. Choosing a resort with an European Plan gives you more leverage to go out and about, explore local restaurants and shops, and go on excursions at your leisure, essentially staying and playing at the resort as much or as little as you want.
Who is the EP resort especially recommended for?
Diasporic tourists
The EP resort is especially perfect for Diasporic tourists, ie. Jamaicans living overseas and their descendants aka visiting friends and relatives, who may want to have the luxury of a resort stay, but want to spend time exploring, sightseeing or visiting family members and old friends and making that connection to their roots.
Adventure Tourists
If you are a second, third, fourth or fifth-generation Jamaican who loves to explore new places, are daring, very active, love new experiences and outdoor adventures; if you need action, constant change of scenery and love meeting people from all walks of life, then certainly, the EP is the resort for you as you are able to get sound rest at nights and then go out and about in the daytime, or vice -versa, whichever you prefer.
Who is the All Inclusive Resort perfect for?
Firstly, Negril’s All Inclusive resorts are more than just food, as many erroneously believe.
That said, one of the main benefits of All Inclusives is that there is no guesswork about drinking and dining costs or costs to participate in activities within the property, as everything including drinks, entertainment, sports is included in your package. Essentially, the All Inclusive hotel affords you the ability to know how much your vacation will cost before leaving home.
In you are a psychocentric traveller or one who wants a more cost certain experience and are opting to just relax and not go out, or are a Yardie living overseas, who already knows Jamaica like the back of your hands and therefore have no need to see the country in an immersion mode, then an All Inclusive resort could be the place for you.
Who is the All Inclusive resort especially recommended for?
Romantic tourists
Romantic tourists include honeymooners, married couples, bride and grooms-to-be and ‘baecationers’ who want a romantic getaway spending more time together in a relaxed atmosphere, lazing in bed, or on the beach, taking leisurely strolls, and, with every amenity at their immediate disposal. So if you want to chill in your homeland with your significant other Negril is all yours.
Culinary tourist
If you are a second, third, fourth or fifth generation Jamaican, who has fallen in love with authentic Jamaican food, or are a foodie who loves trying various types of cuisine and want to truly immerse yourself in your Jamaican culture via the food, then it is Jamaican food galore at Negril’s All Inclusives, many of which have won multiple award for their culinary offerings. From jerk, to fresh fruits, curry, fried dumplings, patties, your wish is their command. In addition, these All Inclusive hotels offer standard/continental offerings and most of the popular cuisines of the world. It is not strange to find Mexican, Italian, Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean restaurants at these hotels.
How to select your resort
Prior to making your selection when planning your trip to Negril, you will need to ask yourself questions such as: how often and how much will you eat and drink? how much of the sports amenities will you use? If you will use a lot of the services at the All Inclusive then it is probably your best choice.
In contrast, if you are on a diet, you are not a ‘drinker’, do not like sports, are planning on leaving most days to do excursions, or vivst family and friends, then an EP resort might be better for you. It is your preferences in your vacation which will decide on the right choice for you.
Otherwise, you can experience and benefit from both sides of the vacation in Jamaica model by splitting your vacation, spending half of your time in an All Inclusive and the other in a EP. Any which way, you are bound to have a good time in the Capital of Casual.
