Are include everything resorts cheaper?

[Bruce]

Are the include everything resorts cheaper in the long run compared to the regular resorts or hotels? Searching around online it looks like the regular hotels are about 1/4 of the price of the inclusive resorts. For those of you who have stayed in the all inclusive resorts how much money do you spend a day away from your resort for food and drinks? Searching around on the internet it seems like most people quote the Jamaican prices and the exchange rate keeps changing so I don't have a clue what the prices are in US money.

For those of you who stay in normal resorts, how much do you spend a day for food and beverages? I don't have 5 stars standards, Mc Donald's and cheap beer are ok.

One more thing, some of the place I have looked at seem to be miles away from the town that they say they are in, do they have free shuttles and if not, how much does public transportation cost?

[Bruce]

By Mc Donald's I mean cheap food, I already Googled to see if they have them down in Jamaica.

[Irie]

no mcd's, burger king tho!!!!

[faith]

Most all hotels quote prices in US dollars, unless they think you are a local. You can eat cheaply in Jamaica if you are willing to eat where the locals do. I cook most of our meals there, but on the rarity we do go out, I pay $1000J (about $12) for fresh lobster and $500 for fish, served with beans and rice.

[Wahoo]

When you're researching all-inclusives, read the small print and be sure you understand exactly which amenities are included and which are not. I was shocked to discover at my first stay at an all-inclusive that "all inclusive" didn't include unlimited hookers and ganja--you have to pay extra for that!