Originally Posted by
gold23
We did the AI and LOVED it! Absolutely, positively loved it. Several reasons. First, we ate at El Puerto three times. The menu was extensive and varied, and the food is fantastic. We were a family of 5, vacationing with another family of 5 also on AI plan. Our "bill" at El Puerto every night was over $1400, and the only thing we added was about $40-50 total as an added tip (gratuities ARE included in AI!).
The waiters know you are AI, and since tip is included they simply bring you everything in order to ramp up the bill. THis is good for you, it is good for the waiters, and it is not too good for the Fairmont (though I suspect the added real cost to them isn't great and everyone is happy).
Food costs at the Fairmont are sky high. Assume you will eat breakfast and probably lunch there anyway most days. The difference is dinner. Brisas is decent, if not great, and the Mexican restaurant is what you'd expect- fine, basic Mexican fare with really good drinks. We might have liked to try another restaurant, but the AI plan kept us there.
Value-wise? With teens and all of the stuff we ordered at the pool and beach area, it probably worked out well for us before we took advantage of the El Puerto dinners.
We will be going this hotel for the first time at the end of this month - for 5 nights. We have bought into the AI package.
What restaurants can we use with our AI package? Which restaurants can we not use?
What alcoholic beverages can we use on the AI package? is there a list of such included beverages? What alcoholic beverages are not included?
if we go on a day sightseeing tour - is there any way we can use the AI package?
Is there any way we can use the AI package at the other 3 hotels of the complex, or use the AI package at any restaurants off-site?