I'm inclined to agree with you though I'm thinking the negative responses are perhaps generalizations and the negative tones are directed more to AI on St. Martin rather than AIs in general, and particularly not aimed at Couples and Sandals resorts.

We've done AI on a few first visits to destinations, and often the prices have been very hard to pass on. Because you've booked AI it doesn't mean you're wedded to a specific restaurant and have to take every meal there. We've often used the feature for breakfasts and occasional drinks and depending on the island, we have generally gone off the grid and enjoyed dinners where and when the spirit moved us. But it's still reassuring to know in a new place where your meals are coming from until you get a feel for the lay of the land.

A few years back we were going to Hawaii and our TA suggested we should consider an AI option for one of the hotels we were staying in. We were so glad we took her advice and did because the ala carte prices for breakfast were off the wall crazy. We even did a partial dinner option - I think it was four dinners at our home resort - so while not a true AI, it was basically the same thing. We've also done AI in Mexico, St. Kitts, the Bahamas and in Grenada - all with no regrets.

That said, and knowing it's not the norm here in the States to get the same pricing, some of the great deals our Canadian friends get on AI on SXM are incredible and I wouldn't hesitate to book it if only for the drinks, lunches and breakfasts, which alone would cost more than the airfare we've paid so eating dinner out becomes almost a non-issue.

But what I wouldn't do is book AI on SXM and consider myself locked in to only eating there. Too many great places to experience.......<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />