Costco Vacations That Aren’t Worth the Cost
Written by
Choncé Maddox
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Costco Travel has a reputation for bundling attractive deals that combine flights, hotels, transportation, and even extras like resort credits or Costco gift cards. While many travelers report saving hundreds of dollars using these vacation packages, not every offer is worth the price.
Some packages receive mixed or even poor customer reviews, and when you break down the individual components, the deal doesn’t always hold up. In fact, a few highly marketed trips on Costco Travel’s website have customer ratings of 3.5 stars or lower which suggests that travelers may want to proceed with caution or explore better alternatives.
Here are three Costco Travel vacation packages that have poor reviews and feedback compared to similar offerings on other platforms.
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa — All-Inclusive (3.3 out of 5 Stars)
The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa in Lucea, Jamaica, often appears in Costco’s top vacation listings due to its large footprint, family-friendly amenities and all-inclusive offerings. On paper, the package sounds ideal. A typical Costco Travel bundle for this property includes roundtrip airfare, accommodations, unlimited food and drinks, non-motorized water sports, and airport transfers. It’s all wrapped into a single price that can start around $1,300 per person for a five-night stay.
However, customer feedback tells a different story. Costco Travel’s own rating system gives the resort just 3.3 out of 5 stars, and third-party reviews echo the same concerns. Guests frequently cite long check-in lines, worn-out facilities, poor food quality, and a lack of consistent customer service. One traveler on TripAdvisor noted that while the pools and beach were beautiful, the resort felt overcrowded and understaffed, leading to long waits for dining and activities. Others mentioned maintenance issues and a feeling that the property didn’t match the polished photos shown online.
When compared to other all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay or Negril (many of which carry 4-star or higher guest ratings), the Grand Palladium often falls short. For example, resorts like Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall or Iberostar Grand Rose Hall, while sometimes slightly more expensive, offer consistently better guest experiences and upgraded service. In this case, the bundled price at Costco may save you money up front, but it could cost you in overall enjoyment.
Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (3.5 out of 5 Stars)
Another popular package that might not live up to the hype is the Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa in Punta Cana. Costco Travel rates this resort at 3.5 stars, and a five-night all-inclusive package including airfare, meals, drinks, and airport transfers can cost between $1,200 and $1,500 per person depending on the season.
At first glance, the Royalton brand seems appealing. It boasts modern amenities, multiple pools, a lazy river, and an array of restaurants. However, some travelers have reported a different experience once they arrive. Reviews mention overcrowding, slow service and food that fails to meet the expectations set by the resort’s luxury branding. One guest commented that while the rooms were spacious and nicely decorated, the check-in process was chaotic, and it was difficult to get reservations at à la carte restaurants.
These complaints become more relevant when you realize there are dozens of similarly priced resorts in Punta Cana with significantly better feedback. Properties like the Secrets Cap Cana or the Majestic Mirage tend to offer a more refined all-inclusive experience with fewer complaints and stronger customer support. Booking these alternatives directly or through a travel deal site may result in a better vacation, even if the upfront price appears slightly higher.
Ocean El Faro — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (3.2 out of 5 Stars)
One of the lower-scoring resorts on Costco Travel’s roster is Ocean El Faro, located along the Uvero Alto coastline of Punta Cana, where it holds a modest 3.2 out of 5 stars in Costco’s “Member Reviews.”
On paper, the resort is appealing: The listing advertises colonial-style architectural touches, a lighthouse viewpoint, multiple swimming pools, a lazy river, family water park, adults-only “El Beso” section, themed restaurants, spa facilities, and a full slate of daily and nightly entertainment.
Despite the promising amenities, many guests have expressed their disappointment with their accommodations, food options and more. What makes Ocean El Faro a questionable Costco package is this gap between promising amenities and inconsistent real-world delivery.
At a resort rated so low by Costco’s own users, you’re taking a risk that your stay may suffer from underwhelming food or lagging service. Especially in Punta Cana, there are several alternatives with stronger guest reviews in similar all-inclusive formats. So for many travelers, the Costco bundle may not deliver enough reliability to justify its premium.
The Bottom Line
Costco Travel can offer great value especially when booking top-rated resorts, cruises or vacation homes with transparent inclusions. But as with any deal, it pays to do your homework. Some vacation packages, particularly those with 3.5 stars or below, may not be worth the bundled price if they result in a lackluster experience.
Before booking, it’s wise to research the property on TripAdvisor or Google, compare prices with sites like Expedia, Kayak or directly with the hotel, and ask what’s actually included in the package. In many cases, you can find a better deal, or a significantly better experience, for the same price by looking elsewhere.
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