All-Inclusive Hotels in the United States: What You Need to Know
Think all-inclusive is just for trips to Cancun or Jamaica? The U.S. has its own take, but it looks a bit different than you might expect. If you always thought you had to leave the country for those endless-buffet, everything-paid-for getaways, it’s time for a second look.
American all-inclusive hotels pop up in places you wouldn’t expect—from family dude ranches in Wyoming to luxury beach resorts in Florida. But here’s the thing: what counts as “all-inclusive” in the U.S. can vary a lot. Sometimes, it really means food, drinks, activities… the whole shebang. Other times, it’s just meals, and you’re still paying for drinks and activities. So yeah, it’s not always apples-to-apples with those island resorts down south.
Before you book, it pays to know exactly what’s covered. Some U.S. resorts throw in spa treatments and excursions, while others just offer three square meals and call it a day. Always ask for the full rundown so you’re not getting surprise charges at checkout. If you don’t want to spend your vacation budget on extra fees, don’t assume—it’s way better to double-check.
- What Does All-Inclusive Mean in the U.S.?
- Where to Find All-Inclusive Resorts Across America
- How U.S. Resorts Compare to International All-Inclusives
- Tips for Scoring the Best All-Inclusive Deal
- Fun Surprises and Watch-Outs
What Does All-Inclusive Mean in the U.S.?
The idea of all-inclusive is different here in the United States. If you expect the same unlimited everything you get at a giant Caribbean resort, you might be surprised. In the U.S., all-inclusive usually means your room, meals, and some activities are covered. But the nitty-gritty details matter.
Here's what a typical U.S. all-inclusive deal might include:
- Room accommodations
- All meals (sometimes just breakfast, lunch, and dinner—you’ll want to check on snacks and late-night bites)
- Non-alcoholic drinks (and at certain places, a few alcoholic beverages)
- Resort activities like hiking, kayaking, or fitness classes
- Basic kids’ programs and family entertainment
But—and it’s a big one—many U.S. resorts only cover some of these things. Tips, spa treatments, high-end drinks, special dinners, or off-site outings? Those might be extra, and it’s smart to ask before booking.
Check out this snapshot showing what’s usually included—versus what might cost more:
| Included | Often Extra |
|---|---|
| Standard meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner) | Alcoholic beverages |
| Non-motorized activities (kayaks, tennis, yoga) | Spa treatments |
| Basic entertainment | Excursions or tours |
| Kids’ clubs | Golf, fishing, watercraft |
Fun fact: There are fewer than 400 all-inclusive hotels in the U.S., compared to thousands in Mexico and the Caribbean. So when you see the phrase—especially in states like Florida or California—read the fine print.
If you’re looking for all-inclusive hotels that really cover it all, some of the better-known names are Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida and the all-inclusive luxury dude ranches out West. But always double-check; what’s “all-in” at one place might not be at another.
Where to Find All-Inclusive Resorts Across America
Hunting for an all-inclusive spot inside the U.S.? You’ve got options—just don’t expect a cluster of massive beachfront resorts like in Mexico. Here’s where you’ll actually find them:
- Florida – The state’s warm weather and endless beaches attract both families and adults-only crowds. Club Med Sandpiper Bay (Port St. Lucie) is probably America’s most classic all-inclusive setup, with food, drinks, and activities rolled into one price.
- Colorado – Think ski-in, ski-out mountain resorts that appeal to families and couples. Take Vista Verde Ranch, which tosses in meals, activities, and even babysitting during winter and summer stays.
- New York & the Northeast – Historic dude ranches and lakeside resorts still offer all-inclusive packages. Mohonk Mountain House in New York’s Hudson Valley is a stunner, serving three meals daily and over 150 activities as part of the package.
- Hawaii – Nope, Hawaii doesn’t do “true” all-inclusive like the Caribbean, but Travaasa Hana (now Hana-Maui Resort) offers meal-inclusive packages that feel close.
- Montana, Wyoming, and the West – The Rocky Mountain region is packed with dude ranches. Most provide lodging, meals, horseback riding, and guided trips, all under one rate—places like The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana offer seriously luxe experiences.
Want numbers? A recent AAA survey found just 6% of U.S. hotels fit the all-inclusive mold, compared to over 30% in the Caribbean. But they do exist, and they’re spreading—especially in places with strong outdoor or family appeal.
| Region | Example Resort | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Club Med Sandpiper Bay | Meals, drinks, sports, kids’ clubs |
| Colorado | Vista Verde Ranch | Meals, activities, guides |
| New York | Mohonk Mountain House | Meals, activities, spa access |
| Montana | The Ranch at Rock Creek | Luxury ranch experience, meals, guided adventures |
If you’re looking for something specific, like adults-only or spa-focused stays, filter for those as you search. And always read the fine print—just because it says all-inclusive hotels doesn’t mean every cocktail, tip, or activity makes the cut.
How U.S. Resorts Compare to International All-Inclusives
When most people picture all-inclusive vacations, they’re thinking about sipping drinks at a pool bar in Mexico or the Dominican Republic. But how do American all-inclusive hotels stack up? There are some real differences you’ll want to know before booking.
First thing: U.S. all-inclusive resorts usually don’t cover as much as their international cousins. Places like Sandals or Club Med in the Caribbean often include unlimited drinks (including alcohol), meals, watersports, airport shuttles, and nightly entertainment. In the U.S., you’ll usually get three meals a day and some drinks, but top-shelf cocktails, off-property adventures, and spa treatments are sold separately most of the time. That unlimited mojito vibe? Not always a thing stateside.
Here’s a quick peek at how they stack up:
| Feature | Typical U.S. All-Inclusive | International All-Inclusive |
|---|---|---|
| Meals | Usually 3 per day (sometimes snacks) | Buffets, à la carte, snacks all day |
| Alcohol | Limited or extra charge | Often unlimited, including premium options |
| Activities | Many included, but some (like golf/spa) extra | Most non-motorized water sports, fitness, and more included |
| Kids' Programs | Family-friendly, but not always free | Usually included or low-cost |
| Service Charges/Resort Fees | Common, can be $25–$50/night | Often included in price |
The all-inclusive hotels scene in the U.S. also tends to be a bit more niche or specialized. Think wellness resorts in Arizona, dude ranches in Montana, or ski lodges in Vermont. Most are smaller and quieter than the mega-resorts abroad—and that can mean a more personal touch, but less party atmosphere.
One more thing that catches a lot of travelers off-guard: price. U.S. all-inclusives usually cost more per night than those in Mexico or the Caribbean. If you’re not careful, resort fees and taxes can add up fast, sometimes bumping your total well above what you first expected.
If lounging by the pool with unlimited drinks is your main goal, check the details before booking a U.S. property. But if you’re into hiking, horseback riding, or just want things simple and stress-free, the American version might be the perfect fit. Always peek at what’s actually included before you commit so you know you’re getting the vibe (and the value) you want.
Tips for Scoring the Best All-Inclusive Deal
If you want to get the most out of your all-inclusive stay (and not spend more than planned), there are a few tricks that really pay off. The first move? Timing. Most U.S. all-inclusives drop their prices during off-season—usually late spring and fall—when families are back to school and vacation crowds are at home. Resorts in Florida, for example, cost way less in September than in March or July.
Next up, look for special packages on the resort’s official site before you even peek at the big-name travel agencies. Lots of resorts—like Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida—run promo deals that third-party sites don’t mention. And if you’re ready to sign up for a resort’s email list, you can catch early-bird sales or last-minute discounts that only subscribers see.
You’ll also want to read the fine print. Some all-inclusives in the U.S. tag on fees for things like golf, spa treatments, or top-shelf drinks—so the upfront price isn’t always the final bill. Always double-check what’s actually included and compare it to similar options before hitting that book-now button.
- Be flexible with your dates—midweek stays are usually cheaper than weekends.
- Travel with a group or family and ask about group rates or kids-stay-free offers.
- Use reward points or credit card benefits. Certain cards have big points for booking all-inclusive hotels directly or through their platform.
- Stalk deal sites like Travelzoo and Groupon for flash sales. Sometimes, boutique all-inclusives post crazy-good deals there.
Don’t forget: call the resort directly before booking. Sometimes, you can negotiate perks like a free airport transfer, extra drink vouchers, or even a room upgrade just by asking. It’s nothing fancy—just saves you a chunk of change.
Fun Surprises and Watch-Outs
Checking into a U.S. all-inclusive hotel can come with both good and not-so-good surprises. One of the first things people notice is that American resorts sometimes offer special perks you never see abroad—think horseback riding in the Rockies or cooking classes on the coast. Some New York mountain lodges even toss in guided hikes and nightly entertainment at no extra charge. At a few spots in California, all your wellness activities, like yoga or guided meditation, are just part of the deal.
But here’s the kicker: not every “all-inclusive” in the U.S. actually includes alcoholic drinks. Unlike many Caribbean resorts where the margaritas keep flowing, some U.S. spots only offer sodas and coffee unless you pay for a drink package. Always scan the details or you could wind up with an unexpected tab.
- WiFi and parking: Believe it or not, these aren’t always included in the base price. Ask before you book so you’re not caught off guard.
- Resort fees: These little add-ons can sneak up at checkout. Even all-inclusive properties sometimes tack on daily fees that aren’t obvious at first.
- Gratuities: Some resorts add tips to your bill, while others let you decide. Double-check the policy to prevent confusion (and budget surprises).
- Seasonal activities: What’s offered in summer might not be available in winter. Always ask if the fun stuff you care about is actually in-season during your stay.
There’s also the question of kids’ clubs and childcare. While many international all-inclusive resorts focus big on families, in the U.S. you might find fewer options for children’s programs or babysitting.
Want some solid numbers? Here’s a quick look at a few typical extras and what they might cost if not included:
| Extra | Avg. Added Cost (per day) |
|---|---|
| Alcoholic beverages | $40 – $80 per adult |
| WiFi | $5 – $25 |
| Parking | $10 – $40 |
| Resort fee | $20 – $50 |
| Childcare/Kids’ Club | $15 – $50 |
Bottom line: Read every detail in the fine print before you book any all-inclusive hotel stateside. The inclusions vary wildly from one place to another. Ask questions, know what's extra, and you’ll avoid those “Wait, what?” moments at checkout.