All‑Inclusive Hotels in the United States - Do They Really Exist?

All‑Inclusive Hotels in the United States - Do They Really Exist? Oct, 12 2025

US All-Inclusive Hotel Cost Calculator

Estimate your total all-inclusive hotel cost in the United States. Includes state tax (typically 5-9%) and potential resort fees as mentioned in the article.

(Typically 5-9% in US states)

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US vs Caribbean Note: US all-inclusive rates are typically higher than Caribbean/Mexico options (US: $250-$350 vs Caribbean: $180-$260), but avoid international travel costs.

When you picture an all‑inclusive getaway, you probably envision a Caribbean resort where meals, drinks and activities are rolled into one price. But does the United States actually offer All‑Inclusive Hotels in the United States accommodation that bundles lodging, meals, beverages and most on‑site activities into a single prepaid rate? The short answer is yes - though the landscape looks different from the sun‑kissed islands you might expect.

What Makes a Hotel "All‑Inclusive"?

Before hunting for a property, it helps to know the core criteria. A true All‑Inclusive Hotel type of lodging that bundles most guest services into one prepaid rate typically includes:

  • Accommodation (room or suite)
  • All meals - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and often snacks
  • Unlimited soft drinks, water, and a selection of alcoholic beverages
  • On‑site entertainment such as live music, shows, or fitness classes
  • Access to pools, beaches or recreational facilities without extra fees

Things that are usually excluded are airfare, off‑property excursions, premium alcohol, spa treatments and any in‑room minibar consumption.

Where in the United States Are All‑Inclusive Options Concentrated?

The U.S. isn’t a single‑size‑fits‑all market for all‑inclusive stays. The most vibrant clusters are found in warm, tourist‑heavy states where the climate supports year‑round outdoor activities.

  • Florida southernmost state in the US known for its warm climate and tourism industry - especially in Orlando, the Tampa Bay area, and the Florida Keys.
  • Southern California - desert resorts near Palm Springs and coastal hotels in San Diego.
  • Arizona - desert resorts near Phoenix and Tucson that market themselves as all‑inclusive retreats.
  • Hawaii - a few luxury resorts bundle meals and activities, though they often label the package as "resort‑inclusive" rather than "all‑inclusive."
  • Nevada - especially the Las Vegas Strip, where some hotel‑casino combos offer "All‑Inclusive Gaming Packages" that cover meals, drinks and entertainment.

These locations share two common traits: plentiful sunshine and a strong hospitality infrastructure that can support bundled services.

Brands and Resorts That Offer All‑Inclusive Packages

Unlike the Caribbean, where the market is dominated by a handful of large chains, U.S. all‑inclusive options are scattered across independent resorts, boutique hotels, and a few major brands that have added the model to their portfolio.

  • Club Med - operates two U.S. properties (Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida) that fully embrace the all‑inclusive formula.
  • Beaches Resorts - owned by the same parent company as Club Med, but focused on family‑friendly all‑inclusive experiences in the Florida Keys.
  • Hilton Grand Vacations - offers "All‑Inclusive" packages at select timeshare properties, especially in Orlando.
  • Hyatt Ziva - the Ziva brand, while primarily Caribbean, occasionally runs limited‑time all‑inclusive deals at its CostaMesa resort in Arizona.
  • Independent Resort large property that combines hotel rooms with extensive recreational facilities like The Lodge at Gulf State Park (Alabama) and The Inn at Spanish Bay (California) that offer meal‑plus‑activity bundles.

These options are typically marketed as "all‑inclusive packages" rather than a permanent pricing model, so timing matters when you book.

Illustrated day at an Orlando resort: breakfast buffet, yoga, beach grill, and evening live band.

What Exactly Is Included? A Typical Day at a U.S. All‑Inclusive Resort

Imagine waking up in Orlando major tourist city in central Florida, home to theme parks and all‑inclusive resorts. Your day might look like this:

  1. Breakfast buffet featuring fresh fruit, eggs, pastries and made‑to‑order omelets.
  2. Mid‑morning yoga class on the pool deck - no extra charge.
  3. Lunch at the beachfront grill: grilled fish, salads, soda and a house wine glass.
  4. Afternoon poolside cocktail (limit of two premium drinks per person; the rest are included soft drinks and local beers).
  5. Evening entertainment - live band and a themed dinner show.
  6. All‑day access to water sports equipment, fitness center, and kids' club.

Notice how everything you need for a relaxed vacation is covered. If you step out for a night on the town, the minibar, off‑property tours and premium liquor will be billed separately.

U.S. All‑Inclusive vs. Caribbean/Mexico: How Do They Stack Up?

All‑Inclusive Comparison: United States vs. Caribbean/Mexico
Aspect U.S. All‑Inclusive Caribbean/Mexico All‑Inclusive
Average nightly rate (2025) $250‑$350 $180‑$260
Typical included meals 3× buffet + 2× a la carte 3× buffet, limited a la carte
Alcohol selection Standard beer, wine, house spirits (premium drinks extra) All‑you‑can‑drink (premium brands extra)
Tax & service fees State sales tax (5‑9%) usually added to final bill Often included in quoted price
Travel distance Domestic flight or drive, no passport needed for U.S. residents International flight, passport required

Key takeaways: U.S. packages tend to be pricier per night but save you the hassle of passports, visas and longer flight times. If you value convenience and want to stay stateside, the American model works well.

Booking Tips - How to Secure the Best All‑Inclusive Deal in the U.S.

Here are practical steps that turn a vague idea into a booked stay:

  1. Identify the destination you prefer - Florida, Arizona or Nevada usually have the deepest inventories.
  2. Search for the term all inclusive hotels USA on major Travel Agency company that helps plan and book trips for consumers websites (Expedia, BookIt.com, or the brand’s own site).
  3. Check the fine print: verify that meals, drinks and activities are truly included. Look for “all‑inclusive” vs. “all‑inclusive‑style” wording.
  4. Consider the season. Shoulder months (April‑May, September‑October) often have lower rates and the same inclusions.
  5. Sign up for the resort’s loyalty program. Points can offset the nightly price or upgrade your room.
  6. Read recent guest reviews on TripAdvisor popular review platform where travelers share ratings and experiences to gauge whether the “all‑inclusive” label matches reality.
  7. Contact the property directly to confirm any taxes or resort fees that might be added at checkout.
Flat‑style scene of a traveler planning a U.S. all‑inclusive stay with laptop, map and checklist icons.

Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls

Even seasoned travelers can get tripped up. Below are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

  • "All‑inclusive means everything is free." - Premium liquors, specialty dining, and off‑site tours usually cost extra.
  • Assuming the price includes airport transfers. - Most U.S. resorts charge a shuttle fee unless it’s explicitly listed.
  • Believing the same package works year‑round. - Seasonal menus and activity schedules change, so double‑check the itinerary for your travel dates.
  • Overlooking state sales tax. - Unlike many Caribbean islands, U.S. states add a sales tax on top of the quoted rate.
  • Choosing the cheapest option without reading reviews. - Low prices can signal limited food variety or cramped poolside spaces.

Quick Checklist Before You Book

  • Confirm the property officially labels itself all‑inclusive.
  • Verify meals, drinks, and activities are listed in the package details.
  • Calculate total cost including state tax and any resort fees.
  • Read at least three recent TripAdvisor reviews focusing on food quality and activity variety.
  • Check cancellation policy - all‑inclusive bookings often have stricter deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all U.S. states have all‑inclusive hotels?

No. The majority are concentrated in Florida, Nevada, Arizona and California. Northern states have very few, mostly boutique resorts that offer limited all‑inclusive packages.

Are US all‑inclusive resorts family‑friendly?

Many are. Resorts in Orlando and the Florida Keys often include kids' clubs, supervised activities and child‑friendly menus, making them a solid choice for families.

What drinks are typically covered?

Standard beers, house wines, soft drinks and basic spirits (vodka, rum, gin) are usually included. Premium bottles and specialty cocktails are billed separately.

Do I need a passport for a domestic all‑inclusive trip?

No. Since the stay is within the United States, a government‑issued ID (driver’s license) is sufficient for U.S. citizens.

Can I add off‑site tours to my all‑inclusive package?

Usually you can book excursions through the resort’s concierge, but they will be extra and not covered by the all‑inclusive rate.