All-Inclusive Hotels in America: What You Need to Know

Think all-inclusive hotels are only a thing in Mexico or the Caribbean? Not quite. You can find them right here in the US—you just need to know where to look and what’s actually included.

The deal is, all-inclusive resorts in America aren’t as common as those tropical destinations, but they do exist. Most are in spots where people go to relax, like Florida, California, Arizona, or up in the mountains. Here’s the twist: in the US, ‘all-inclusive’ can mean different things. Some places cover your meals, drinks, and activities, just like classic island resorts. Others only throw in food or make you pay extra for alcohol and activities. It really pays to double-check what you’re getting before you click ‘book now.’

If you’re after the ease of paying one price up front—no surprises with the final bill—these American all-inclusive options can save you a ton of stress and sometimes even money. But you can’t just assume the same perks you’d get overseas. These differences are where people trip up, so looking at the fine print is a must.

• Do All-Inclusive Hotels Really Exist in the US?
• How Do US All-Inclusive Resorts Compare to International Options?
• Top Spots and Hidden Gems for American All-Inclusives
• Booking Tips and What to Watch Out For

Do All-Inclusive Hotels Really Exist in the US?

Yep, you can find all-inclusive hotels right here in America, but they’re not everywhere you look. Most chain hotels don’t offer this, so you won’t find it with the usual roadside stops or business hotels in the city. Instead, you have to zero in on destination spots—places that kind of force you to stay put and relax.

The US twist: resorts are usually tucked into beach towns, mountain escapes, or even ranch settings. Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida is basically the poster child for all-inclusive hotels in the States. Others, like Mohonk Mountain House in New York and Twin Farms in Vermont, provide cozy vibes with all food and most activities built into the room price.

Here’s the catch many people miss—what counts as ‘all-inclusive’ depends on the spot. Some will cover three meals daily, snacks, and loads of activities, while others might tack on fees for spa treatments, horseback riding, or even drinks. It’s not quite the “unlimited everything” you get in some Mexican or Jamaican spots, but for many travelers, it’s close enough.

"Most US all-inclusive resorts focus on culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly activities rather than unlimited alcohol," says Sarah Firshein, travel editor with Conde Nast Traveler.

Want some numbers? According to a recent report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the US has about 200 resorts that advertise themselves as all-inclusive in one way or another. Compared to thousands in the Caribbean, it’s a tiny slice, but the list is growing as more travelers ask for this.

If you’re dreaming of booking a trip where the price actually matches what’s on your final bill, don’t rule out America. There’s less choice, but you can still find classic, full-service getaways if you know where to hunt and what questions to ask before you commit.

How Do US All-Inclusive Resorts Compare to International Options?

Let’s just say, not all all-inclusives are created equal. If you’ve ever stayed at a big-name resort in Cancun or Punta Cana, you probably walked in, got your wristband, and never reached for your wallet again. In the US, it’s a bit different. You rarely see the giant buffets and unlimited tropical drinks found at spots like Sandals or Secrets in the Caribbean. Instead, all-inclusive hotels here tend to focus on smaller-scale luxury, specific activities, or wellness.

So what’s the real difference? Here’s a quick breakdown to make it clear:

One big thing to watch: taxes and resort fees. In the US, it’s common for resorts to add service charges or fees on top of the upfront cost—even at all-inclusives. That’s way less common at overseas resorts where your rate is truly all you pay.

If you care most about food, drink, and activities all bundled in, the Caribbean and Mexico still lead the pack. But if you’re into unique adventures like ranch life in Wyoming or hiking the Berkshires, US all-inclusives bring a vibe that international chains just can’t mimic. It really comes down to what you want: endless piña coladas on the sand, or a national park weekend with s’mores by the fire?

Top Spots and Hidden Gems for American All-Inclusives

When it comes to all-inclusive hotels in America, you won’t find them on every block, but there are legit places if you know where to look. Some hotels go all-out, while others just toss in meals and call it a day. Here’s what stands out right now:

• Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida: This is probably the most well-known all-inclusive in the States. It’s got three meals a day, activities from tennis to paddleboarding, and even a kids’ club. Drinks, tips, and a bunch of sports are in the deal too. Families love it because you just show up and chill.
• Miraval Arizona, Tucson, Arizona: If you’re after peace and wellness, Miraval’s all-inclusive model covers healthy meals, wellness activities, talks, and almost everything except top-end spa treatments or alcohol. It’s adults only, so you get more of a quiet vibe.
• Red Mountain Resort, Ivins, Utah: In the shadow of Zion National Park, Red Mountain bundles in meals, guided hikes, fitness classes, and workshops. It attracts folks looking to unplug without flying out of the country.
• Mohonk Mountain House, New York: A massive historic hotel that includes meals, a bunch of activities (canoeing, hiking, ice skating in winter), and even afternoon tea. It’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone into the outdoors.
• Bungalows Key Largo, Florida: An adults-only all-inclusive—alcoholic drinks and water sports are part of the price. All the rooms are private bungalows, so it’s kind of fancy but super relaxing.

Of course, there’s more out there—places like Little Palm Island in Florida or mountain dude ranches in Montana and Colorado take the all-inclusive thing seriously, especially if you love the outdoors or unique stays.

If you like smaller crowds or something off the beaten path, search for all-inclusive ranches in Wyoming and Montana—they mix lodging, horseback riding, meals, and outdoor adventures at one price. But always check the details; some ‘all-inclusive’ offers in the US might not cover everything you’d expect, and sometimes alcohol or spa treatments aren’t included unless you pick a higher-priced package.

Booking Tips and What to Watch Out For

It’s easy to get excited when you spot an "all-inclusive" label, but don’t just trust the headline. In the US, what’s included can be all over the place. Here’s how you avoid unhappy surprises and get the most out of your stay.

First off, always check exactly what's in the price. With many all-inclusive hotels in the States, drinks (especially alcohol), premium meals, activities like golf or spa treatments, and even kids’ clubs might cost extra. Instead of trusting “all-inclusive” at face value, scroll down and read through what the package actually covers.

• Set a budget: Figure out your per-day costs at traditional hotels if you paid for meals, drinks, and two or three activities a day. Compare that total with the resort’s rate to see what makes sense.
• Watch for resort fees: Tons of US resorts tack on nightly resort fees. Sometimes they’re hidden until checkout. These can run anywhere from $25 to $75 per night.
• Look for kids-stay-free deals or group rates: Some resorts offer great family or friend packages. It pays to call or email and ask about these deals, as they often aren’t advertised upfront.
• Check reviews for details: Guests usually mention what was (and wasn’t) really included. Look for recent reviews—policies can change fast.
• Ask about seasonal promos: Off-season rates can drop a lot, especially for Florida and mountain resorts. Plus, you’ll dodge the crowds.

Pay close attention to the cancellation policy too. Many "all-inclusives" in the US don’t offer as flexible refunds as international resorts, and deposits can be nonrefundable.

Local taxes can add up fast. In some tourist spots, sales and occupancy taxes can tack on 10–15%. Always add up the out-the-door cost before you book anything.

The biggest win? Book direct. Calling the hotel can sometimes score you extra perks (like an upgrade or resort credit) not shown on big travel sites. It’s old-school, but it works more often than you’d think.