Does the United States Have All-Inclusive Hotels? What Travelers Need to Know

Ask around, and you’ll hear everyone raving about all-inclusives in Cancun or Jamaica, but what if you just want to book your flight to Florida or California and still enjoy that endless buffet and laid-back vibe? Here’s the real story: yes, the US does have all-inclusive hotels, but they don’t always look—or feel—like the ones you’ll find in the Caribbean.

If you’re picturing swim-up bars, non-stop entertainment, and bottomless drinks, you need to know that not every “all-inclusive” in the States plays by the same rules. Some offer the full package, but others might just cover basic meals and skip out on drinks or activities. This can totally change your budget, so you’ll want to know exactly what’s included before you book.

• What 'All-Inclusive' Means in the US
• Where You’ll Find These Resorts
• What’s Usually Included (and What’s Not)
• Best U.S. All-Inclusive Spots for Different Travelers
• Tips for Booking and Getting the Most Value

What 'All-Inclusive' Means in the US

When you hear all-inclusive hotels in the US, don’t automatically expect the same setup you’d get at those massive resorts in Punta Cana or Riviera Maya. Here, the term covers a few different setups, and it’s honestly a mixed bag. Some resorts go big and cover everything—meals, drinks (including the good stuff), tips, and activities. Others just bundle meals and maybe a few basic activities, and you’ll have to pay out of pocket for extras like booze, golf, or spa services.

Next time you see a resort advertise itself as all-inclusive, always read the details. In popular US spots, "all-inclusive" sometimes means "mostly-inclusive"—so check if your favorites, like craft cocktails or nightly entertainment, are included. You don’t want surprise charges when you check out.

• Meals: Usually covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dining might be buffet-only or include a la carte restaurants, depending on the resort.
• Drinks: Some spots include all drinks (yes, alcohol too), but lots only throw in non-alcoholic beverages. Check before you assume.
• Activities: Expect basics like pools, fitness centers, or maybe guided nature walks. Things like jet ski rentals, spa days, or golf almost always cost extra.
• Gratuities and Taxes: Some US resorts add tips and taxes to the bill, while others roll them in. Ask up front, so there are no surprises.

Here’s a look at what’s typically included at all-inclusive hotels in the US (from a 2024 industry report):

Bottom line: With US resorts, "all-inclusive" can mean a lot of things. You’ve got to read the fine print, and when in doubt, ask before you hand over your credit card. If cutting down on extra spending is your thing, lock in exactly what’s included before you commit.

Where You’ll Find These Resorts

If you’re set on booking all-inclusive hotels right in the United States, you’ll need to know where to look. They’re not everywhere, but some states offer solid options—especially if you know what to expect. Florida, California, Arizona, and New York tend to have the largest selection, but you’ll find unique spots sprinkled elsewhere too.

Florida is probably the closest thing the US has to the all-inclusive capitals like Mexico or the Caribbean. The Keys, in particular, host several adult-only and family-friendly resorts. Think Bungalows Key Largo (adults-only, all meals and drinks included) or Club Med Sandpiper Bay (great for families and sports lovers). A lot of the bigger resorts in Orlando and Miami have meal plans, but double-check—they’re not always truly all-inclusive.

California has a few gems, especially in San Diego and along the coast. For example, you’ll find all-inclusive wellness getaways—think more spa and yoga than water slides and casinos. Arizona takes the win for spa retreats, ranches, and desert escapes, with famous options like Miraval or Canyon Ranch blending all your meals, classes, and even some activities in the price.

New York State is known for all-inclusive resorts in the Catskills or Lake George region. These spots have been around for decades—kind of a throwback to Dirty Dancing-era vacations, with meals, activities, and entertainment rolled in.

If you’re after something different, check out all-inclusive guest ranches in Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana. They’ll throw in horseback riding, meals, and sometimes even guided hikes or fishing trips. In Hawaii, the vibe is different—no true all-inclusives, but some resorts offer robust package deals if you ask.

One quick tip: US all-inclusive hotels are often themed—wellness, sports, families, adventure—so pick the vibe that fits your crew. And don’t assume every resort uses “all-inclusive” the same way; always ask what’s actually part of the deal before you book.

What’s Usually Included (and What’s Not)

If you’re booking a all-inclusive hotel in the States, don’t just assume it’s the same deal you’d get in Mexico. US all-inclusives kind of do their own thing. The basics usually covered:

• Meals and snacks: Most places let you eat as much as you want, but not always at every restaurant on site. Some will only include the buffet or select casual spots, while you might pay extra for a steakhouse or specialty dining.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and sometimes simple mocktails are almost always unlimited. Alcohol—if it’s included at all—is sometimes pretty basic stuff, not top-shelf brands.
• Basic activities: Stuff like pool games, fitness classes, or group yoga might come with your price. Water sports that don’t need a motor (think kayaks or paddleboards) are sometimes in the mix, but jet skis, parasailing, and golf usually cost extra.

Where do they draw the line? Here’s what usually isn’t wrapped into that all-inclusive price in the US:

• Premium alcohol and specialty cocktails: American resorts might give you house beer and wine, but cocktails or craft brews nearly always bring a tab.
• Room service: Some high-end resorts include it in the package, but most either charge a fee or just don’t offer it at all.
• Spa treatments: Massages, facials, and salon services are almost never included. Some resorts throw in a credit, but it rarely covers the full price.
• Off-site excursions: Anything that takes you out of the hotel—theme park tickets, boat tours, guided hikes—are all extra.

Here’s a quick look at what’s typically included at US resorts compared to famous all-inclusives in the Caribbean or Mexico:

Best tip: always double-check the fine print. Even resorts that call themselves all-inclusive hotels in the US can mean something totally different. Shoot the front desk an email or check user reviews—folks love to rant or rave about what surprised them when the bill came.

Best U.S. All-Inclusive Spots for Different Travelers

You don’t have to slap on a passport to get a true all-inclusive hotel experience. The U.S. has some solid options that cater to different types of travelers—families, couples, solo adventurers, and folks who just want a hassle-free getaway. Here are some good spots to kick back, eat well, and relax without worrying about hidden fees:

• For families: Head to the all-inclusive hotels in Florida like Club Med Sandpiper Bay (Port St. Lucie)—often called the only true all-inclusive family resort in the country. You get meals, drinks, activities like trapeze lessons, and kids’ clubs on tap. The Woodloch Resort in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, is another crowd-pleaser with endless kid-friendly things to do and meals included.
• For couples: Try Bungalows Key Largo in Florida—adults-only, waterfront bungalows, spa access, and all food and drinks included. Out West, Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado lets you stay in a luxury cabin, dine on chef-prepared meals, and soak in hot springs, all for one price.
• For outdoor lovers: Consider all-inclusive resorts in Montana and Wyoming. Ranches like The Ranch at Rock Creek include lodging, gourmet food, and guided activities like horseback riding, hiking, or fly fishing. You can get a full dude-ranch experience without extra fees popping up.
• For the beach crowd: Miraval Arizona near Tucson and the Grand Hotel on Michigan’s Mackinac Island offer amazing settings, meals, and activities. Miraval even throws in unlimited wellness classes, while the Grand has golf, biking, and more in your package.
• For a luxury splurge: Canyon Ranch in Massachusetts and Arizona redefines the all-inclusive hotel by loading the price with spa credits, gourmet meals, and endless fitness classes. If you’re after pure pampering, this is for you.

If you want to compare your options fast, here’s a quick look at what top American all-inclusive hotels actually offer:

One thing to remember: American all-inclusive hotels tend to be more focused and sometimes smaller than mega-resorts abroad. Read the fine print, since some places call themselves all-inclusive but only throw in breakfast or a handful of activities. The best ones spell out exactly what you get for your dollar, so check before you book.

Tips for Booking and Getting the Most Value

Finding the right all-inclusive hotels in the US takes a bit more digging compared to booking in Mexico or the Caribbean. The deals vary a lot, so you’ve got to pay close attention before you hand over your credit card info.

Start by asking what’s actually included. Sometimes, "all-inclusive" just covers three meals a day—no drinks, no activities, no tips. Other places throw in booze, some water sports, maybe even airport shuttles. Always check the fine print or call the front desk. You don’t want a surprise bill at check-out for that “included” dinner show or coffee by the pool.

• Compare what each hotel means by "all-inclusive"—it’s not a standard in the US. Look for properties that spell out bolder perks like snacks, daily activities, or kids’ clubs.
• Book early if you want one of the big-name US resorts like Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida or Mohonk Mountain House in New York. These places fill up fast, especially in summer or during school breaks.
• Traveling off-season can score you some huge savings. Deals often pop up between September and November or right after New Year’s.

Lots of American hotel deals also depend on memberships or loyalty programs. Check for AAA, AARP, or credit card perks. Sometimes, the resort’s own mailing list sends out secret promo codes—that can save you hundreds easy.

And if you’re traveling with kids or in a group, call to ask about special rates or package add-ons. Some all-inclusive hotels have free stays for kids under a certain age or let you snag multiple-room deals.

If you want a true hassle-free trip, make sure the little extras—like Wi-Fi, bottled water, or airport transfers—are taken care of. Ask about any extra resort fees. American properties sometimes tack them on even when they advertise as all-inclusive. No one likes ugly surprises at checkout.