Why the US Doesn’t Offer True All-Inclusive Resorts: Travel Insights & Surprising Realities

Every time I book a family getaway, my son Tristan and I scour hotel options for a deal with no hidden costs—meals, activities, drinks, all wrapped in one neat bow. That’s the dream, right? If you’ve been to Mexico or the Caribbean, you know all-inclusive resorts do just that: a wristband, endless buffets, poolside drinks, even kids’ clubs—one price, no surprise bills. But travel across the US and you’ll notice true all-inclusives are like unicorns. This isn’t just about missing a bottomless mimosa or free sunscreen by the pool. There’s a grab bag of economic, cultural, and legal reasons the American hospitality scene avoids the all-you-can-eat approach. Let’s dig into what really keeps the US from playing in the all-inclusive playground.

What Exactly is an All-Inclusive—and Why Aren’t There More in the US?

The phrase “all-inclusive” gets thrown around a lot, but outside the US, especially in Mexico and parts of the Caribbean, it means serious business. You pay once, and from check-in to check-out your wallet stays zipped. In the US, you’ll see packages call themselves all-inclusive, but a closer look reveals asterisks next to “meals included,” or upcharges for drinks, activities, tipping, or even resort fees snuck onto your bill. Why the bait and switch?

First up, American travelers have different expectations. Surveys done by Skift and the American Hotel & Lodging Association found that US guests value flexibility above all. Americans like options—choose your meal, pick your activities, tailor the trip. Locking everything into a single price just doesn’t match this mindset, especially for the majority who travel on road trips, visiting national parks, or city-hopping where all-inclusives make zero sense.

Let’s talk about the economic angle. Real estate in prime US tourist destinations costs an arm and a leg. Resorts have to cover sky-high land costs, worker wages (which in the US are notably higher than in, say, Mexico), insurance, and rigorous health code requirements. That “one price covers all” model quickly turns into a financial nightmare for operators who can’t predict how many guests will gorge on lobster or how many kids will clear out the ice cream bar.

This isn’t just guesswork. In 2023, the Hotel & Lodging Association reported that only 2% of US hotel rooms are in all-inclusive properties, and almost all of those are in niche spots—think Dude Ranches in Montana or small resorts in the Florida Keys or upstate New York. They cater to a particular crowd—weddings, wellness retreats, or immersive adventures—rather than the mass-market, fly-and-flop tourist.

Now toss in the US liquor laws. Alcohol is a huge draw at all-inclusives abroad, but in the States, every region has different rules. Some counties in Texas are still dry; some states ban happy hours (looking at you, Utah and Massachusetts). For a nationwide resort chain, keeping up with all these rules is more hassle than just charging per drink.

Let’s throw up a real-deal table on this topic:

It’s not hard to see why places like Cancun have hundreds of all-inclusives, while California or Florida have almost none. The numbers just don’t add up.

Hospitality Culture, American Preferences, and the Rise of Resort Fees

You might be thinking, but isn’t the US the land of choice? Yes—and that particular love of “customization” is key here. When American chains have experimented with the true all-inclusive model, guests said: “But what if I want to eat out?” or “I don’t drink, so why am I paying for someone else’s margarita habit?” The US vacation isn’t about sticking around the pool for every meal—think Disney trips, where the big draw is outside the hotel.

Don’t get me wrong, some places try. Club Med in Florida, certain Sandals Resorts, even wellness spas like Miraval in Arizona offer their own all-inclusives, but with lots of fine print. The classic “add on” system—spa packages, golf, premium dining—that’s how US resorts thrive. Instead of one big up-front fee, you get a low nightly rate and pile on the extras. That’s why resort fees have exploded since 2010. According to a 2024 Statista report, US hotels raked in over $4 billion in resort fees alone last year, which include everything from Wi-Fi to beach chairs and towel service. Guests complain, but hotels know they make more money by charging “à la carte” than bundling everything into one high rate.

Even with these fees, American hotels often bet on loyalty programs. Marriott’s Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or Hyatt’s World of Hyatt encourage guests to book “just the room” and add dining, spa, or activities as they go. Compare that to all-inclusives in Punta Cana, where guests are less brand-loyal, more interested in one-stop shopping than chasing points or upgrades.

Cultural preferences play a big role too. North American guests (especially those from the US and Canada) are some of the pickiest when it comes to meal options and service standards. The massive buffets and open bars of a Cancún resort don’t always match what travelers actually eat or drink daily. So, a family coming from Nebraska may want pancakes, farm-fresh eggs, and craft coffee, not a runny hotel buffet every morning, even if it is free.

Finally, there are myths and realities about “value.” Americans tend to compare every vacation purchase—if the steak at dinner isn’t up to Ruth’s Chris standards, or the tours aren’t unique, suddenly the all-inclusive premium feels like a rip-off. Abroad, the psychology flips—guests love not pulling out the wallet and will overlook some hiccups for the chilled-out vibe.

Tips for Getting the Most ‘All-Inclusive’ Experience in the US (Without the Hassle)

So you’re not flying south, but still want one-price peace of mind? There are a handful of ways to beat the system on your next American escape—and no, you don’t have to herd the whole family onto a Montana dude ranch… unless you’re into horseback rides at dawn.

• Look for American Plan (AP) or Modified American Plan (MAP): In places like New England, Maine, or up in the Rockies, many historic inns and lodges bundle breakfast and dinner into your rate, calling it American Plan. It’s not “unlimited buffet” style, but it beats hunting for local restaurants with hungry, tired kids.
• Seek Out Family Resorts: Spots like Woodloch Resort in Pennsylvania or Tyler Place in Vermont are legendary among US families for their inclusive meal and activity rates. It’s the closest you’ll get to that Punta Cana feeling, with activities, campfires, and meals all included. No hidden bills unless you go wild at the gift shop.
• Try All-Inclusive Wellness or Ranch Retreats: Wellness hotels like Canyon Ranch or Red Mountain in Utah bill themselves as all-inclusive, with meals, workshops, and guided hikes included. Ranches out west offer “dude packages” covering food, horseback rides, and nightly s’mores. The trade-off? Higher prices, but also more hands-on experiences than the typical buffet line.
• Watch Out for Add-On Traps: That “resort credit” may cover breakfast, or only apply to the spa, not dinner or drinks. Always ask for an itemized list of what’s included when you book and check online reviews—real guests will point out unexpected fees.
• Consider Club Level or Concierge Floors: Some big hotels offer a “club” experience, where snacks, breakfast, and even cocktails are included in a special lounge. If you’re not planning to leave the hotel much, the upgrade can actually beat the à la carte prices.

If you value transparency, focus on smaller properties that spell out exactly what you get, and avoid places with “resort fee” lines hidden in the fine print. Sites like Oyster.com and FamilyVacationCritic.com are great for comparing real guest experiences, so you won’t arrive expecting endless mojitos and get a measly “continental breakfast” instead.

One more thing: loyalty pays off slightly more in the US. If you prefer sticking to one hotel group, sign up for their loyalty program—sometimes, elite perks (like daily breakfast or drinks) partially close the gap between American and all-inclusive stays abroad.

So, while the US probably won’t be ditching the piecemeal approach soon, with a little research you can still side-step sticker shock—and maybe even find a slice of that all-inclusive magic without crossing a border.