Does the United States Have All-Inclusive Hotels?

When you think of all-inclusive hotels, chances are you picture white-sand beaches, unlimited cocktails, and meals served without checking your wallet. That’s the image sold in ads from Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe. But what about the United States? Do all-inclusive hotels even exist here? The short answer: yes - but they’re not what you think.

What Counts as All-Inclusive in the U.S.?

True all-inclusive resorts - where every meal, drink, activity, and even tips are covered in one upfront price - are rare in the U.S. That’s not because Americans don’t want them. It’s because the culture, pricing, and expectations are different. In Mexico, an all-inclusive package often includes 24/7 room service, branded liquor, nightly entertainment, and water sports. In the U.S., you’ll find all-inclusive hotels that lean more toward luxury convenience than nonstop partying.

Take the Alila Resorts in California. They offer curated all-inclusive stays where breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and guided hikes are included. No soda fountain, no open bar at 3 a.m., but you get a premium experience with local organic food, spa credits, and yoga classes. It’s all-inclusive, but refined.

Another example is Amangiri in Utah. The rate covers your suite, three meals daily, non-alcoholic drinks, guided nature walks, and even a private stargazing session. Alcohol? Extra. But the experience? Fully immersive.

Why Don’t More U.S. Hotels Go All-Inclusive?

The U.S. hospitality market is built on choice. Americans expect to pick their meals, order their drinks, and pay for extras like spa treatments or golf. A $1,000-per-night resort that forces you into a fixed menu or limits your drink options feels restrictive, not luxurious. In contrast, places like Cancún or Punta Cana are vacation destinations where guests want to check out and forget about spending.

There’s also the cost of labor and ingredients. In the U.S., wages, food, and alcohol are significantly more expensive than in countries where resorts operate on lower overhead. A resort in Jamaica can offer unlimited rum because it’s locally produced. In Florida, importing the same liquor adds 30% to the cost.

Plus, U.S. guests often travel for business or short getaways. They don’t want to be tied to a resort for seven days. A weekend in Napa? They’d rather visit five different wineries than be stuck at one.

Where to Find All-Inclusive Stays in the U.S.

Even with these challenges, there are places where the U.S. nails the all-inclusive model - just in a quieter, more thoughtful way.

• The Lodge at Woodbridge, Vermont: A winter retreat where your stay includes gourmet meals, hot cocoa service, snowshoeing, and a private hot tub. No extra charges.
• Blackberry Farm, Tennessee: This luxury farm resort includes all meals (think truffle risotto and artisan cheese boards), wine tastings, cooking classes, and horseback riding. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. that truly matches the all-inclusive experience of a Caribbean resort - just with more farm-to-table.
• Esalen Institute, California: A wellness retreat on the Big Sur coast. Your stay covers lodging, three plant-based meals, meditation sessions, and access to hot springs. No alcohol, no TV - just deep relaxation.
• The Inn at Spanish Bay, California: Part of Pebble Beach, this resort includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and a $100 spa credit per stay. Golf? Extra. But the ambiance? Fully inclusive.

U.S. All-Inclusive vs. Mexico All-Inclusive

It’s not fair to compare them directly - they serve different needs.

The U.S. version is for people who want to unplug without sacrificing quality. The Mexican version is for people who want to let go - completely.

What You Should Expect

If you’re looking for a U.S. all-inclusive resort, here’s what to plan for:

• Expect boutique sizes. These aren’t 1,000-room mega-resorts. Think 30-80 rooms max.
• Alcohol is often extra. Some places offer wine pairings or cocktail hours, but don’t assume unlimited beer.
• Activities are curated, not chaotic. No water slides. Think private art classes or forest bathing.
• Location matters. Most are in rural or coastal areas - not near major airports.
• Booking ahead is essential. Many have only 10-15 rooms open per month.

Is It Worth It?

For some, yes. If you’re tired of hidden fees at traditional hotels - the $12 coffee, the $5 parking, the $25 resort fee - then a U.S. all-inclusive stay is a breath of fresh air. You know exactly what you’re paying. No surprises. No guilt.

But if you want to sip margaritas on the beach until midnight, then you’re better off flying to Cancún. The U.S. doesn’t do party all-inclusive. It does quiet luxury all-inclusive - and that’s its own kind of magic.

Alternatives if You Can’t Find One

If you can’t find a true all-inclusive in the U.S., consider these workarounds:

• Book a luxury vacation rental with a private chef. You control the menu, the schedule, and the cost.
• Stay at a spa resort that includes daily breakfast and a daily credit for treatments.
• Use a travel package from companies like Virtuoso or American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. They often include breakfast, room upgrades, and late checkout - effectively making your stay feel all-inclusive.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. doesn’t have all-inclusive hotels like the Caribbean does - and that’s okay. It doesn’t need to. What it offers is something rarer: a thoughtful, intentional kind of luxury. One where you don’t have to choose between relaxation and indulgence. You get both - quietly, beautifully, and without the noise.

So yes - all-inclusive hotels exist in the U.S. They’re just not shouting about it. You have to look for them. And when you find one? It’s worth the search.