Why Marriott, Hyatt And Other Hotel Giants Are Going All In On All-Inclusive Resorts | Forbes

The world’s largest hospitality brands are embracing inclusive pricing—along with luxurious perks like butler service, foreign language classes or a yacht.

Like flare jeans and flip phones, travel fads often boomerang back, but never in exactly the same way as before. All-inclusive resorts are currently enjoying an enormous surge in popularity–minus the mediocre buffets, bottom-shelf piña coladas and cheesy entertainment from decades past.

This new wave of all-inclusives is all about luxury, offering a raft of enticements from gourmet à la carte dining to personal butler service to high-end experiences unique to their locales. Notably, many of these properties are being launched by luxury hospitality brands entering the all-inclusive arena for the first time.

Chalk it up to a post-pandemic shift in the consumer mindset, driven by sky-high travel demand coupled with major decision fatigue. “People are really looking for no surprises when it comes to what’s included,” says Brian King, president of Marriott International's Caribbean and Latin America region. “They want to just go and discover, enjoy and they really want to pay once and be done.” While all-inclusive is not a new segment, he continues, “I think the trends have changed pretty dramatically.”

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[relighg]

I worked for an all inclusive 5 resort before. It was much easier to be honest. You don't have to explain or sell too much, you just tell them everything is included in the price guests love that rather than them asking too many questions about the price

[imo.]

Omg all inclusive is the way to go. I'm so tired of all the hidden costs. Just show me up front the cost with amenities so I can easily choose where I want to go.

[daviel]

I suppose the argument against is that customers may only want to pay for the extra services that they actually use rather than just paying an extra % upfront. Also, when you pay for the all inclusive you feel somewhat tied to the resort instead of exploring other nearby spots for meals and activities.

[arcadialive]

All inclusive makes vacation easier. Signing checks after a meal can take up a lot of time when your waiting for your waiter. And your time is precious on a trip.

[NotKimiRaikkonen]

I agree with the idea of 'decision fatigue'. I don't want to have to research flights, transport, hotels, restaurants and things to do, before going somewhere. Some times I just want to get to a beach where I can relax and be waited on.

[woltzwurld]

In 1998 I went to a “ bottom shelf everything” all-inclusive and had a blast.

[obieWanmotivation]

My first all inclusive was in Jamaica (Ocho Rio) in 2021. That was a game changer for us. Awesome experience.

[cassioamorim]

I'm lucky to have had my share of business trips, one of them for an event in an all-inclusive in Mallorca, Spain. It was absolutely the best I had! When traveling, anything can go wrong, and an all-inclusive offers ways to deal with that. For instance, I've felt ill in trips and had a hard time to get food and beverage I'd be comfortable with at the time I'd like to, but when I felt ill in the all-inclusive, it was actually very easy to rest and have whatever I'd like, whenever I'd like. And when feeling well and energetic, it is just as easy to book a tour to the surroundings, rent a bike or whatever floats your boat (maybe literally).

[markdavidpintucan]

the problem is usually the local economy will suffer from loss of high paying visitors.. only the few employees of the big resorts will benefit

[miamiboarder]

Last year was my first experience with an all inclusive resort - Marriott Punta Cana - and it was exactly what I needed! When I want to get away, I just want to exist. period. I don't want to think about anything other than if I am going to the pool or the beach. It was a great experience and plan to visit all other Marriott all inclusive properties if they stop dicking around us business travelers with exuberant prices ($300 a night) for crappy Fairfield Inns and similar brands. That price is for a high end property. Don't get me started on the ridiculous Marriott hidden fees! (BTW - I am a lifetime Titanium member - Ambassador.)

[domjames]

I wonder if all inclusive places score higher on ratings sites as you remove one variable that tends to p1ss ppl off. We are trying an all inclusive this summer where you have multiple local restaurants outside of the resort that are included as well as all inclusive car rental so you don’t feel trapped in the resort.

[graceb]

Mmmm…may I have the exclusive glorious opportunity to write about these brand experiences and share with the world! 🧜‍♀️🤩💃🌎

[AshwiniGite-qq]

I just got back from Secrets the Vine Cancun and it was absolutely amazing 10/10

[GTM]

If I'm going somewhere with the specific goal of sitting on a beach all inclusive just makes so much sense. I'm there to destress. handing my credit card over a few times as possible helps greatly in that regard.

[nestorqa]

It also has to do with the level of quality of service outside of the resort at the destination.

[Jiggy]

I just got back from Secrets the Vine Cancun and it was absolutely amazing 10/10

[cjack]

It's not for the people. At the end of the day, they are running a business and their best interest is making money. The all-inclusive is so they can make more money, not so we can save money by choosing an all-inclusive package. If you're not trying to do everything, the all-inclusive is just a waste of money. I like the flexibility of doing everything separately, will I pay more? Possibility, but I don't want to be tied to an all-inclusive package.

[yogirajalagundagi]

It's a really very amazing and luxurious experience. Every one must visit once in life time atleast

[swapnillembhe]

It's such a good place we will be happy to visit this place

[charvankerck]

not me . I like Airbb, and the like. , Quiet, serene, secluded.