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.124]

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.

[@brandonlfob]

OMG Your comment sounds inauthentic.

[@mdjahiralimondal]

​@@brandonlfob ❤Pray for us n me ❤️🙂

[@TChalla007]

I stayed at the Hyatt Ziva in Cabo a year ago and I'll be going back in feb 2024

[@ahmedzakikhan7639]

What if I don't drink alcohol ? I will have to pay for it ?

[@lavidawithjoey]

The argument against all inclusive is supporting the communities these hotels inhabit. Many tourists never leave the resorts while the locals are living in poverty. Must suck traveling places and never actually experiencing what life is like there

[@daviel1005]

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.

[@GMartin407]

Most of the areas these big companies are targeting is already massively tourism-based. Punta-Cana and Cancun, for example, are easy spots to know you won't deal with most of those issues. And you can just take excursions that they offer through the hotel.

[@ericp4573]

Yeah that’s a called a hostel, you should check it out

[@BTman58]

I've never felt tied to having to do anything on the resorts. People are always leaving the resorts for shopping, excursions, nightlife, and dining. While having the convinces of all those things located on the resort (with most things alreadybeing paid for).

[@arcadialive4265]

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.

[@mmtravel9726]

Who signs a cheque they come with the bill and add it to your room or you tap n pay then and there … when did you go on holiday last ? 1976?

[@arcadialive4265]

@@mmtravel9726 at nice restaurants they don’t just drop off a check/bill to sign, as it’s considered rude. Sometimes we’ve waited up to 30 mins to after our desert was finished to receive the bill/check while bussers are struggling to locate our server, who somehow went on a break. This has been quite common for inexperienced staff to not check in at the normal intervals from Forbes 4-5 start and even at Michelin 1-3 star restaurants during the pandemic. Hotels hired rapidly while experienced staff went on a holiday, and positions were filled by many unexperienced individuals in various roles, including kitchens. Where I’ve seen countless mishaps in staple dishes.

[@woltzwurld6760]

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

[@bloodorangemoon]

I've gone to a range of all inclusives, the lowest tier hotel was SO MUCH FUN!!! I wouldn't go back to that particular place, but wouldn't turn my nose at another good deal either. I'd probably pick a better hotel in the same area since I think that was part of why we had such a great time, location is everything

[@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.

[@farzana6676]

The reason we research flights, transport, hotels and restaurants is to try and get the cheapest most value offerings. 😂

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

@@farzana6676 no, the reason people who can't really afford to go on vacation research, is to get good deals. The reason people who can afford to go on vacation research, is to find reputable transportation and food that's not going to give them food poisoning...

[@jjperceval]

@@NotKimiRaikkonen speak for yourself. warren buffet still uses coupons

[@NotKimiRaikkonen]

@@jjperceval that's cause Warren has an unhealthy relationship with money. He drives used cars and eats at Dairy Queen every day.

[@obieWanmotivation]

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

[@cassioamorim1348]

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).

[@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.)

[@cjack202003]

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.

[@LiquidIEx]

Exactly. The premium paid for all inclusive in a luxury hotel is insane. It may work out for an alcoholic who orders 10+ cocktails per day.

[@JM-kv2kn]

There IS value for the people who just want everything included and have all services included while vacationing so you don't have to think of anything else. Your one side bias is an ignorant perspective.

[@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

[@domjames9275]

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.

[@jonathanramos9150]

The White Lotus effect

[@charvankerck9617]

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

[@GTM9164]

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.

[@nestorqa1681]

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

[@AshwiniGite-q2q]

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

[@hrithikkhemani8096]

Thank you for quick useful analysis.

[@Jthegreat84]

I prefer Airbnb’s! All of the hosts I’ve encountered were way more hospitable than hotel staff and the properties I stayed in were gorgeous! Also the price is always great!

[@TA-np4mc]

I would not recommend supporting this. It destroys neighborhoods and increases the cost of homes/rent.

[@bloodorangemoon]

You absolutely cannot beat the hospitality at a good all inclusive in Mexico and a great place will knock your socks off

[@GrikWorldNomad]

Biggest ripoff around. Overpriced, overvalued, tons of complaints

[@JM-kv2kn]

Lmao this kid can't be serious.

[@bellagrace947]

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

[@surajbhatt9112]

Experience is good Beautiful stay

[@americanveteran1382]

I personally met the billionare that developed the Costa Rica property he is a straight forward decent person.

[@swapnillembhe3853]

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

[@yogirajalagundagi2045]

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

[@srinivassajjan954]

All-inclusive is best option

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing.

[@SunShine-ls1ul]

Yea cuase no one can afford their $1,000 Dollar a night, $50 dollar Margaritas, $300 dollar messages !!!!

[@A22DNAL]

4:14 Name This Place!!!! Anyone!?!? OMG I've seen my next vacation!♥

[@A22DNAL]

Never Mind! FOUND IT!!!!!! Secrets Tulum Resort and Spa! Booking Now!

[@Automedon2]

Where are people getting all this money?

[@somluck2813]

People are really looking for no surprises when it comes to what's included...." Really? The above establishments practice 'drip pricing' ie the display price absolutely not the actual price payable. In the fine print there is "# #" or" * *". The first # or * - Means that one has to add 10% to the display price as the display price does not include the additional cost of providing the service associated with the particular item purchase. Why the additional costs of providing the service associated with every item is 10% of the displayed price is not explained and is a mystery. The second # or * Means that the cost of VAT payable by the vendor is to be pass on to you. For example a item which has a displayed price of $100 and VAT is 7% will actually cost you $117.70. You need to add the $10 service charge to the $100 and the add the VAT at 7%. Note you have to pay VAT on the service charge as well as the base price. I presume the above adds to the consumer experience. McDonald's and Starbucks both are able to incorporate the cost of the provision of the service and VAT payable into the display price.

[@arislopes1924]

I would still say the best way to visit a country and get to know it it’s by staying in a local chain hotel and by going where locals go, some places like Costa Rica and Dominican Republic make it really hard for you tho because they’re just tourist traps same goes for parts of Mexico

[@DevilKingofhel-jh2ki]

Nice

[@santoshdevang919]

Nice Good Place to stay..

[@lizalewis9270]

One word describes the need for all inclusive vacations and staying on-premises. MEXICO

[@fernandodvalles]

Mexico is one of the most culturally rich and diverse countries in the world. Staying on-premises is the biggest mistake you can make while there

[@Murphys_Law9]

Cruises are a better value

[@drewconway7135]

F it. Might as well take a cruise

[@daishi15]

Marriott , Hyatt, Hilton , IHG

[@dotri8469]

They should start by eliminating the hidden resort fees at normal hotels.

[@venustianozaragoza9436]

And then guests called later about why the have so many extra charges, complaining about drinks they never had on the bar, etc.

[@mariarahelvarnhagen2729]

Good Escape

[@HoustonA417]

would love to know the name of the hyatt resort at 4:15

[@pons42047]

It will be Secrets Tulum (Hyatt brand). Not sure when construction will be done though.

[@shubhamdhundare3155]

Very nice

[@sg3-h7u]

So done with the “hidden fees” 😒

[@legendlovers4747]

Nice video

[@nathanielsingleton6302]

I need a vacation. 😩

[@-ksj-]

This seemd like great news

[@funtubeentertainment7797]

Very nice resort

[@IIINickodemusIII]

We need more all inclusives in the US

[@RepublicOfGamers_Kenya]

You are about Dominican republic but they are opening a Marriott in Kenya 🎉😅

[@Bb-jm2xl]

So galactic starcruiser?💀🥴😂

[@none0839]

HYATT fails miserably.

[@bySterling]

And when the economy keeps continuing down we’ll see how they all goes

[@mdjahiralimondal]

Pray for us n me ❤️🙂❤

[@zoson-os9rd]

How is it like to cover up all the time? From Two.

[@GrikWorldNomad]

Such a boring concept. Go and discover the country you're visiting

[@sheismymom]

proobably make money

[@xyz89011]

FORBES is a joke now....

[@Buccaneer115]

It’s called capitalism. In order to be competitive they have got to do it. Simple as that.

[@Jiggy609]

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

[@marcomartins6405]

Thank you for quick useful analysis.

[@otismoore2709]

Very nice

[@sumitsharma-tz9yk]

Nice