US Resorts: What You Really Get and Where to Find the Best Stays

When people talk about US resorts, destination-based getaways in the United States that combine lodging, dining, and activities under one roof. Also known as resort destinations, they’re not just places to sleep—they’re experiences designed to keep you from ever needing to leave. But not all resorts are made the same. Some are packed with kids, others are silent retreats for couples. Some serve unlimited drinks, others charge extra for coffee. And a growing number are built to run on solar power and harvest their own water.

The real difference comes down to what you’re looking for. If you want peace, an adults only resort, a property that bans children to create a quiet, relaxed atmosphere for guests. Also known as no-kids resort, it’s where you can read in silence or talk without shouting over playground noise. If you want value, you need to understand what’s really in an all-inclusive resort, a package deal where meals, drinks, and often activities are included in the room rate. Also known as all-inclusive vacation, it sounds like a steal—until you realize the food is bland, the drinks are watered down, and the "unlimited" bar has a six-drink limit. And if you care about the planet, you’ll notice more eco-friendly cottages, small, sustainable lodgings designed to minimize environmental impact through energy efficiency, renewable materials, and off-grid systems. Also known as green cabins, they’re popping up in the mountains of Colorado and the woods of Maine, offering luxury without the guilt. These aren’t just trends—they’re shifts in what travelers expect.

Most US resorts promise relaxation, but few deliver real connection. You can have a spa day, a beach chair, and a cocktail, but if the staff doesn’t know your name or the food tastes like it came from a warehouse, you’re just another guest in a lineup. The best ones—whether they’re in Florida, California, or the Adirondacks—feel like a second home. They know you don’t want to be rushed. They know you came to breathe.

Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve stayed at these places—not the glossy ads, but the honest takes. How much do you actually get with an all-inclusive? Is that $800-a-night glamping cabin worth it? Do you still tip at resorts where everything’s "included"? And what’s the truth behind those million-dollar eco-homes you see online? We’ve gathered the questions you didn’t know to ask—and the answers that actually matter.