It's advantageous to reserve an all-inclusive resort using points and miles, given the current situation.
Booking All-Inclusive US Vacations with Points and Miles
For some travelers, the appeal of points and miles lies in the promise of extravagant journeys, with first-class seats and indulgent amenities. However, for many, these rewards are about sharing experiences with loved ones, such as family vacations.
As the economy faces uncertainty, the current climate presents an excellent opportunity to plan a dream getaway using points and miles. One appealing option is booking all-inclusive resorts, particularly those that can be paid for with rewards.
The Benefits of All-Inclusive Resorts
A primary advantage of all-inclusive resorts is that the cost covers almost everything, including drinks—even alcoholic beverages—and meals. While additional expenses may arise, such as transportation, souvenirs, or optional excursions, these can often be optional additions.
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In comparison to resort prices, which can be astronomical, all-inclusive resorts can offer significant savings. At many hotels and resorts, a breakfast buffet can cost over $50 per person, while margaritas might set you back $15-$20. With all-inclusive resorts, the most pressing concern might be deciding which restaurant to dine at each night.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
A Modern All-Inclusive Era
While all-inclusive resorts were once perceived as run-down and lackluster, the landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, particularly in the last five years. The coronavirus pandemic has spurred significant change, as these resorts now cater to diverse travelers, from foodies to wellness enthusiasts and luxury seekers.
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The leaders in this new era are major hotel brands with extensive loyalty programs, such as Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton, and Accor.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Hyatt's All-Inclusive Expansion
In 2021, Hyatt added approximately 100 all-inclusive resorts to its loyalty program following the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group. Since then, Hyatt has launched Impressions by Secrets, a high-end, adults-only inclusive experience, and Hyatt Vivid, a lifestyle-focused, all-inclusive brand with beach clubs, fitness classes, and experiential dining.
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Hyatt has also announced plans to acquire Playa Hotels & Resorts, the force behind the popular Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, as well as forming a joint partnership with Bahia Principe, adding more resorts to its portfolio.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Marriott's All-Inclusive Offerings
Marriott has also been expanding its all-inclusive offerings, with plans to include all-inclusive versions of well-known brands, such as The Luxury Collection, the eponymous Marriott brand, and the highly anticipated inaugural W-branded all-inclusive resort, set to open in May.
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For travelers with a stash of points and miles, these developments in the all-inclusive space are welcome news. For those seeking an effortless, budget-friendly vacation, this trend is even more beneficial.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
Hyatt's All-Inclusive Award Chart
Hyatt still employs an award chart for its all-inclusive resorts, with rates starting at 12,000 points per night for two people. This can reach as high as 58,000 points for a peak stay in the top-tier category. A stay at the family-friendly Dreams Flora Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic, with award stays starting at 17,000 points per night, offers an attractive option for families.
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Dynamic pricing is common in other brands, but with flexibility, travelers can find competitive deals using Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy points. Occasionally, cash rates may even be lower than $100 per person, per night.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
When life's stressors become overwhelming, dreams of sun, sand, and the ease of an all-inclusive vacation often surface. As the know-what-you-pay-upfront vacation style continues to evolve, there is quality and value to be found across all-inclusive brands.
For more information on top all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and other popular destinations, check out our related reading.
Related Reading:
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- The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
- 11 Best Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts
- The Best Marriott All-Inclusive Resorts for the Perfect Vacation
- The 14 Best Hyatt All-Inclusive Resorts in the World
- Good Food, New Rooms, and Incredible Ocean Views: A Review of the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.2X
Rewards
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
| | || --- | --- || 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. || 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. || 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. || 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. || 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Intro Offer
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits, catering to foodies
- Attractive welcome bonus
Cons
- May be less useful for those living outside the US
- Some may face difficulties when using Uber and other dining credits
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of account opening.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on the Gold Card: Enroll your Gold Card and receive $10 in Uber Cash each month for U.S. orders and rides when you select an American Express Card. Up to $120 annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, you can earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on Uber Eats purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets.
- $84 Dunkin’ Credit: Up to $7 in statement credits monthly after enrollment when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at participating U.S. Dunkin’ locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year when you use the American Express® Gold Card at eligible Resy restaurants and other purchases.
- $100 Airline Fee Credit: Up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental airline fees on your selected airline. Terms apply.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $325 annual fee.
- Eligibility for elite status with partner hotels and airlines.
- Terms and conditions apply.
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The opportunity to plan a dream all-inclusive vacation using points and miles is especially appealing in the current economic climate. All-inclusive resorts offer significant savings compared to resort prices, with meals and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, often included in the cost. As all-inclusive resorts have evolved, they now cater to diverse travelers, from foodies to wellness enthusiasts and luxury seekers.
Hyatt has made strides in this new era by acquiring over 100 all-inclusive resorts and launching luxury and lifestyle-focused brands like Impressions by Secrets and Hyatt Vivid. Marriott, too, is expanding its all-inclusive offerings, with plans to include all-inclusive versions of well-known brands like The Luxury Collection and W.
Earning points through credit cards can help travelers make the most of these all-inclusive options. For example, the Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Similarly, the American Express® Gold Card earns 3X Membership Rewards® Points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
With the continued evolution of all-inclusive resorts and the availability of travel rewards through credit cards, dream vacations can be enjoyed affordably and luxuriously. To learn more about top all-inclusive resorts in popular destinations, check out our related reading.
