Quick answer
Match the resort type to the season first: desert resorts are most comfortable from fall to spring, ski resorts typically run from about late November to April, and Atlantic beach resorts fall within hurricane season from June 1 to November 30. Since May 12, 2025, an FTC rule requires hotels and resorts to show the total price including mandatory resort fees up front, but you should still check taxes, parking, cancellation terms and what the resort fee actually includes.
Key takeaways
- Pick the resort type first, then the season that suits it.
- Mandatory resort fees must now be included in the advertised total price; taxes can still be added separately.
- Parking, gratuities and optional extras vary by property, so read the rate rules before paying.
- True all-inclusive resorts are less common in the US than in Mexico or the Caribbean.
- Buy travel insurance before a storm is named if you want storm-related cover.
Types of resorts in the USA
| Resort type | Where | Best season to consider | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach | Florida, the Gulf Coast, the Carolinas, Hawaii, Southern California | Varies by region; Hawaii is year-round | Atlantic hurricane season, June 1 to November 30 |
| Ski and mountain | Colorado, Utah, Vermont and others | Roughly late November to April, depending on snow | Opening and closing dates change with conditions |
| Desert and spa | Palm Springs, Arizona | Cooler months, roughly fall through spring | Summer heat: Palm Springs averages highs around 104–109°F from June to September |
| Theme-park resorts | Orlando, Anaheim | Year-round; school holidays are busiest | Check transport, park-access perks and fees |
| All-inclusive | Limited options in the US | Depends on location | US packages may exclude alcohol; read what’s included |
Choosing by season
Beach resorts and hurricane season
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with activity peaking around mid-August to mid-October, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center. That doesn’t mean you should avoid the coast in those months, but flexible bookings and insurance matter more.
Hawaii
The National Weather Service in Honolulu describes two seasons: a drier summer from about May to October with more consistent trade winds, and a winter from about October to April when heavier rain and storms are more likely. West- and south-facing (leeward) coasts tend to be drier and sunnier than windward coasts.
Ski resorts
Most Utah resorts open in late November and close in April, with some running later, according to Visit Utah. Colorado and Vermont seasons are broadly similar, but every season depends on snowfall, so check the resort’s current opening and closing dates before booking.
Desert resorts
Visit Palm Springs notes that October to May is especially popular, while summer highs regularly exceed 100°F. Arizona desert resorts follow a similar pattern: the cooler months are the busiest and usually the most expensive.
Resort fees: what the FTC rule changed
The FTC’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees took effect on May 12, 2025. For short-term lodging, including hotels, resorts and vacation rentals, plus booking sites that sell them:
- The total price must be shown up front, including mandatory fees such as resort fees and vacation-rental cleaning fees.
- Taxes and government charges can be shown separately, but must be disclosed before you pay.
- Optional extras you choose yourself can be added separately.
- The rule doesn’t cap or ban fees. It’s about disclosure, so a resort can still charge a high fee, as long as it’s included in the total.
Several states have their own all-in pricing laws too, including California (from July 2024) and Colorado (from January 2026). Rules differ, so if a price looks incomplete, check the booking page details before paying.
Ask what the resort fee includes
Resort fees have historically covered things like Wi-Fi, pool and gym access. If a fee is mandatory anyway, find out what you get for it, and use those amenities.
Checklist before you book
- Total price for your dates, including mandatory fees, then the final amount with taxes.
- Parking (self and valet) and whether it’s charged per night.
- Service charges and gratuities on food, drinks or spa services.
- Cancellation and deposit terms, including deadlines.
- Adults-only or family policies, and kids’ club ages and costs.
- Accessibility: under the ADA (28 CFR 36.302(e)), hotels must describe accessible room features in enough detail for you to judge whether a room meets your needs, and must hold the specific accessible room you reserve.
- Location: distance to the beach, slopes or parks, and whether transport is included.
Travel insurance and storms
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners notes that if you buy travel insurance after a storm has been named, your plan typically won’t cover claims related to that storm. If you’re booking a beach resort during hurricane season, buy cover early and read the policy’s storm terms.
FAQ
Are resort fees still legal in the US?
Yes. The FTC rule requires them to be included in the advertised total price for lodging, but doesn’t ban them.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in the US?
Some, but they’re less common than in Mexico and the Caribbean, and US packages may not include alcohol. Always check exactly what’s included.
Planning the rest of the trip? Use our travel budget calculator and read how to plan a trip step by step.
Sources checked November 2026: FTC, NOAA National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service Honolulu, Visit Utah, Visit Palm Springs, NAIC, Cornell LII (28 CFR 36.302).
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
