City all-inclusive hotels?

All-inclusives are hotter than ever. Over 60 years ago Club Med debuted the all-inclusive concept with the promise of family fun, young, handsome hosts – the French GO’s (gentils organisateurs, “gracious organizers”) unlimited wine and food, and the security of knowing the cost of your vacation before you leave home.

In 1981, Butch Stewart, founder of Sandals, promised luxury, and more recently, ultra luxury and value. These were followed by Beaches, geared towards families. Then in November 2009, the Grand Velas Riviera Maya debuted, raising the bar even higher with its gourmet restaurants that rival some of the finest eateries of any world capital; a 90,000 sq ft world class spa and suites that rival those of EP luxury competitors in Riviera Maya such as Mandarin, Banyan Tree and Rosewood.

All-inclusive resorts have mostly been reserved for sunny beach locales. Until now. The Four Seasons Denver just announced  its first inclusive package, more than hinting that if its popular, this could be the first of many offered at Four Seasons worldwide.

We can visualize more city hotels and resorts offering both the EP and all inclusive options, addressing what travelers really want – more choice, flexibility and eases budget concerns. On the flip side, the hotel earns the possibility of more food and beverage revenue they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Seems like a win-win.