Resort hotel

A resort hotel is a hotel which often contains full-sized resort facilities with full-service accommodations and luxury amenities. These hotels may attract both business conferences and vacationing tourists and offer more than a convenient place to stay.^[1] They may be referred to as major conference center hotels, flagship hotels, destination hotels, and destination resorts. The market for conference and resort hotels is a subject for market analysis.^[2]

Definitions of resort hotels and their operations vary by country, with differences in regulation, market models, and emphasis on sustainability.^[3][4][5]

These hotels as destinations may be characterized by distinctive architecture, upscale lodgings, ballrooms, large conference facilities, restaurants, and recreation activities such as golf or skiing. They may be located in a variety of settings from major cities to remote locations.

Regional definitions and regulatory changes

The legal and market definition of a resort hotel varies internationally and has changed over time. In Thailand, for example, a proposed new Accommodation Act (2025) seeks to replace the existing Hotel Act and broaden regulatory categories to cover hotels, eco-lodges, homestays, and other accommodation types, reflecting diversification in tourist lodging.^[6]

In Europe, the all-inclusive resort model, which is common in the Caribbean and Latin America, remains less widespread. Hotel developers note that regulatory restrictions, high operating costs, and limited beachfront land make large-scale all-inclusive resorts less feasible in European markets compared to island destinations.^[7]

Sustainability has also become a defining characteristic of many resort hotels, particularly in Asia Pacific. In Southeast Asia, for example, the industry has been urged to embrace “green premium” practices, such as energy conservation, local food sourcing, and waste management, which are increasingly viewed as essential components of competitive resort offerings.^[8]

History

Since the 1800s, the traditional concept of a full-service conference and resort hotel has often arisen in remote locations with natural attractions.^[9] Over time, resorts such as those in Las Vegas have greatly expanded their scale, integrating spa, fitness facilities, large entertainment halls and retail options, significantly exceeding the amenities of earlier destination hotels.^[10]

A mega-resort is a type of destination hotel of exceptionally large size, sometimes featuring large-scale attractions such as casinos, golf courses, theme parks, multiple accommodation complexes, and extensive conference and entertainment facilities. The hotels along the Las Vegas Strip are frequently cited as archetypal mega-resorts because of their scale and integrated amenities.^[11][12]

Kirk Kerkorian is often credited with creating one of the first modern Las Vegas mega-resorts with the opening of the International Hotel in 1969, which was the largest hotel in the world at the time and helped define the contemporary, large-scale integrated resort model.^[13][14]

Two projects in Las Vegas in 1969 and 1973^[15][16][17] by architect Martin Stern, Jr. and entrepreneur Kirk Kerkorian, the International Hotel and the MGM Grand, set the standard for such casino resorts. The Mirage gave its size and emphasis on non-gaming entertainment options like shopping and fine dining to draw in customers. Mega-resorts use the same fantastic or mythical theme (medieval life at Excalibur, tropical at The Mirage, famous cities, etc.) throughout their properties.

Many mega-resorts have a large theme park as its centerpiece. Resorts such as the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts feature multiple hotels, multiple theme parks, a shopping complex, and other features. Other mega-resorts exist with no specific centerpiece, having many features that are considered prominent, such as Atlantis Paradise Island and its upcoming sister park in Dubai.

Gallery

• 
  The Palazzo is a casino resort hotel located on the Las Vegas Strip
• 
  Galaxy Macau consists of eight different luxury resort hotels
• 
  Banff Springs Hotel in Banff National Park
• 
  Universal Beijing Resort
• 
  Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
• 
  Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
• 
  Mardan Palace in Antalya, Turkey
• 
  Sun City in North West Province, South Africa
• 
  Navarino Dunes resort in Costa Navarino near Pylos, Greece