How Many Drinks Are You Allowed on All-Inclusive? The Real Deal on Resort Limits
Picture it: you're finally on vacation, lounging by the pool, everyone talking about 'unlimited' drinks because you went all-inclusive. But wait—what does 'unlimited' really mean? Does the bartender ever say no, or are you free to order as many mojitos as you want?
First, not all all-inclusive resorts have the same rules, and honestly, not all of them are upfront about it. Some places let you drink as much as you like, 24/7. Others might set a per-person, per-order cap, or even a daily limit—especially in places like Spain, where the government set a max of six alcoholic drinks per day at some resorts to curb rowdiness. And just because drinks are technically included doesn’t always mean you get the good brands. Sometimes it’s local liquor and basic beer unless you’ve paid for a premium package.
So no, 'all-inclusive' doesn’t always mean totally bottomless. Knowing what to expect lets you plan—and keep your vacation chill, instead of ending up annoyed at the bar when you hit a surprise limit.
- What Does 'All-Inclusive' Really Mean for Drinks?
- How Drink Limits Work at Different Resorts
- Surprising Facts: Country Differences and Hotel Policies
- Tips for Making the Most of Your All-Inclusive Bar Access
What Does 'All-Inclusive' Really Mean for Drinks?
The term 'all-inclusive' sounds straightforward, but when it comes to drinks, it can mean anything from true open bar vibes to only a handful of options under certain conditions. When you book an all-inclusive vacation, it usually covers all your meals, snacks, and beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. But here’s the trick: resorts often set their own rules, and there’s no universal standard for what’s included at the bar.
At some resorts, you’ll get unlimited domestic beer, local spirits, and house wine by the glass. Cocktails are often made with local liquor instead of premium brands. If you want something fancy—like a top-shelf tequila or an imported whiskey—you might have to pay extra or upgrade your package. And don’t expect the minibar in your room to be endless; most places restock it once a day with a small set of drinks.
Here’s a look at what’s usually included (and what’s not):
- House beer, wine, and basic cocktails are usually on the house.
- Name-brand liquor often costs extra unless you book a premium or 'club' level room.
- Bottled drinks, like premium sparkling water or imported beers, might not be included.
- Minibar contents are rarely unlimited; most restock with a set number per day.
To give you an idea, check out this quick snapshot of what you might expect at some major resort chains:
| Resort Chain | Drink Inclusions | Extras/Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| RIU Hotels | Unlimited local drinks, basic cocktails | Premium liquor at extra cost/premium rooms |
| Sandals | Unlimited premium-brand drinks | Some specialty wines at extra charge |
| Iberostar | Unlimited local drinks | Imported brands often extra; limited minibar |
| Melia | Unlimited local spirits and draft beer | Premium drinks cost extra; some bars have hours |
Alcoholic drinks are usually only available at the on-site bars—not just anywhere you want. There might be limits on drink orders per trip to the bar, and yes, staff can refuse service if someone’s had too much. Always check your resort’s policy on their website before you go so your expectations match up with what’s actually served.
How Drink Limits Work at Different Resorts
This part trips up a lot of people. There’s no single rule for every all-inclusive hotel. How much you can drink often depends on the chain, the country, and even the specific hotel. Some Caribbean and Mexican resorts famously let you have as many drinks as you want, whether it’s shots at the swim-up bar or cocktails at dinner. In Jamaica, places like Sandals and Secrets actually advertise zero drink limits and most guests agree it’s true—you can order several at a time, no questions asked.
But Europe is a whole different game. Since 2022, certain resorts in Spain’s Balearic Islands—think Mallorca and Ibiza—legally cap guests at six alcoholic drinks per day as part of a government rule aimed at cutting down wild partying. This sparked a lot of confusion among travelers used to the Caribbean style. Here’s what you might run into:
- Drink limit enforcement: Some resorts give drink tickets at check-in (like those 6-drinks-per-day spots in Spain). Others might just train bartenders to pour lightly or hand out only one drink per person per visit.
- Premium vs. basic packages: Often, only house brands are part of "all-inclusive". Want a top-shelf whiskey? That’s extra or needs an upgrade.
- Timing limits: Bars may close at a set time, like midnight, especially at family resorts. Late-night cravings mean you’ll need to check opening hours.
- Event or activity vouchers: A few hotels include drink vouchers for certain activities or special dinners, not unlimited access everywhere.
| Region | Typical Drink Policy | Known Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico & Caribbean | No drink limit (most resorts) | Some adults-only may have 2-at-a-time rule |
| Spain (Balearic Islands) | Max 6 alcoholic drinks/day (per law) | Luxury resorts may offer paid upgrades |
| Greece & Turkey | Usually no stated daily limit | Some resorts serve house brands only |
Almost every all-inclusive spells out its drink policy in the fine print or on its website, sometimes buried deep in the FAQs. Before you book, check the site or email the hotel directly for the real scoop. This saves you from that awkward, "Wait, I can’t order another?" moment at the bar. And if you’re heading to a country with stricter rules, expect staff to stick to them—trying to sweet-talk your way to a seventh sangria in Spain just won’t work.
Surprising Facts: Country Differences and Hotel Policies
Turns out, not every all-inclusive resort follows the same script, and a lot depends on where you’re staying. A couple of years back, the Spanish government dropped a bomb—Majorca and Ibiza started capping free alcoholic drinks at some all-inclusives. They set it to just six drinks per day. It’s split between lunch and dinner, so you can’t just rack them all up at lunch and go wild. These rules are supposed to cut down on wild party tourism, especially in the Balearic Islands. And it isn’t just Spain doing their own thing—some Greek islands and even a handful of Turkish resorts have started looking at stricter policies too.
If you’re heading to the Caribbean or Mexico, things usually feel more open, but not always. While some Cancun resorts offer alcohol all day and night, others quietly close the bar at 1 a.m. or drop to beer and wine after midnight. In Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, you’re likely to find true ‘unlimited’ drinks, but premium drinks can cost extra or require club upgrades. Here’s the thing: these details rarely make it into glossy brochures or website banners.
Policies can even be different under the same hotel brand. For example, two hotels in the same chain might have different drink hours or lists of what’s included. The only way to know for sure is to check the fine print directly or ask your travel agent.
| Country | Common Drink Limit | Extra Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearic Islands) | 6 drinks per day (alcoholic) | Limit split between lunch and dinner |
| Mexico | Usually unlimited | Some resorts cap premium brands |
| Greece | Varies, some caps in tourist areas | Some limits on spirits vs. beer/wine |
| Dominican Republic | Unlimited at most resorts | Extra charge for top-shelf drinks |
If you want to avoid surprises, dig into the drink policy before you book. Watch out for phrases like "selected local beverages," "limited house brands," or "drinks with meals only." It can save you a lot of eye-rolling at the bar later.
- Always read the resort’s FAQ or terms on their official site.
- If you love a certain liquor, email and ask if it’s included.
- Check if wristbands mean drink level upgrades—you might grab more options for a little extra cash.
Tips for Making the Most of Your All-Inclusive Bar Access
If you want to get the most out of your all-inclusive experience and not miss out on the drink perks, a little strategy goes a long way. Here’s how you can make sure you actually enjoy what you paid for—without running into annoying surprises or long waits at the bar.
- Know what you're getting: Before you even pack your sunscreen, check the fine print. Some resorts post drink rules or limits on their website, or sneak them into booking terms. Popular places like Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain have well-known government-mandated limits (up to 6 alcoholic drinks per day at some all-inclusives), while others don’t restrict drinks at all.
- Scope out the bars: Some hotels have different menus at each bar—one by the pool might serve only beer and basic cocktails, while the lobby bar stocks premium liquor. Walk around on your first day to see what’s available.
- Order smart: If there’s a per-order drink cap (like 2 drinks per person per trip to the bar), bring a friend or order something that takes longer to sip rather than knocking back weak cocktails.
- Tip the bartenders: Even where tipping isn’t required, a small tip (like $1 or €1 per drink) can get you better service and, sometimes, a stronger pour—especially at resorts in Mexico or the Caribbean.
- Try house specialties: Some all-inclusives have a menu of local drinks or signature cocktails. These are usually fresher and better than sticking to the usual rum and Coke.
- Time it right: Bars get slammed before dinner or right when entertainment starts. Hitting the bar just before peak times saves you a wait and, often, a watered-down drink.
Here's a quick look at some drink limit policies in popular all-inclusive destinations (2024-2025):
| Destination | Typical Drink Policy | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearic Islands) | 6 drinks/day | Law applies only in designated tourist zones |
| Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya) | No official limit | Some resorts monitor for excessive drinking |
| Dominican Republic | No official limit | Drink sizes and quality vary by resort type |
| Greece (resorts) | Usually unlimited | Premium brands often cost extra |
| Jamaica | No official limit | Full bar access at most resorts |
The main thing? Always ask if you’re unsure about the drink rules—nobody likes surprises on vacation. And if you're hunting for the true all-inclusive experience, compare how each hotel does drinks before you book. Some chains like Sandals and Club Med are famous for not skimping. You deserve to relax, not stress over your next cocktail!