Is Alcohol Free on All-Inclusive Holidays? What You Really Get
The phrase “all-inclusive” makes it sound like everything is free—including unlimited cocktails, beers, and maybe that fancy whiskey you like. But hold up. Not every resort means the same thing when they say all-inclusive, and if you’re picturing a 24/7 open bar with zero limits, you might be surprised at check-in.
Most all-inclusive hotels do include a selection of alcoholic drinks in the price. We’re talking local beers, house wine, and basic spirits—usually available at the main bar, pool bar, and sometimes with meals. But not everything behind the bar is up for grabs. Premium brands and craft cocktails often cost extra, and mini-bars in your room aren’t always included in the “free” part. Some places limit what you can get by the glass or hour.
- What All-Inclusive Usually Means
- Types of Alcohol You Can Expect
- Common Restrictions and Upsells
- Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Drinks
What All-Inclusive Usually Means
If you see "all-inclusive" on a hotel site, don't assume every single thing is paid for. The main offer is that your food, snacks, and drinks are covered by your room rate. But—and here's the kicker—what counts as an included drink changes from place to place. Some resorts get pretty generous, others draw the line at cheaper booze or certain bars. You’ve got to read the fine print.
Across major chains like Sandals, Club Med, and RIU, you’ll usually get unlimited buffet meals, some à la carte dining, and access to pools and entertainment. About 85% of classic all-inclusive resorts include at least basic alcoholic beverages. But check this out:
| Resort Brand | Drinks Included | Extras Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sandals | Unlimited premium brands and local drinks | Upcharge for wine/champagne by the bottle |
| RIU | Local draft beer, house spirits, select cocktails | Premium spirits, some à la carte drinks |
| Club Med | Basic mixed drinks, house wine, some imported labels | High-end spirits, specialty cocktails |
| Iberostar | Local spirits, draft beer, wine | Top-shelf brands, wine list bottles |
The all-inclusive hotels you see online often throw in most local drinks. But if you want a certain imported gin, a craft IPA, or a fancy bottle of champagne, you may need to whip out your wallet. And don’t be surprised if the beach bar has different “free” options than the lobby lounge.
Always check what hours the bars operate, too. Not all of them stay open past midnight or offer the same menu at every time of day. Room service is sometimes included, sometimes not. If you hate surprises, look up the resort’s full list of inclusions and check guest reviews before you book.
Types of Alcohol You Can Expect
If you’re eyeing the drink options at an all-inclusive hotel, it’s smart to know what’s really part of the deal. Most resorts offer a basic lineup: local beer, house wine, and standard spirits like rum, vodka, gin, and tequila. These are usually served at the bar, during meals, and sometimes brought by a waiter when you’re by the pool.
The variety depends a lot on location and price range. In Mexico and the Caribbean, for example, resorts typically stock well-known local beers and spirits. You’ll spot names like Presidente (Dominican Republic), Red Stripe (Jamaica), or Dos Equis (Mexico). Wine options are usually limited to red or white, with the occasional sparkling option at fancier places.
If you like cocktails, you’re in luck—classic mixed drinks like margaritas, mojitos, piña coladas, and daiquiris are part of almost every all-inclusive menu. But many hotels rely on house-brand spirits instead of top-shelf alcohol, unless you booked a ‘premium’ or ‘VIP’ tier package.
Take a look at this quick comparison of what’s typically included vs. what’s usually extra at all-inclusive hotels:
| Drink Type | Usually Included | Usually Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Local Beer | Yes | No |
| Imported Beer | Sometimes | Yes |
| House Wine | Yes | No |
| Premium Wine | No | Yes |
| Standard Spirits | Yes | No |
| Top-Shelf Spirits | No | Yes |
| Basic Cocktails | Yes | No |
| Signature/Craft Cocktails | Rarely | Yes |
| In-Room Mini-bar | Sometimes | Yes |
One thing to watch for: some big chains like Iberostar or RIU give you a wider selection, especially at their upgraded properties. But if you want imported wines or name-brand liquor, expect a surcharge—even if the resort banner flashes ‘all-inclusive’ everywhere. The all-inclusive hotels with branded drink packages usually call it out on their website, so always double-check before you book if brand or quality matters to you.
Common Restrictions and Upsells
Here's where all-inclusive hotels can throw curveballs. Not every drink is part of the deal, and there are often a bunch of rules most travelers don’t know until they’re staring at a bill or a "not included" sign at the bar.
- Limited Brand Choices: Most places offer local or house brands, not your favorite premium spirits. Want something fancy like Grey Goose or Patron? Count on an extra charge, usually added to your room bill.
- Bar Operating Hours: Drinks are hardly ever 24/7. Some pool bars close at 6 pm, some main bars wrap up at midnight. Forget about grabbing a bloody mary at 7 am unless you’re in a super high-end spot.
- Mini-Bar Charges: Just because there’s a fridge in your room doesn’t mean it’s free. Around half of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, for example, either don’t restock free alcohol in the mini-bar or only restock water and soda.
- Quantity Limits: Sometimes there’s a rule about how many drinks you can get at one time (think two-drink maximum per trip to the bar) or total drinks per day. Rare, but it happens—especially during big events or high season.
- Specialty Bars: Fancy cocktail lounges, wine cellars, or premium restaurants in the resort might not be part of the regular plan. These often charge per drink, or require an upgrade package.
For some perspective, check out how different all-inclusive spots handle drinks:
| Resort Chain | Standard Alcohol Policy | Premium Upgrades? |
|---|---|---|
| RIU Hotels | Local spirits, house wine & beer included | Yes, with extra charge |
| Sandals Resorts | Premium spirits & wine mostly included | Ultra-premium options at specialty bars, extra |
| Club Med | All local/non-branded drinks free | Premium wine & champagne cost extra |
| Dreams Resorts | International and local brands, some premium | Wine lists & super high-end available for a fee |
If you have your heart set on sipping specific drinks by the pool, check your hotel’s website for the alcohol list or email them before you book. Hotels don’t always make this info easy to find, but asking ahead can save you a headache later.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Drinks
Getting the best bang for your buck with all-inclusive drinks isn't just about how much you can drink—it's about knowing what's on offer and how to ask for it. Here's how you can really take advantage of what’s included at all-inclusive hotels without feeling ripped off or stuck with boring options.
- Check the drink list first thing. When you arrive, grab the drinks menu or ask the bartender what’s covered. Some “hidden” options (like a local rum punch or specialty shots) might not be advertised but are totally free.
- Go for local brands. Resorts almost always offer local spirits, beers, and wines as part of the deal. These are free-flowing, while imports often come with a price tag. If you’re a beer fan, local brews can be surprisingly good and much cheaper for the hotel.
- Ask for bigger pours. Don't be shy—if you want a stronger drink, just ask. Most bartenders aren’t stingy if you’re friendly. But remember, some places have strict pour limits by law, so be respectful if they say no.
- Scope out theme nights and events. Resorts love to host drink-specific events like tequila tastings or mojito nights. These are usually included in your package but aren’t always advertised up front. Don’t miss out—ask what’s happening that week.
- Check bar hours and locations. Some hotels only serve alcohol in specific venues at certain times. Pool bars might shut early and only the lobby bar keeps pouring after 10pm. Know where to go to avoid last-call panic.
- Use your minibar wisely. Sometimes minibars are restocked free, other times you’re billed. Clarify at check-in. If it’s free, stock up for nighttime or beachside sipping without extra charges.
- Hydrate and pace yourself. This sounds obvious, but strong sun plus constant cocktails isn’t always fun. Most resorts stock unlimited bottled water—use it between rounds!
For those curious about what is typically included, here's a quick cheat sheet comparing what’s free and what often costs extra at an average Caribbean all-inclusive:
| Drink Type | Usually Included | Costs Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Local Beer | Yes | No |
| House Wine | Yes | No |
| Basic Cocktails (rum & coke, gin & tonic) | Yes | No |
| Premium Liquor (Johnny Walker Black, Grey Goose) | No | Yes |
| Imported Beer | Rarely | Yes |
| Mini Bar Restock | Sometimes | Sometimes |
So the next time a bartender slides over that plastic cup, don’t hesitate to ask what else they’ve got hiding. A friendly question or two can turn a regular beach day into a much more interesting happy hour.