Is All-Inclusive 6 Drinks a Day? What You Really Get at Resorts
Picture this: You booked an all-inclusive vacation and imagined endless cocktails by the pool. Then you see something about 'six drinks a day.' Wait, what? That’s not what the fancy photos promised. The thing is, some resorts—especially in places like Spain—actually have this rule. It’s not a widespread thing (yet), but it catches plenty of people off guard. The main reason? Local laws and hotel policies are trying to curb wild party scenes and cut back on excessive drinking.
Before you lock in your trip, always check exactly what your all-inclusive package covers. That 'all you can drink' vibe isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Some hotels shout about unlimited drinks, but others hide the real deal in their booking terms. If it says you get premium brands, imported labels, or free-flowing drinks, you’re golden. If you spot a mention of numbers—like ‘drinks included: 6’—take that seriously.
- The Truth About Drink Limits
- Why Some Resorts Cap Your Drinks
- How to Spot the Fine Print
- Maximizing Your All-Inclusive Experience
- What to Do If You Want More
The Truth About Drink Limits
So, does "all-inclusive" really mean non-stop drinks? Not everywhere. Some resorts—especially those in certain spots like the Balearic Islands (think Mallorca and Ibiza)—actually cap your free booze. The six drinks a day rule first showed up in 2022, mostly due to new local measures aimed at controlling rowdy tourist behavior. Resorts affected by these rules usually offer three free alcoholic drinks at lunch and three at dinner. After that, anything extra comes out of your own pocket.
Here’s a quick look at how "all-inclusive" drink rules differ across popular vacation spots:
| Destination | Common Drink Policy |
|---|---|
| Spain (select regions) | 6 alcoholic drinks per day (often split between meals) |
| Mexico | Unlimited drinks in most resorts |
| Caribbean | Usually unlimited, some premium brands may cost extra |
| Turkey | Unlimited—brand and type may be restricted |
But let’s be clear—these limits aren’t common everywhere. If you’re heading to places like Cancun, Punta Cana, or Greece, you’ll usually still find the classic, endless approach. But in parts of Spain, especially if you’re near well-known party areas, always double-check. If the website or terms don’t spell it out, send a quick email to the hotel and ask directly.
Why do these rules even matter? Well, nobody wants to be the person at the bar counting their third drink at lunch. If you’re traveling with friends or family, knowing the all-inclusive hotels policy ahead of time can avoid real disappointment—or help you budget for extras.
Why Some Resorts Cap Your Drinks
So, why do some all-inclusive hotels put a limit on your drinks? Most of the time it comes down to local laws or government rules, not just stingy management. For example, in 2022, a bunch of hotels in Spain’s Balearic Islands (think Mallorca, Ibiza) started capping guests at six alcoholic drinks a day. This wasn’t random—the Spanish government wanted to crack down on rowdy, booze-fueled vacation behavior. They figured that a limit would help cut down on noise, fights, and even alcohol-related accidents among tourists.
But there’s more to it. Some resorts in places like Mexico or the Caribbean may have limits written into the fine print for budgeting reasons. All-inclusive means fixed costs for them, so a few too many poolside margaritas can actually put a dent in their profits. And they don’t always just come out and say it upfront. Instead, the policy might show up as a daily voucher, colored wristband, or even a drink tally on your room card.
Here’s a snapshot of how drink caps work in some popular destinations:
| Destination | Common Drink Policy | Announced Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Mallorca (Spain) | 6 alcoholic drinks/day | Local law, anti-binge drinking |
| Ibiza (Spain) | 6 alcoholic drinks/day | Local law, safety |
| Mexico (Cancun & other beaches) | Mostly unlimited, some resorts limit | Cost control, guest safety |
| Dominican Republic | Mostly unlimited | Rarely limited, but always check |
If you spot a drink cap, don’t assume you’re getting shortchanged on everything. Usually, these limits only apply to alcoholic beverages, so you’ll still be able to grab all the soda, coffee, and juices you want. But if unwinding with a cold beer or two is a big part of your vacation plan, make sure you know the rules for your chosen all-inclusive hotel so you’re not left dry by happy hour.
How to Spot the Fine Print
If you don’t want a surprise drinks cap ruining your trip, you need to know how to find the real details—because resorts aren’t shouting them from the rooftops. The first rule? Never trust marketing slogans. "Unlimited" sometimes just means unlimited lemonade, not unlimited margaritas.
When you’re looking at all-inclusive hotels, skip straight to the terms and conditions. Usually, the limits (if there are any) hide in the small print under sections like 'Dining & Beverage,' 'All-Inclusive Package Details,' or even a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page. One famous example: Some Spanish resorts in the Balearic Islands and Costa Brava started listing a six-drink-per-day rule—but only if you clicked that tiny ‘More Info’ link.
- Look for actual numbers: If it says 'six drinks a day,' or lists a limit per meal, that’s your sign.
- Check the definition of 'drinks': Does it count just alcohol, or all beverages (including soft drinks)?
- Notice time limits: Some policies only serve alcohol from certain hours, like noon to 11 pm.
- Ask directly: If the website isn’t clear, message or call the hotel and get it in writing.
- Watch for local laws: Places like Spain’s party zones must follow local restrictions, even if the hotel doesn’t mention it upfront.
One last tip: Booking through third-party sites? Always double-check on the all-inclusive hotels own official page. Sometimes, the info on big travel sites is out of date or sugarcoated. A quick email to the front desk can save a ton of confusion later.
Maximizing Your All-Inclusive Experience
Let’s be real: nobody wants to feel shortchanged on vacation, especially at an all-inclusive hotel. The key to truly making the most of your stay is knowing what’s included, planning ahead, and being a bit strategic—even if there’s a drink limit.
First, study your hotel’s drink policy before you arrive. Some properties send a rundown in your booking emails, while others bury it under “terms and conditions” on their website. If you’re not sure, shoot the hotel a quick message. Ask about everything—types of drinks, count per person, times when drinks are served, and whether you can get alcohol at every bar on-site.
If you see a daily cap (like those resorts in Majorca and Ibiza after 2022, following Spain's crackdown on unlimited booze), consider spacing out your drinks. Go for quality over quantity. Many guests grab a fancier cocktail in the evening and stick to soft drinks or mocktails during the day. And remember, mixers and non-alcoholic options usually aren’t counted in your drink limit.
Here’s the lowdown on how several popular resorts handle drinks:
| Resort Brand | Drink Policy | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Riu Hotels & Resorts | Unlimited | Includes local and some premium brands |
| Barceló Hotels | Often Unlimited | Some restrictions on imported spirits |
| Sol Hotels (Spain) | 6 Alcoholic Drinks/Day | Soft drinks/water unlimited; due to local law |
| Sandals Resorts | Unlimited | Top-shelf brands, no daily cap |
If your resort has a limit and you’re traveling in a group, split your drinks so everyone can try different things. Also, join the hotel’s guest loyalty program if available—sometimes they offer extras like upgraded drink options. A lot of folks don’t realize you can make the most of happy hours or “cocktail of the day” offers, which sometimes sneak past the daily cap.
Finally, if you’re keen on a particular spirit or cocktail, ask if bartenders can customize drinks with free mixers to stretch your allowance. Hydrate between rounds, and don’t forget to tip the bar staff—a little kindness can go a long way!
What to Do If You Want More
So you just found out your resort has a limit, but you really want more than six drinks a day. Don’t panic—there are actually a few things you can do to get around it or at least make it work for you. This isn’t about sneaky loopholes, it’s about knowing your options and planning ahead.
First off, talk to the staff at the front desk or the bar. Sometimes policies are flexible for special occasions or if you’re traveling with a group. Being friendly goes a long way. In a lot of resorts, drink tickets or vouchers may apply only to alcoholic drinks, so you can often get all the soft drinks you want. If you travel as a couple or in a group, you can pool your vouchers—just check if this is okay with the hotel.
- Check out on-site bars and happy hours. Many resorts run promotions, and drinks at special events or themed nights might not count against your limit.
- Visit nearby bars or beach clubs outside the hotel for a change of pace and unlimited sips—just be sure you know what’s included in your package versus what’s extra.
- For serious planners, picking a higher-tier package or club access might solve the problem. Some resorts offer premium upgrades where the all-inclusive hotels truly mean “bottomless.”
- Stock up at the duty-free shop in the airport or grab supplies at a local supermarket if you’re okay with the DIY approach in your room.
If you feel misled by marketing or weren’t warned about limits until arrival, keep records of all the booking details. This helps if you want to make a complaint or ask for compensation. Being proactive and asking before booking is the best way to dodge surprises—always check or even email the hotel directly before you commit. That’s how you turn small print into no problem.