All-Inclusive Drink Policy: What You Can Really Expect

When you book an all-inclusive drink policy, a package that includes meals, drinks, and sometimes activities for one flat price. Also known as unlimited alcohol plans, it sounds simple: drink as much as you want. But the truth? It’s not that straightforward. Many guests assume "all-inclusive" means endless cocktails, beer on tap, and wine with dinner—anytime, anywhere. But resorts quietly set boundaries. Some limit you to six drinks a day. Others restrict premium brands. A few even track your consumption with wristbands or digital logs. This isn’t about being stingy—it’s about cost control, liability, and keeping the experience manageable for everyone.

The all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages where food, drinks, and often activities are bundled into the room rate. Also known as all-inclusive hotels, they’re popular for their predictability. But the drink limits, the unofficial or official caps on alcohol servings per guest per day. Often misunderstood as universal rules aren’t written on your welcome packet. They’re buried in fine print, whispered by staff, or learned the hard way after your third margarita gets a side-eye. Resorts don’t want you drunk on the beach, but they also don’t want you paying extra for every sip. So they walk a line: enough to feel generous, but not so much that it hurts their bottom line.

What’s actually poured depends on the resort, the season, and even the time of day. Some places give you access to premium liquor only after 6 p.m. Others serve draft beer but charge for bottled imports. Ice, mixers, and non-alcoholic options? Usually included. But if you ask for a specific brand of tequila or a top-shelf gin, you might get a polite "We don’t carry that here." And while some resorts proudly advertise "unlimited drinks," they often cap the number of servings you can receive in one sitting—say, one per hour. It’s not a hard rule, but it’s a pattern.

If you’re planning a trip and care about drinks, don’t just assume. Ask: Are spirits included, or just beer and house wine? Is there a time limit? Do they charge for premium cocktails? Can you take drinks to your room? These aren’t silly questions—they’re the difference between a relaxed vacation and a frustrating one. And if you’re someone who likes to unwind with a drink or two after dinner, you’ll want to know if you’re hitting a wall at 6 p.m. or if the bar stays open till midnight.

There’s no single answer to the all-inclusive drink policy because every resort writes its own. Some are generous. Others are tight. And a few? They’re just trying to make you feel like you’re getting more than you are. The key is to ask before you book, not after you’ve paid. What you find might surprise you—and save you from disappointment.

Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who’ve been there, done that—and learned exactly what’s included, what’s not, and how to make the most of your drink allowance without the guesswork.