Beverage Policy: What You Can and Can't Drink at Hotels

When you book a stay at a hotel or cottage, your beverage policy, the set of rules a property sets for serving, selling, or allowing alcohol and other drinks. Also known as drink policy, it determines whether you can bring your own beer, how many cocktails you get per day, or if you’re locked into a resort’s limited selection. This isn’t just fine print—it affects your vacation budget, your relaxation, and even your safety.

Many places, especially all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages that bundle meals, drinks, and activities into one price. Also known as all-inclusive hotels, it is a common setup in India and abroad. claim to offer "unlimited drinks," but the truth is often more complicated. Some limit you to six drinks a day, others restrict premium brands, and a few don’t serve alcohol after 10 p.m. even if you paid extra. Then there are cottage rentals, private, often rustic accommodations that may have no staff or front desk, making drink rules up to the owner. Also known as vacation cabins, they offer freedom—but also responsibility. If you bring your own wine to a cottage, you might be fine. At a luxury hotel, you could get charged a corkage fee or even asked to leave it at the front desk.

It’s not just about alcohol. Beverage policies also cover water, coffee, soda, and even ice. Some hotels charge for bottled water even if it’s in your room. Others include minibar refills in your rate, while others don’t. Kids’ drinks? Teens? Pets? Policies vary. One resort lets you order unlimited mocktails for your child, another won’t serve non-alcoholic cocktails after dark. And if you’re planning to stay long-term, some places legally can’t serve alcohol daily to residents—yes, that’s a real rule.

What you need to know before you book: check the fine print, call the front desk, and ask for the beverage policy in writing. Don’t assume "all-inclusive" means what you think it does. Don’t assume a quiet cottage means you can drink freely—some have strict noise and alcohol rules to protect neighbors. The beverage policy isn’t about control—it’s about managing expectations, legal limits, and guest experience. What you find below are real stories from guests who got caught off guard, saved money by asking the right questions, and discovered hidden perks others never knew existed. These posts will show you exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make sure your next drink doesn’t turn into a headache.