Drink Allowance All-Inclusive: What You Really Get with Unlimited Drinks

When you book an all-inclusive resort, a vacation package where meals, drinks, and some activities are bundled into one price. Also known as all-inclusive hotels, these deals promise freedom—no counting coins at the bar, no surprise charges after dinner. But here’s the catch: "unlimited" doesn’t always mean what you think. Many guests assume "unlimited drinks" means you can order a new cocktail every hour, all day long. That’s not the full story.

Most all-inclusive resorts do offer drinks throughout the day, but they quietly control the pace. The drink allowance, the actual number or frequency of alcoholic beverages you can receive under the package. Also known as beverage limits, it’s rarely written in big letters on the brochure. Some places give you six drinks a day—yes, six. Others let you order freely but only during meal hours. A few even track your intake with wristbands or digital logs. Why? Because the cost of alcohol isn’t free for them. They price the package around an average guest consumption, not a binge. If you’re planning to sip margaritas from breakfast to bedtime, you might hit a wall.

It’s not just about quantity. The drink quality, the type and brand of alcohol included in the package. Also known as premium drink access, it’s another hidden variable. Basic packages often include house brands—cheap rum, generic beer, boxed wine. Want a top-shelf whiskey or imported beer? That’s extra. Some resorts upgrade you if you pay more upfront, others charge per drink. And don’t assume soda or bottled water is unlimited—some places limit it to meal times or charge for premium brands.

What’s included varies wildly by resort, location, and price tier. A budget all-inclusive in Mexico might give you six drinks a day with basic spirits. A luxury resort in the Caribbean might offer 24/7 access to premium liquors—but still cap cocktails at one per hour. You can’t just pick a resort because it says "unlimited." You need to dig deeper. Look for guest reviews that mention drink service, ask about brand names, and check if there’s a daily limit hidden in the fine print.

This isn’t about being cheap. It’s about knowing what you’re paying for. If you love to sip a cocktail by the pool after lunch, you’ll want a plan that supports that. If you’re planning to drink like it’s a festival, you might be better off choosing a resort with transparent policies—or budgeting extra for upgrades. The best all-inclusive deals don’t just promise freedom. They deliver it without tricks.

Below, you’ll find real insights from travelers who’ve been there—what they got, what they missed, and how to make sure your next all-inclusive stay doesn’t end with a dry mouth and a bad feeling.