Drinks Included: What You Really Get at All-Inclusive Resorts

When you see drinks included, a package where beverages are covered as part of your stay. Also known as all-inclusive drinks, it sounds like a no-brainer—until you realize not all "unlimited" means what you think. Many resorts list "unlimited alcohol" on their website, but the fine print often hides daily limits, brand restrictions, or time-based cutoffs. You might get six cocktails a day, or only house brands, or no premium spirits after 10 PM. It’s not about how many drinks you can have—it’s about what you’re actually allowed to order.

Real all-inclusive hotels, resorts that bundle meals, drinks, and sometimes activities into one price don’t all work the same. Some give you access to a full bar with top-shelf liquor, while others only serve local beer and basic mixers. The difference isn’t just branding—it’s cost, experience, and how much you’ll actually enjoy your vacation. If you’re planning a trip based on drink access, you need to know if "included" means a margarita at sunset or just a lukewarm soda from a vending machine.

And it’s not just about quantity. resort beverage limits, the unofficial or written rules that cap how much you can drink per day are everywhere. Resorts do this to control costs, reduce liability, and keep things calm. One guest might get 12 drinks in a day, another gets stopped at six because the bartender knows the policy. There’s no universal rule, and no sign on the wall telling you the truth. You have to ask, or read reviews from people who’ve been there.

If you’re looking for unlimited alcohol, a marketing phrase that rarely matches reality, you’re not alone. But you’re also not guaranteed it. Many resorts use the term to attract bookings, then quietly manage intake through staffing, inventory, or service speed. A drink that takes 20 minutes to pour isn’t really unlimited—it’s just slow.

What you get with drinks included depends on the resort, the season, the room rate, and sometimes even the day of the week. Some places give you wine with dinner, others charge extra for cocktails. Some include non-alcoholic options like fresh juice or bottled water, others don’t. You might think you’re getting a deal, but if you’re paying $300 a night and only getting three drinks that cost $10 each at a regular bar, you’re not saving—you’re overpaying for convenience.

There’s no single answer to what "drinks included" means. But there are real patterns. And in the posts below, you’ll find honest breakdowns from travelers who’ve been there. You’ll see how much alcohol you can actually expect, which resorts stretch the truth, and how to pick one that actually delivers on what they promise.