Unlimited Drinks at All-Inclusive Resorts: What You Really Get
When you see unlimited drinks, a marketing term used by resorts to promise free, endless beverages. Also known as all-inclusive beverage packages, it sounds like a dream—poolside cocktails, late-night beers, and wine with dinner, all free. But here’s the truth: unlimited drinks rarely means unlimited. Most resorts cap how many you can have in a day, what types of alcohol are included, or even how late you can order. It’s not a trick—it’s a business model. They want you to feel like you’re getting value, but they also need to control costs, prevent overconsumption, and keep the experience safe for everyone.
Think about all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages where meals, drinks, and sometimes activities are bundled into one price. Also known as all-inclusive hotels, these places rely on predictability. If every guest drank 10 cocktails a day, the resort would go broke. So they set unofficial limits: six drinks per day, premium brands excluded, or no alcohol after 10 PM. The staff knows the rules. The signs don’t. And if you ask, most will tell you, "We don’t limit you—but we also don’t keep refilling every 20 minutes." This isn’t about being stingy. It’s about balance—keeping the party going without turning the pool into a mess. Then there’s drink limits, the unwritten rules resorts use to manage alcohol consumption. Also known as beverage caps, these aren’t always posted, but they’re everywhere. Some resorts allow unlimited soft drinks and beer but only two glasses of wine per meal. Others include top-shelf liquor but only during dinner hours. The type of drink matters more than the number. A $12 gin and tonic? Probably not included. A $2 local rum? Likely fine. And don’t assume "unlimited" means "anytime." Many places stop serving alcohol at night, or only serve it at certain bars. You might find your favorite cocktail unavailable after 8 PM because the bar staff clocked out.
What you’re really paying for isn’t endless alcohol—it’s convenience. You don’t have to carry cash, track tabs, or worry about exchange rates. You get a consistent experience, even if the selection isn’t perfect. The best way to enjoy it? Know the rules before you arrive. Ask your resort what’s included, what’s extra, and when the bars close. Stick to the basics—local beer, house wine, simple cocktails—and you’ll have more than enough. Skip the premium brands unless you’re willing to pay extra. And if you’re planning to drink heavily, remember: the goal is relaxation, not a hangover that ruins your third day.
Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who’ve been there—what they thought they’d get, what they actually got, and how to make the most of it without the surprises.
