Picture this: sun on your face, palm trees swaying, frost on your cocktail glass. The kids are splashing in the pool (hopefully not over your flip-flops, looking at you, Deacon), and friendly staff fly by with trays of tropical drinks. If you’re like most people planning a family getaway or a break with friends, you want to know whether you can just wave down the bartender and say "Keep them coming," or if you’ll hit a wall at drink number six. Yeah, six. There’s real talk circling online: Do some all-inclusive hotels now limit guests to just 6 alcoholic drinks a day? For many of us, what you get from that wristband makes or breaks the value. So, is 6 really the magic number—or is it just a rumor that’s gone wild on social media? Let’s break it down with facts, real hotel policies, and some tips so you can enjoy every sip.
Where Did the “Six Drinks a Day” Limit Come From?
This isn’t just idle gossip: the "6 drinks a day" phrase actually blew up online back in 2022, when some British news outlets reported that Spain’s Balearic Islands (think Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca) had rolled out a new rule. The law was aimed at taming out-of-control boozing in popular party spots. Specifically, the local government passed regulations for certain all-inclusive resorts in Magaluf, El Arenal, and parts of Ibiza restricting guests on all-inclusive packages to six alcoholic drinks per day. Three with lunch, three with dinner, and that’s your lot. It was definitely not every Spanish resort—and definitely not worldwide—but the story lit up social feeds and the “six drinks” question caught fire.
Tourists, especially from the UK, were surprised during holidays when unlimited drinks weren’t so unlimited after all. Tour operators like TUI and Thomas Cook had to update their deals with boldface warnings about the rules. Some hotels also put up signs or had guests sign acknowledgement forms at check-in. But here’s the important bit: this rule only applied to specific spots within the Balearic Islands' “party zones.” Outside those zones, you’re far less likely to run into drink limits—though copycat policies have popped up in party-heavy places in Greece and Mexico in the years since. By 2024, noise about drink caps faded, but if you're headed to Mallorca or Ibiza with an all-inclusive package, check the fine print—or you might find your sangria plans slightly deflated.
What Are the Typical All-Inclusive Drink Policies?
Outside those Balearic hotspots, what’s normal? Here’s the scoop: most all-inclusive resorts still stick to the classic "unlimited drinks" promise. That means you can order as many cocktails, beers, or glasses of wine as you want during opening hours. But just because it’s technically unlimited doesn’t mean there aren’t a few unwritten rules or even some hidden restrictions. Not all drinks are created equal! Premium brands (think high-end whiskey or imported champagnes) often cost extra, even at top-shelf places in Cancun or the Caribbean. House drinks—locally brewed beers, basic spirits, basic wines—are free-flowing, but don’t be shocked if a bartender politely redirects you to the ‘included’ spirits when you try to order a rare single malt during the poolside foam party at 2 PM.
Another thing guests sometimes miss: while alcohol can flow all day, bars close at certain times—even at all-inclusives. Most resorts cut off service somewhere between midnight and 2 AM. It’s rare to find 24/7 alcohol service, and some places (especially family resorts) call last orders as early as 11 PM. And then there’s the matter of responsibility. Staff are trained to cut off anyone showing visible signs of intoxication, not only for guest safety but to keep their jobs. Hotel bars walk a fine line—they want you happy but not causing scenes in the lobby or, god forbid, in the kids’ club. (Been there, seen that; let’s just say Clara asked me some very awkward questions after a late-night karaoke mishap!)
If you’re going off-resort—say, booking a boat trip or a special excursion—check your terms. All-you-can-drink often doesn’t travel past the hotel gates. Policies can also shift by country. Some resorts in Turkey, Morocco, or Egypt have stricter rules (think local drinks only, or no alcohol at breakfast). Other places in the Caribbean or Mexico might limit drinks per order (two at once is common) to discourage re-sale or hoarding, not how many you actually drink in a day. Finally, health and wellness resorts may tout “all inclusive” packages, but only offer alcohol as a paid add-on.
How Do the Limits Work in Practice?
So, picture yourself in the lobby bar, wristband proudly flashing, wallet tucked away. If your hotel has a six-drinks policy (very rare outside Spain), you’ll usually get a voucher card at check-in. Each time you grab a drink, the bartender marks a box or takes a stub. It feels a tiny bit like adult school lunch tickets, and yes, you’ll definitely see people bartering with spouses or trying to buy unused vouchers at dinner. Some folks get clever and pool their voucher stashes so that the group’s big drinker isn’t left dry, but don’t count on hotels looking kindly on that. Still, most places with drink caps also have unlimited soft drinks and coffee, so hydration or caffeine gaps are easy enough to fill.
Most resorts worldwide don’t track your drink count so closely. Instead, bars may limit you to one or two drinks per visit, but you can head back for more as often as you like. Larger hotels sometimes issue contactless wristbands that track purchases—handy for extras like spa treatments or room upgrades—but rarely for drink tracking beyond managing fraud. If a hotel tells you it’s all-inclusive but you see a drink limit, that’s not the industry norm, so ask more questions. Here’s a quick breakdown showing how different regions treat all-inclusive drink policies:
| Region/Country | Typical Drink Policy |
|---|---|
| Spain (Balearic "party zones") | Six alcoholic drinks per day, per adult (split between lunch and dinner) |
| Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya) | Unlimited drinks, but premium brands extra |
| Jamaica, Dominican Republic | Unlimited house drinks, some premium choices extra |
| Turkey | Unlimited, but mostly local alcohol only; international brands cost extra |
| Greece (select party areas) | Some hotels limiting alcohol, but usually unlimited |
| Egypt, Morocco | Some limits, especially outside tourist districts |
Another twist: group bookings. On big family outings, some resorts offer "family packs" for drinks—including non-alcoholic options for the kids (Clara still raves about her unlimited mango smoothies at that crazy beach buffet in Crete). For adults, the real value is in free local beers, daily cocktails, and no surprise charges at check-out—but if you’re a connoisseur, those add-on premium drink packages might still tempt you.
Tips to Make the Most of Your All-Inclusive Drink Package
Okay, you’ve picked your resort, checked the fine print, and you’re ready for that lounge chair and fruity drink. Here’s how to squeeze the most out of your all-inclusive package (beyond just slamming shots):
- Read your hotel’s terms and conditions. Every resort does things its own way. Look for "drink limits," "premium brands," and "bar hours" in the details when booking.
- If you’re heading to the Balearics or party areas in Greece, triple-check if any limits apply. Don’t just trust the travel agent—look at reviews on TripAdvisor or recent Facebook group posts.
- Want premium drinks? Sometimes adding a "club" upgrade or special wristband is cheaper upfront than buying à la carte all week.
- Don’t be shy about ordering “mocktails” if you want to take it easy. The best bartenders will whip up creative non-alcoholic drinks for kids or adults who want a break.
- If you’ve got teenagers, see if there are rules about minimum drinking ages and what wristbands under-18s get. Some hotels use different colors.
- Keep an eye on bar closing times—and don’t assume the minibar is included! Ask whether in-room drinks count toward your daily limit.
- Don’t stuff randos with your spare vouchers. Staff usually spot it fast—and it’s a good way to get your wristband clipped early in your stay.
- If you want to avoid lines at the main pool bar, hunt out the “hidden” bars: some resorts have tucked-away spots with shorter queues and sometimes better drink presentations.
- Drink plenty of water along the way—sun, sand, and endless cocktails are a dehydration trap for adults and kids alike.
Want to know the wildest stat? According to a 2023 survey by Statista, nearly 79% of British travelers said "unlimited drinks" was a top must-have feature in all-inclusive bookings. That’s nearly double the number voting for "sea views." So resort chains know this matters. If unlimited drinks are a big deal to you, don’t be afraid to call and ask the hotel direct, or double-check with a real person at your travel company. No one wants a nasty surprise when all you crave is a cold beer and a clear conscience at the end of a sweltering day.
