You’d think “all-inclusive” means you can sip cocktails non-stop, right? Well, that’s not always true. How many drinks you’re allowed on an all-inclusive holiday actually depends on where you’re headed and even on which hotel chain you pick. Some places keep the drinks flowing from sunrise to late night. Others quietly cap the number, or limit what you can order at a time.
Not every hotel spells out its booze rules on the website. For example, since 2022, Spanish resorts in places like Mallorca and Ibiza have government caps—six alcoholic drinks per day, split evenly between lunch and dinner. Meanwhile, similar spots in Cancun or Punta Cana often don’t have fixed limits, though bartenders might refuse to serve guests who’ve clearly had too much. It’s a weird mix of official policies, local laws, and “unwritten” staff practices.
- What All-Inclusive Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
- Drink Limits by Country and Hotel Chain
- The Reality at the Bar: How It Works Daily
- Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your All-Inclusive Drinks
What All-Inclusive Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
People love the sound of ‘all-inclusive’ but there’s usually a catch. The basic idea is simple: pay one price upfront and you’re covered for food, drinks, and a bunch of extras. But how “all” is the “all” in these packages? Here’s where it gets a little murky.
Most all-inclusive hotels include unlimited soft drinks, juices, and water. Alcohol is where things get tricky. You’ll probably get a mix of local spirits, beer, house wine, and basic cocktails. Want top-shelf gin or a fancy whiskey? That’ll likely cost extra. And forget about the minibar—it might only be restocked once a day or not included at all.
Plus, not all resorts follow the same playbook. Big international chains like Sandals or Club Med are more likely to truly go unlimited—even with alcohol. Meanwhile, budget-friendly places or certain destinations quietly throw in drink limits to keep costs in check. The type of hotel and even the season can affect how generous the policies are.
Some resorts now list clear drink allowances or time windows, especially if local laws demand it. Here’s a quick comparison so you can see how things stack up:
| Country/Region | Standard Drink Policy | Typical Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearics) | 6 alcoholic drinks/day (since 2022) | Only during meals, excludes self-service bars |
| Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya) | Usually unlimited | Some reserve premium brands for “Club” guests |
| Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Jamaica) | Generally unlimited | Premium drinks extra at some hotels |
| Turkey | Unlimited but mostly local brands | Imported spirits at extra charge |
| Greece | Unlimited local alcohol | International brands often not included |
So, while the dream is unlimited piña coladas by the pool, always check the fine print. If you have your heart set on a particular spirit, or you want “true” unlimited, check reviews or reach out to the hotel directly. All-inclusive doesn't always mean everything goes—know what you’re getting before you book.
Drink Limits by Country and Hotel Chain
The idea of endless boozy drinks sounds great, but real limits on alcohol at all-inclusive hotels can totally depend on where you’re staying. The most talked-about example? Spain’s Balearic Islands—especially Mallorca and Ibiza. Since 2022, local regulations there put a hard limit of six alcoholic drinks per person per day at certain resorts. And you don’t get them whenever you want: three at lunch, three at dinner, all included. Anything over that, you’re paying extra.
Here’s how it stacks up in some of the most popular destinations:
| Country/Region | Typical Limit Policy | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearic Islands) | 6 alcoholic drinks per day (split between lunch & dinner) | Since 2022, local law for Magaluf, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Sant Antoni |
| Mexico | No official drink cap | Hotel bars sometimes serve 1-2 at a time per person; bartenders may refuse if you seem too drunk |
| Dominican Republic | No limit | Unlimited drinks, but local policies can vary by hotel |
| Turkey | No official state limit | Some hotels impose their own caps or serve single orders at a time |
| Greece | No national law | Hotels sometimes serve slowly or cap specific drink types (like cocktails) |
Resort chains play their part too. Iberostar and Meliá, for example, strictly follow local rules in Spain—so if the law says six, that’s it. In Mexico, big chains like Riu or Secrets usually go unlimited, but might slow down service or only make one drink per order during busy times or nudges from management.
- Always check hotel policies before booking. Some resorts spell it out, others hide the fine print deep in the terms.
- Premium packages may offer more (or better) drinks, but at a higher price.
- All-inclusive means different things depending on your location and hotel brand. Don’t assume it’s unlimited everywhere.
Bottom line: If you want to maximize the bar, research both where the hotel is and which company runs it. Skip surprises at check-in and know exactly what you’re getting.
The Reality at the Bar: How It Works Daily
So, picture this: you finally made it to the hotel, wristband snapped on, and you head straight to the bar. What really happens next? Here’s where things get interesting, because “all you can drink” isn’t exactly the same everywhere.
In Spain, popular spots like Mallorca, Magaluf, and Ibiza play by new rules. Since 2022, a law limits guests at many all-inclusives to just six alcoholic drinks a day—three with lunch, three with dinner. You can’t swap your drink allowance from one mealtime to another, and the bar won’t hand out extras, even if you ask nicely. You’ll probably get vouchers to hand over for each drink. Soft drinks, coffee, and water usually don’t count toward the limit, but anything with alcohol is tracked pretty closely and there’s basically no wiggle room.
Now, cross over to the Caribbean—places like the Dominican Republic or Mexico. In Cancun or Punta Cana, hotels tend to be way looser. You could order drinks by the pool, at the swim-up bar, or at dinner. Most resorts don’t have a daily drink cap, but bartenders use a one-at-a-time rule and refuse to serve drunk guests. Don’t expect to walk away with towers of shots—bar staff have been trained to spot guests overdoing it. The “unlimited” vibe is real, but there’s more monitoring behind the scenes than you might expect.
Here’s a quick look at how it shakes out in some of the most popular all-inclusive spots:
| Destination | Daily Alcohol Limit | How It’s Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearic Islands) | 6 alcoholic drinks | 3 with lunch, 3 with dinner; drink tickets |
| Cancun, Mexico | No formal limit | One drink per order, staff monitor behavior |
| Punta Cana, DR | No formal limit | One drink per order, staff monitor behavior |
| Tenerife, Spain | Usually no limit | Varies by hotel; some follow local laws |
| Greek Islands | Usually no limit | One drink at a time, risk of refusal if drunk |
If you’re in a place with formal limits, you’ll know about it the moment you get your wristband. If not, go by this golden rule: always order one drink at a time, keep your behavior cool, and don’t try gaming the system by sending friends to order for you. Hotels swap tips with bartenders on who’s pushing their luck.
If you care about having more variety or a better brand of booze, most hotels offer a “premium” upgrade—pay a little extra and you get more selection, sometimes bigger pours, and even less waiting for service. Still, the all-inclusive experience means you rarely have to worry about opening your wallet every time you’re thirsty.
Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your All-Inclusive Drinks
If you want to get the most out of your all-inclusive stay—especially when it comes to drinks—there are a few savvy tricks you should know. Not every place hands you unlimited mojitos on a silver tray, but you can still make your experience way better if you approach things the right way.
First, always check the hotel or resort’s drink policy before you go. Some Spanish resorts, for example, legally cap guests at six alcoholic drinks a day. In Mexico or the Caribbean, it’s often more relaxed, but the vibe can change depending on the brand and even the staff’s mood.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet showing typical drink rules in popular all-inclusive spots:
| Destination/Country | Common Limit | Notable Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearics) | 6 alcohol/day | 3 at lunch, 3 at dinner (per law) |
| Mexico | Usually unlimited | Bartenders may refuse if intoxicated |
| Dominican Republic | Usually unlimited | Some local spirits only |
| Jamaica | Usually unlimited | Premium brands are limited |
Want to make the most of your drink pass? Try these tips:
- Get friendly with the bartenders. Seriously, a little polite conversation goes a long way, especially when you want your drinks made a certain way or hope to dodge the "watered-down" pour.
- If there’s a limit, pace your drinks. Save your included alcoholic drinks for meals, and grab soft drinks or mocktails between to stay social without wasting your daily total.
- Ask about included drinks. Sometimes “all-inclusive” means only local spirits or beers are covered. Want that top-shelf tequila? It’s often extra.
- Check bar hours. Some hotels stop serving alcohol at midnight or only open certain bars during the day. Don’t assume you’ll have access to all-inclusive drinks around the clock.
- If traveling with friends, coordinate who orders what so you can share, especially if the limit is per person per meal.
And don’t overlook non-alcoholic choices. Fresh juices, ice coffees, and fun poolside smoothies are often unlimited and can actually be some of the best treats on site. Lastly, always stay hydrated—going drink for drink under the sun can sneak up on you, fast.
