Picture this: you just arrived at an all-inclusive resort, excited to test out the bars and keep your wallet zipped away. But then someone at the pool mentions there’s a limit on how many margaritas you can order. Wait—wasn’t ‘all-inclusive’ supposed to mean endless drinks?
The truth? Most all-inclusive resorts do go for the unlimited vibe, but not every hotel follows the same playbook. Some places have surprising caps, certain drinks aren’t included, or there are sneaky policies you’d never spot in the glossy travel ads. And thanks to new laws in countries like Spain, you might hit a hard limit before sunset even rolls around.
If you want to avoid disappointment and keep your trip stress-free, it helps to know how these rules actually work. Let’s get straight into what’s allowed, where the rules come from, and smart tricks that’ll help you lap up those fruity cocktails without any drama.
- What 'All-Inclusive' Drink Packages Usually Mean
- Drink Limits: The Real Numbers and Why They Exist
- Regional Rules and Recent Changes (Especially in Spain and Mexico)
- Tips to Navigate Drink Rules and Get the Most Out of Your Stay
What 'All-Inclusive' Drink Packages Usually Mean
Booking an all-inclusive hotel sounds like you’ll never have to reach for your wallet again, especially when it comes to drinks. In most resorts, “all-inclusive” actually does cover a solid range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options—but it’s not just a never-ending open bar for every guest.
Here's what you can typically expect from all-inclusive drink packages:
- Domestic Alcohol: You get local beers, basic wines, and house-brand spirits (like rum, vodka, tequila, and gin). Top-shelf imports often cost extra or aren’t included at all.
- Soft Drinks and Juices: Sodas, bottled water, and basic juices are usually covered, so you never go thirsty by the pool.
- Bar Hours: Drinks are free, but only when the bars are open. Most resorts run bars from about 10 a.m. until around midnight, so don’t count on sunrise cocktails.
- Specialty Cocktails: The classic daiquiris and margaritas are usually included, but some signature or premium cocktails might not be. Always check the printed menu—if it’s not there, it’s probably not free.
- Mini Bars: Some hotels include your in-room mini bar in the package, but many just give you a first round of sodas and beers for free and charge you for refills.
Some resorts have a simple wristband system: flash it at any bar, and your drink is included. Others might use room key cards at the bar, so don’t lose yours. There are a few places that use digital tracking, but that's rare for now.
Check out how these perks typically break down at real hotels:
| Resort Name | Included Alcohol | Bar Hours | Mini Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riu Palace (Mexico) | Domestic + Select Imports | 10am-12am | Yes |
| Melia Hotels (Spain) | Domestic Only | 11am-11pm | Limited |
| Sandals (Caribbean) | Premium + Unlimited | 24/7 | Yes |
Don’t let the fine print catch you off guard. Some all-inclusive hotels have extra charges for wine bottles, shot specials, or poolside drink service. Always skim the resort’s policy before your first order—the details could save you a lot of awkward surprises at the bar.
Drink Limits: The Real Numbers and Why They Exist
Here’s the thing about all-inclusive resorts: the idea of endless drinks sounds amazing, but some places pull back the curtain and lay out real limits per day—or even per meal. For example, since 2022, parts of Spain’s Balearic Islands (think Majorca and Ibiza) have a strict rule for British and some European tourists: only six alcoholic drinks per person per day at some all-inclusive hotels. The catch? They're supposed to be split evenly—three at lunch and three at dinner. Don’t expect to find bottomless beer by the pool in these spots.
In Mexico and the Caribbean, most all-inclusive resorts still advertise ‘unlimited’ drinks. Still, limits can pop up if the hotel sees safety issues or unruly behavior. Sometimes, there’s a rule that you can only order one or two drinks at a time so the bars don’t get too crowded or people don’t overdo it. The fine print might also say that “premium” alcohol brands aren’t included, so you could order 15 piña coladas, just not the most expensive tequila.
| Destination | Typical Daily Drink Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Majorca/Ibiza (Spain) | 6 alcoholic | 3 at lunch, 3 at dinner |
| Mexico | Usually Unlimited | May limit to 1-2 per order |
| Dominican Republic | Usually Unlimited | May restrict top-shelf brands |
| Greece | Unlimited or 2-3 per meal | Policy depends on hotel |
Why the drink limits? A couple of big reasons. First, government regulations—like in Spain—are meant to curb excessive drinking, reduce rowdy parties, and limit alcohol-related incidents. Second, some hotels want to avoid lawsuits, control costs, and keep the vibe family-friendly, so they quietly cap drinks behind the bar or write terms into your booking. And honestly, too much alcohol means more medical calls and messes for the resort to clean up.
If you’re booking, always check the policy for your specific resort before you go. Skipping the research could mean a nasty surprise at check-in or when you’re ready for your fourth mojito by the pool.
Regional Rules and Recent Changes (Especially in Spain and Mexico)
If you’re heading to a all-inclusive resort, don’t just assume you’ll be sipping daiquiris all day without a care—especially if you’re traveling to Spain or Mexico. That’s where things get tricky, thanks to recent changes to hotel policies and even local laws on boozy vacationing.
Let’s talk about Spain first, mostly the Balearic Islands (think Mallorca, Ibiza, Magaluf). In 2022, new government rules kicked in to crack down on alcohol-fueled mayhem. Ever heard people grumbling about a ‘six drink limit’? That’s not a rumor. At some all-inclusive hotels in these areas, guests are capped at just six alcoholic drinks per day—usually split three with lunch and three with dinner. If you want more, you gotta pay out of pocket.
This move isn’t just about spoiling the fun. Local tourism bosses said they want to put an end to rowdy ‘binge tourism.’ Here’s what the Balearic Islands’ tourist minister said:
"We want to put an end to bad behavior. The tourist who comes here for drunken tourism is not welcome."
So, even if your booking says alcohol rules are ‘all-inclusive,’ always check the fine print, especially in places with recent law changes. And it’s not just the Balearics; similar restrictions can happen on the Spanish mainland, too, if there’s a push for more restraint.
What about Mexico? The story is different here, but there have been changes. After a few scary headlines about tainted alcohol a few years ago, some hotels put better controls on serving drinks. You might see bartenders measuring pours or signs about ‘responsible drinking.’ Official limits aren’t standard here, though. Mexican resorts tend to keep the classic all-inclusive vibe—unlimited drinks for the most part—unless you’re at a “family” or wellness resort, where alcohol might be restricted by brand or time of day.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet on what these rules often look like:
- Spain (Balearic Islands): Six drink max per day at some hotels, strict rules, fines for breaking them
- Spain (mainland): Rules vary, but check ahead
- Mexico: Mostly unlimited, except rare cases or for safety, not law
| Destination | Typical Alcohol Limit | Enforced By |
|---|---|---|
| Ibiza / Mallorca | 6 drinks/day | Local law |
| Cancún / Riviera Maya | Usually unlimited | Hotel policy |
Best tip? Ask at check-in what’s actually included—policies change fast, and nobody wants a nasty surprise at the bar.
Tips to Navigate Drink Rules and Get the Most Out of Your Stay
So, you’ve figured out your all-inclusive resort isn’t as bottomless as you hoped. Don’t sweat it—there are ways to stay ahead of drink limits and still soak in the holiday buzz. The trick is knowing the real rules, asking the right questions, and making a plan before you hit the bar.
- Ask Upfront: Rules change fast, especially in hotspots like Spain and the Caribbean. When you check in, ask the front desk exactly what’s included. Is it unlimited well drinks only? Is there a daily cap, like six drinks, which some Spanish resorts quietly enforce?
- Scope Out All Bars Onsite: Bigger resorts sometimes sneak in extra bars that aren’t as obvious, like a swim-up or adults-only lounge. These places may be less strict with limits, or offer a different list of included drinks.
- Get Friendly (But Polite) With Bartenders: The staff is your best resource for off-menu tips. They’ll tell you what’s really unlimited, what’s watered down, or how quickly you can order the next round. Just don’t bug them about bending the rules—they’re on your side within reason.
- Bring Your Own Tumbler: Hotels usually pour small servings to slow things down. A reusable cup means fewer trips to the bar. Some travelers even say bartenders are more generous when you bring your own cup, though that’s unofficial info.
- Spread Out Your Orders: If the resort sets a six-drink-per-meal limit, try ordering a drink at each venue—pool bar, lobby, buffet—so you’re not stuck at just one spot. You’ll taste more and may find a favorite bartender along the way.
- Check for Top-Shelf Upgrades: If house brands aren’t your thing, ask if the resort has a premium package. Some hotels let you pay a little extra per day for better liquor or cocktails not usually part of the basic all-inclusive.
If you’re heading somewhere with stricter drink limits, like the Balearic Islands in Spain where it’s three drinks with lunch and three more with dinner, you can usually buy more booze at a discounted ‘guest rate’ or at nearby bars. Cancun and Punta Cana, meanwhile, are usually far more relaxed unless you’re at a strict wellness resort.
| Destination | Typical Drink Policy | Known Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearics, Magaluf, Ibiza) | 6 alcoholic drinks per day (3 lunch, 3 dinner) | Upgrade needed for unlimited |
| Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cabo) | Generally unlimited, some premium brands extra | Wellness or family resorts may limit |
| Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) | Unlimited unless otherwise stated | Luxury adult resorts might control speed |
One last thing—respect the rules. Resorts have drink limits to keep guests safe and avoid rowdy behavior. If you really want a wild time with zero restrictions, double-check reviews and hotel policies before you book so you aren’t surprised on day one. Knowing these hotel policies can make all the difference between a laid-back break and a let-down trip.