Drink Policies: What You Can and Can't Do at Cottages and Resorts
When you book a cottage or resort, drink policies, the rules around alcohol service, consumption, and purchasing at your accommodation. Also known as alcohol rules, these policies shape everything from your morning coffee to your evening cocktail. They’re not just fine print—they’re the difference between a relaxed night and a surprise charge or a kicked-out guest.
At all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages where meals, drinks, and activities are bundled into one price. Also known as all-inclusive holidays, these places often include unlimited soft drinks, beer, and wine, but not always the good stuff. Some limit premium spirits, others charge extra for cocktails after 10 p.m. Meanwhile, holiday cottages, self-catering homes where you cook and serve your own meals. Also known as vacation rentals, these are usually more flexible—but that doesn’t mean you can bring a keg to a quiet village. Many have quiet hours, local licensing laws, or restrictions on open containers on patios. And don’t assume your hotel room rate includes minibar drinks. Even luxury places often charge per bottle.
It’s not just about what’s allowed—it’s about what’s expected. At resorts, tipping for drinks isn’t required, but it’s common. People who serve you drinks at all-inclusive places often rely on tips to make a living, even if the resort says it’s "included." At cottages, bringing your own wine is fine, but leaving bottles outside the bin? That’s not just rude—it’s a violation of local waste rules in many UK villages. And if you’re planning a group trip, check if the property has a maximum guest limit for alcohol consumption. Some places will cancel your booking if you throw a party.
Drink policies aren’t about control. They’re about balance—keeping peace between guests, protecting the environment, and respecting local culture. A quiet cottage in the Lake District expects you to enjoy your wine on the porch, not blast music until 2 a.m. A resort in the Caribbean might let you sip rum by the pool all day, but ban glass bottles on the beach. Knowing these rules before you arrive saves you from awkward moments, extra fees, or worse.
Below, you’ll find real stories from travelers who got burned by unclear drink rules—and others who saved money by knowing exactly what was included. Whether you’re booking a luxury resort or a cozy stone cottage in Cornwall, the right info turns a good trip into a great one. Let’s get you sorted.
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