All-Inclusive Resorts: Are You Limited to 6 Drinks?

Ever wondered why some guests keep whispering, “You only get six drinks on an all‑inclusive?” The short answer is: most resorts don’t enforce a hard cap, but a mix of licensing rules, cost‑control tricks, and marketing spin can make it feel that way.

Quick Takeaways

• All‑inclusive resorts rarely set a strict six‑drink limit; limits are usually based on time, drink type, or local alcohol licensing.
• Open bars, token systems, and premium‑drink surcharges are the three most common ways resorts manage beverage costs.
• Regional regulations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe shape how many drinks you can actually enjoy.
• Ask about the specific all inclusive drinks limit before you book to avoid surprises.
• Use happy‑hour windows, local water refills, and the token‑exchange trick to stretch your beverage budget.

What the “Six Drinks” Myth Looks Like

Travel forums are littered with posts that claim, “You only get six drinks per day at most all‑inclusive resorts.” The statement usually stems from a single guest’s experience at a hotel that used a token system: each token bought a standard cocktail, and the guest ran out after six. That story spreads quickly, turning a specific policy into a universal rule.

All-Inclusive Resorts are not one‑size‑fits‑all

When you book a stay labeled “all‑inclusive,” you’re paying for a bundle that typically includes meals, accommodation, activities, and drinks. However, the Beverage Allowance varies widely. Some properties truly offer unlimited standard drinks, while others place subtle limits on premium booze or require you to exchange a token for each cocktail.

Why Do Resorts Impose Any Limits?

Three main forces shape drink policies:

1. Local Alcohol Licensing. Many Caribbean islands, for instance, cap the total amount of liquor a hotel can serve per day to protect public health and control tax revenue. When a resort reaches that ceiling, it may automatically switch to a token system or limit service hours.
2. Cost Management. Alcohol is a high‑margin line item, but premium brands can quickly eat into a hotel’s profit. By charging extra for top‑shelf spirits or imposing a per‑hour limit, hotels protect their bottom line while still advertising “unlimited” on the brochure.
3. Guest Experience. Unlimited flow can lead to rowdy behavior, especially in family‑friendly resorts. A soft cap-like “two drinks per hour”-helps keep the vibe relaxed without ruining the all‑inclusive promise.

Common Beverage Policies You’ll Meet

Below is a quick rundown of the most frequent approaches:

• True Open Bar. Unlimited standard drinks (beer, house wine, basic cocktails) from sunrise to midnight. Premium spirits cost extra.
• Token or Voucher System. Guests receive a set number of drink tokens each day (often 5‑7). Each token redeems a standard cocktail or glass of wine. Tokens can sometimes be purchased.
• Time‑Based Limits. “Two drinks per hour” or “One cocktail after 6 p.m.” policies are common in European resorts where nightlife stretches later.
• Premium‑Only Surcharge. All standard drinks are free, but anything above the house brand incurs a per‑drink fee.

Regional Flavors: How Location Changes the Rules

Notice how the Alcohol Licensing in each jurisdiction nudges hotels toward a particular model. In the Caribbean, many islands allow unlimited standard drinks but require a record of total liquor volume. Mexico often leans on token systems to simplify accounting for tax authorities. Europe, with stricter public‑health mandates, favours hourly caps.

How to Spot the Real Policy Before You Book

Don’t rely on glossy marketing photos. Follow these steps:

1. Read the fine print on the hotel’s official website. Look for sections titled “Beverage Policy,” “Drink Packages,” or “Alcohol Information.”
2. Check recent guest reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor. Users love to mention whether the drink policy was a surprise.
3. Contact the resort’s front desk directly. A quick email asking, “What’s included in the beverage package?” often yields a clear answer.
4. Ask about premium‑drink surcharges. Even if the base package is unlimited, the cost of a single top‑shelf whiskey can be $10‑$15.

Tips to Maximize Your Drink Experience

Once you know the rules, here are practical ways to enjoy more without breaking the bank:

• Plan around happy hour. Many resorts serve house wine and basic cocktails at reduced prices (or free) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Use the token trick. If you have a token system, exchange one token for a non‑alcoholic beverage like a fresh‑squeezed juice. That saves the token for a cocktail later.
• Stay hydrated. Unlimited water stations keep you from over‑drinking and reduce the number of alcoholic drinks you’ll need to feel refreshed.
• Ask for house brands. Bartenders can usually replace a premium spirit with the house version at no extra cost.
• Watch the clock. On resorts with an hourly limit, space out your drinks to stay under the cap and still enjoy a relaxed evening.

When Limits Feel Unfair: What to Do

If you arrive and discover the resort is suddenly enforcing a six‑drink cap that wasn’t disclosed, you have a few options:

1. Request clarification from management. Sometimes the policy is miscommunicated and they’ll adjust it for you.
2. Ask if you can purchase additional tokens or a premium‑drink package on the spot. Many hotels sell these at a fair price.
3. If the discrepancy is severe, consider filing a complaint with the booking platform. Documentation (screenshots of the advertised policy) helps.

Bottom Line

The short answer to the headline question is: no, most all‑inclusive resorts don’t lock you into a strict six‑drink rule. The reality is a patchwork of local laws, cost‑control tactics, and guest‑experience strategies. By doing a little homework before you book and using the tricks above, you can enjoy a worry‑free vacation beverage experience.

Frequently Asked Questions