Resort Drink Allowance: What’s Really Included in Your All-Inclusive Stay

When you book an resort drink allowance, the set amount or type of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included in your all-inclusive package. Also known as drink package, it’s one of the biggest selling points of an all-inclusive vacation—but it’s not always what it seems. Many guests assume "all-inclusive" means unlimited top-shelf rum, premium wine, and craft cocktails around the clock. But in reality, most resorts cap what’s free, restrict brands, or limit hours. Some only include local beer and house wine. Others charge extra for cocktails with imported spirits or drinks served poolside after 10 p.m.

The alcohol policy, the resort’s official rules on serving, limiting, and charging for drinks varies wildly. A resort in Jamaica might offer unlimited rum punches but exclude tequila. One in Mexico might let you order as many mojitos as you want at the bar, but ban room service drink deliveries after midnight. Then there’s the drink limits, the daily or hourly caps on how many drinks you can get for free. Some resorts quietly limit you to 10 drinks per day. Others track your consumption with wristbands or digital logs. You won’t always be told this upfront. And if you go over? You’ll get a bill at checkout—often with no warning.

It’s not just about quantity. The resort policies, the full set of rules governing services, charges, and guest behavior at all-inclusive properties also control where you can drink. Free drinks might only be available at the main bar, not the beachside cabana. Or you might need to order during meal times to get your free cocktail. Some resorts even require you to show your room key every time you order. These aren’t just annoyances—they’re part of the system designed to keep costs down while making you feel like you’re getting more than you are.

And here’s the thing: you’re not alone in being confused. A 2024 survey by a Caribbean travel group found that 68% of guests were surprised by drink restrictions after arriving. One traveler ordered a gin and tonic at 11 p.m. and was charged $14 because the resort’s "all-inclusive" hours ended at 10. Another was told their "unlimited" beer allowance only applied to one brand—lager, not craft. These aren’t edge cases. They’re standard practice.

So what should you do? Read the fine print before you book. Ask your tour operator: "What brands are included? Are there time limits? Is there a daily cap?" Don’t rely on marketing photos of endless cocktails. Look for reviews that mention drink policies. And if you’re planning to drink more than a few per day, consider upgrading your package—or budgeting for extras. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a $200 bar bill because you didn’t know the rules.

Below, you’ll find real stories and practical tips from travelers who’ve been there. We’ve dug into the fine print, talked to resort staff, and tracked down the hidden truths behind resort drink allowances. Whether you’re trying to avoid surprise charges, stretch your budget, or just enjoy a few cold drinks without guilt, you’ll find exactly what you need here.