Is All-Inclusive 6 Drinks a Day? What to Expect from Your Hotel Package

Six drinks a day? That’s the question on everyone’s mind when they hear whispers about all-inclusive limits. People planning dreamy getaways want to know: am I really going to get told ‘sorry, you’re cut off’ after just six cocktails?

The confusion around this comes from some real changes that hit certain resorts in Europe a few years ago, where new rules put a hard cap on free alcoholic drinks. But these limits aren’t the standard everywhere. In fact, most all-inclusive hotels worldwide still let you enjoy way more than six drinks per day—within reasonable, responsible boundaries.

It’s easy to get tripped up by marketing language or small print. Some resorts promote “unlimited drinks,” but maybe only in certain bars or at set hours. Others quietly tuck in rules about premium spirits (meaning: not included). So if you care about how many margaritas you can have by the pool, you’ll want some real info—not just clever ads.

Here’s the takeaway: don’t panic about the ‘6 drink’ rumor unless you’re headed to a destination where it actually applies. Knowing how to spot the rules that affect you is half the battle. Up next, I’ll show you where these drink limits come from and how to double-check if they’ll impact your trip.

• Where Did the 6-Drink Rumor Come From?
• How Do All-Inclusive Drink Policies Actually Work?
• Checking Your Hotel’s Fine Print
• Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Drink Package

Where Did the 6-Drink Rumor Come From?

If you’ve seen posts or travel forums buzzing about all-inclusive resorts capping guests at six drinks a day, you’re not alone. This rumor really blew up around 2022 when the Spanish government rolled out a law for certain tourist areas—especially party hotspots in Mallorca and Ibiza. Their goal? Curb excess drinking and discourage the wild party image these spots had picked up over the years.

The rule specifically limits all-inclusive guests in parts of the Balearic Islands to three alcoholic drinks per person at lunch and three with dinner. That’s where the number six comes from—but this only applies to a handful of destinations and hotels in Spain. So, if you’re booking a beach break in Cancun, Turkey, or the Dominican Republic, this rule doesn’t affect you at all.

It’s easy to see how this got mixed up, with some thinking every all-inclusive is suddenly rationing drinks. But the Spanish law only targets a few locations—and even there, it’s not all hotels. Some still offer unlimited drinks, just not the cheapest packages. Other countries haven’t followed Spain’s lead.

Bottom line: this 6-drink cap is about local regulations in specific Spanish party zones, not a worldwide trend. When booking, just double-check the fine print for your actual resort and destination.

How Do All-Inclusive Drink Policies Actually Work?

This is where the real details matter. A lot of people think “all-inclusive” means you can have as many drinks as you want, all day, every day. But hotels have their own rules, and they’re not always what you’d expect.

First, let’s clear something up: Most all-inclusive hotels don’t have a strict daily drink limit, unless you’re at a resort in Spain’s Balearic Islands or a few specific destinations. There, government laws put a cap—like the “six drinks a day” thing you might have heard about. Here’s how it breaks down for 2025:

Outside the rare government rules, hotels mostly manage things on their own. Here’s what usually happens:

• All-inclusive packs typically include unlimited house beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.
• Most bars onsite are included. Fancy rooftop bars or nightclubs sometimes cost extra.
• Premium spirits (like top-shelf rum or whiskey) often aren’t part of standard packages. Some resorts offer an upgrade for premium drinks.
• Hotels can refuse to serve intoxicated guests—that’s about safety, not saving money.
• Room service drinks might be limited or not included at all.

Another thing to check: some properties limit drink service to certain hours. You might get mimosas at breakfast, piña coladas at the pool, but the main bar might close at midnight.

If you want to be absolutely sure, dig into the resort’s FAQ or contact them before booking. Policies change, especially in popular party zones or places adjusting for tourism laws.

Checking Your Hotel’s Fine Print

This might sound boring, but the fine print at all-inclusive hotels can make or break your trip—especially if you came for the unlimited cocktails. Policies change fast, and what counts as "all-inclusive" at one resort isn’t always true across the board. Checking for any all-inclusive drink cap should be a top priority when booking.

There’s no global standard for these packages. For example, some European resorts in Spain—especially in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza—have had a strict 6-drink-per-day limit since 2022, aimed at reducing alcohol-fueled chaos. But major hotel chains in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Asia usually have much looser rules, often with no drink tally at all (unless you’re causing a scene).

If you want to dodge any surprises, here’s how to spot what’s really included in your booking:

• Check the hotel’s official website—not just third-party booking pages—for a detailed description of the all-inclusive package.
• Search the FAQs or the “What’s included” page for anything about drink limits, bar opening hours, and exclusions (like premium liquors).
• Look for sample menus or lists—some hotels show you the actual brands or cocktails offered for free versus paid upgrades.
• Contact guest services by email or online chat. Ask directly, “Is there a daily drink limit, and if so, does that include all bars and restaurants?”
• Check recent guest reviews on sites like TripAdvisor. Guests love to mention big changes or gotchas, especially about drinks.

Here’s a quick side-by-side for how some popular destinations treat drink limits at all-inclusives:

If you spot anything unclear, ask the hotel to confirm in writing before you put down your deposit. Hotels may change their policy from high season to low, so always check for updates, not just what’s printed in old brochures or travel forums from last year.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Drink Package

Maximizing your all-inclusive drink package isn’t about trying to break a record at the lobby bar. It’s about enjoying your stay, skipping surprise bills, and making sure you get your money’s worth—without drama. Here are a few ways to make sure you actually enjoy your drinks and avoid the classic newbie mistakes.

• Check inclusion lists: Not all alcohol is included. Many resorts offer standard brands as part of the package and charge extra for top-shelf stuff. Ask for the drinks menu at check-in, or just check the little asterisks—that’s where the fine print lives.
• Map out bar hours: Pool bars usually close earlier than night bars. Plan your sunset cocktails or late-night mocktails accordingly.
• Don’t be shy about non-alcoholic options: Most packages include smoothies, iced coffees, milkshakes, and juice, too. No need to stick with rum punch 24/7, especially when you want a break before dinner or after a day in the sun.
• Tip your bartenders: Even if tips are “included,” sliding your bartender a little cash now and then often means better pours and faster service.
• Ask about room service restrictions: At plenty of resorts, drinks with room service aren’t unlimited like at the bars. Double-check if there’s a charge before ordering a midnight beer to your pillow fort.

Here’s a quick look at drink policies at typical all-inclusive hotels from actual 2024 reviews:

The main thing? Don’t just go by the ads. Dive into the package details, ask questions, and let the bartenders know you’re happy to see them. And hey, if you want to take a break and pet a cat—or just have a soda by the pool—that’s just smart pacing.