All-Inclusive Hotels: Is There Really a 6 Drink Limit? [2025 Guide]

If you love the idea of sipping margaritas poolside without checking your wallet every time... the big rumor about a 6 drink limit at all-inclusive hotels will instantly grab your attention. Nobody wants to feel like a kid again, told there’s a maximum treat you can have on vacation. But is this something you should seriously worry about, or just another travel myth gone viral? Before you imagine yourself hoarding your drink tokens or planning secret missions for extra cocktails, read on for the real story.

Where Did the 6 Drink Limit Come From?

Ask any seasoned traveler about their all-inclusive experiences, and most will share stories of endless drinks and never-ending buffets. So where did this whole 6 drink limit come from? Back in 2022, British tabloids went wild with headlines about Spain’s Balearic Islands putting a cap on how much guests could drink—specifically 6 alcoholic beverages per day at hotels in certain regions. This wasn’t just a wild rumor; the government actually did introduce this rule, but only for select areas that had problems with rowdy party tourism—think Magaluf, Ibiza, and a few zones in Mallorca.

But here’s the catch: This rule does not apply everywhere. It doesn't cover resorts outside those zones, nor does it mean all-inclusive hotels worldwide suddenly started handing out drink vouchers. Even the Spanish law only targeted places known for wild, uncontrolled drinking. The idea was to limit excesses, not ruin your vacation. Despite the facts, the “6 drink limit” story spread way beyond those islands, confusing travelers everywhere—especially in the UK, U.S., and Canada, where Spain is a top getaway. Guests started asking resorts in Mexico, Greece, and the Caribbean about limits that had nothing to do with those destinations.

To make things even more tangled, memes and social media posts (thanks TikTok and Reddit) blew up the story, fueling wild debates and public outrage. The reality is: most all-inclusive resorts, especially outside those Spanish hotspots, haven’t changed their alcohol policies. If you’re traveling to Jamaica, Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the Dominican Republic, Turkey, or Thailand, there’s simply no 6 drink limit—your biggest worry is maybe getting a watered-down daiquiri during the lunch rush.

What’s the Actual Alcohol Policy at Most All-Inclusive Resorts?

Most all-inclusive resorts don’t post hard and fast daily drink limits, and the basic promise remains: order what you want, as often as you want, within reason. Resorts do use common-sense guidelines—they may cut off rowdy guests or shut down bar service at a certain hour—but you’ll never find a bartender counting your mojitos with a clicker at the busy pool bar in Cancún or Punta Cana.

Let’s look at a few well-known chains. Riu, Iberostar, Secrets, and Sandals all let you order drinks throughout the day and night. They don’t force a tally, and there’s nobody keeping score, though some have rules like not serving to clearly intoxicated guests or prohibiting minors from ordering alcohol. Some ultra-budget hotels might serve only local spirits—not premium brands—but this isn’t about limiting quantity.

Here’s a tip: if you’ve got a swim-up bar or an in-room minibar, you can usually ask for refills or extra bottles without fuss. Some adult-only properties even offer dedicated mixology lounges. The only time you’re likely to encounter restrictions is at themed events or off-property excursions, where your ticket covers a set number of drinks.

What if you’re traveling to the Spanish islands covered by the 6 drink rule? At those specific hotels (found mostly in San Antonio in Ibiza, Magaluf in Mallorca, and a few Palma neighborhoods), the limit of 6 alcoholic drinks per person—3 at lunch and 3 at dinner—is enforced as part of a broader effort to fight binge drinking. Staff may use drink tokens, or simply refuse extra orders. Ask upfront at check-in or email your hotel if you’re worried. But even here, non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, juice, and mocktails are usually unlimited.

Remember: local culture and law always trump hotel policy. In Muslim-majority destinations or family resorts catering mostly to locals, alcohol rules might be stricter, but you’ll know before you book.

How Does the 6 Drink Rule Work If It Exists?

If you are heading to one of those Spanish resorts where the 6 drink rule truly applies, here’s what you can expect. On arrival, staff may hand you daily drink vouchers, or link the limits to your room key, so their handheld system can keep count. The drinks included under the rule are strictly alcoholic beverages served with lunch and dinner—so no, you can’t use them all at breakfast (nice try) or save them up for a binge. The rule does not apply to non-alcoholic drinks, nor does it cover snacks, water, or anything else at the buffet.

The government specifically targeted party-heavy British holiday destinations after a string of very public beach brawls, broken glass, and ambulance calls. In 2022, hotels and bars in those areas started trialing the new rule, and as of 2025, the policy remains enforced for certain hotels. Hotel managers have told guests who ask that the rules aren’t up for debate, even if you’re honeymooning or celebrating a 50th birthday. So hoping for a sly exception won’t work—they could face fines if they look the other way.

But here’s something you’ll want to know: the rule is easy to “work around” if you simply plan ahead. Most areas with the 6 drink limit have plenty of regular bars, clubs, or beach shacks just outside the resort grounds, where no drink token system exists. Local supermarkets still sell bottles of wine, beer, and spirits to adults. And many travelers just pop out for a pre-dinner sangria or post-lunch pint without any drama.

Does it really spoil the all-inclusive fun? Guests staying in those areas do sometimes vent about the surprise—especially when they discover the cap with no warning. But there’s a silver lining: less rowdiness means resorts are quieter, less crowded, and everyone gets faster service at the pool. Plus, surveys from 2023 and 2024 revealed most travelers only have four or five drinks per day on average—far below the 6 drink maximum. For families and travelers who are there for relaxation, not bar crawling, it’s barely noticeable. If you’re a party person, check the hotel policy and read recent guest reviews before you book—especially on sites like TripAdvisor or Booking.com, where angry Brits won’t hold back if they’ve been cut off early.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your All-Inclusive Experience

No matter where you travel, being savvy about your all-inclusive resort’s rules can only help. Here are some easy strategies to avoid any disappointment around the *all inclusive drink limit* buzz:

• Check the property’s website or email them before you book. Ask directly if there’s any drink cap, and whether it applies all day, just at meals, or only in certain venues.
• Read recent guest reviews. Travelers spill all the tea online, and a quick search for “drink limit” or “alcohol policy” on review sites can clue you in.
• Remember that staff have to follow the rules. Trying to charm the bartender into giving you extra drinks in a restricted resort won’t change the law—and might embarrass both of you.
• If you like special cocktails, learn to say your order in the local language. Bartenders are often happy to make something off-menu if you ask nicely.
• For a better drinking experience, hit the quieter bars (like lobby bars or lounges) outside peak hours while the pool bar is packed with kids and sunburned Brits.
• Consider room type upgrades—some include exclusive bars or premium liquor zones with higher-quality pours and fewer crowds.
• Bring your own reusable, insulated cup. Many resorts fill these happily, and your drink stays cold longer in tropical heat.
• If you’re in Spain and want more than your allotted drinks, venture to nearby beach clubs or local tavernas. Or stock up at the nearest supermarket (just drink responsibly!).
• Know your limits. Even if drinks are unlimited, local law and resort policy mean you can be cut off if visibly intoxicated. Don’t risk being banned from the bar or even the hotel.
• Hydrate! Tropical climates plus booze equals dehydration fast. Drink plenty of water between cocktails.

The bottom line? The infamous 6 drink limit is a real thing—just not everywhere, and only in certain Spanish regions eager to shake their party-hard reputations. For the vast majority of all-inclusive travelers, unlimited drinks are still the name of the game. But understanding where this rule applies, why it exists, and how to navigate your own expectations means you won’t get caught off guard when you’re craving your seventh piña colada. For most destinations (from Mexico to the Maldives), it’s still happy hour, all day long—no tally required.