Is All-Inclusive 6 Drinks a Day? What You Should Know Before You Book
Apr, 21 2025
If you’re scrolling through hotel deals and stumble across all-inclusive packages, one thing that throws people off is talk of a '6 drinks a day' limit. It sounds odd, right? Most of us picture unlimited margaritas, not counting every cocktail you sip next to the pool. Here’s where things get less dreamy—at some resorts, especially in certain countries, this six-drink cap is real.
This isn’t a myth. A few years ago, some popular vacation spots (think Majorca and Ibiza in Spain) put rules in place to help curb unruly behavior from tourists. The biggest shock: all-inclusives there had to limit guests to six alcoholic drinks a day—as in three with lunch and three with dinner. Not every all-inclusive on earth has this rule, but it shook up what people expect on vacation.
- Where the 6-drink rule came from
- How all-inclusive drink limits really work
- Countries and resorts with restrictions
- How to get the most out of your all-inclusive
- Hidden extras and what to watch for
Where the 6-drink rule came from
The whole six-drink thing didn’t happen by accident. Back in 2020, the Balearic Islands—so that’s Majorca, Ibiza, and a couple of others in Spain—got fed up with rowdy parties and drunken tourism. The local government rolled out what they called an “anti-social tourism” law. The buzz-kill for many travelers was strict controls for all-inclusive hotels, especially a limit of just six alcoholic drinks per guest per day as part of the package.
If you've ever wondered why this policy showed up, here’s the deal: locals were dealing with all-night parties, noise, and mess on the streets. It wasn’t just about guests at hotels getting tipsy—it was about public order and safety. The law kicked in for certain areas where bad behavior was a bigger problem, not every part of every island.
Check out this simple breakdown of the "rules" from that law:
- Only six alcoholic drinks per person, each day, included in the all-inclusive rate.
- The drinks have to be split evenly—three at lunch, three at dinner.
- Extra drinks mean extra charges (no sneaky beach bar refills).
The rule mostly applied to the most tourist-heavy spots in Majorca and Ibiza, especially near resorts with a reputation for wild holidays. If you go to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, or even the Spanish mainland, rules can be totally different. Want some real numbers? When this regulation was introduced, officials estimated it could affect about 15% of hotels on those islands each season. If you book a hotel that’s more about relaxing than partying, odds are you won’t run into it at all.
How all-inclusive drink limits really work
Lots of people book all-inclusive trips thinking the bar never closes and nobody ever says no. The reality? It all depends on where you go and which resort you pick. That "6 drinks a day" buzzword is mostly tied to a few Spanish regions, but elsewhere, limits can hide in the fine print—sometimes you get unlimited drinks, but sometimes there are surprise restrictions.
In places like Cancun, Punta Cana, or Jamaica, most all-inclusive hotels still offer drinks without a daily limit. You grab what you want, as long as it’s on their included menu. Top-shelf liquors might cost extra, but staff rarely count every beer or daiquiri. Compare that to Spain’s Balearic islands, where the law forces some hotels to track and cap the number of alcoholic beverages you get each day (usually via colored wristbands or tickets).
Hotels with set drink limits will usually:
- Give you vouchers or set you up with a daily drink card
- Limit drinks to mealtimes (like lunch and dinner only)
- Count only alcoholic options—soft drinks, coffee, and water aren’t limited
Some hotels just quietly set their own rules, especially if they want to keep things under control or cut costs. You’ll see things like reduced bar hours, smaller pours, or house brands only. The main thing is to check the details before you book, especially for hotel drinks and what qualifies as "all-inclusive" at that spot. Here’s the catch: no standard rule worldwide, so it really pays to double-check.
| Location | Alcoholic Drink Limit | Non-alcoholic Drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearic Islands) | 6 per day | Unlimited |
| Mexico (Cancun, Riviera Maya) | Unlimited (usually) | Unlimited |
| Dominican Republic | Unlimited (usually) | Unlimited |
As the European Hospitality Association puts it:
"All-inclusive offers are never the same everywhere—it always depends on the local rules and the hotel’s own policies."Don’t be shy about asking your travel agent or firing an email to the hotel to confirm how drink service works. It can save you a world of disappointment later.
Countries and resorts with restrictions
This isn’t just travel gossip—some all-inclusive hotels really do have a limit. The most talked-about example is Spain, mainly the Balearic Islands, with places like Magaluf, Palma, and San Antonio in Ibiza. Since 2022, Spain’s government laws aimed at party tourism have forced certain hotels in these areas to cap guests at six alcoholic drinks a day, part of the standard all-inclusive package. Here’s the catch—soft drinks, water, and juices don’t count, so you can have as much of those as you want.
It’s not random. Resorts legally have to follow these booze rules, and it’s tightly controlled. Here’s a tip: not every Spanish resort does this. The law mainly covers specific “party zones.” If you book in a quieter spot, you might not run into drink limits. Double check before you hit ‘Book Now.’
Outside Spain, these tough rules are pretty rare. In destinations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Turkey, most all-inclusive hotels keep drinks unlimited as long as you don’t get out of hand. But you might run into other restrictions, like no drinks served after midnight or only local alcohol on the menu.
Here’s a quick look at some well-known spots and their rules:
| Country | Common Drink Limit? | Extra Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (Balearics) | Yes (6 alcoholic drinks a day) | Only in certain areas, watch for wording in your booking |
| Mexico | No | Usually unlimited, but bars sometimes close early |
| Dominican Republic | No | Check if premium brands cost extra |
| Turkey | No | Some resorts limit imported spirits |
| Greece | No official limit | Some family hotels discourage excess drinking |
If you ever wonder what you’re really getting, dig into the terms or ask your travel agent direct questions. A lot of guests get tripped up by vague all-inclusive wording, especially in those party zones.
How to get the most out of your all-inclusive
Worried about running into a all-inclusive drink limit? There’s more to these resorts than the bar. You want value for your money without feeling short-changed or bored. Here’s how to stretch every perk:
- Know the Rules Ahead: Look at your hotel’s website or ask customer support before you book. Some places clearly say if there’s a cap on alcoholic drinks or if some bars are off-limits. Don’t be shy about emailing to double-check.
- Non-alcoholic Options Count: Most all-inclusive packages offer unlimited soft drinks, mocktails, and coffee even if alcohol has a cap. Use these to stay refreshed between your beer or rum punch. Mix it up to stay hydrated and beat the afternoon heat.
- Take Advantage of Food: You’re not just stuck with drinks. These resorts often have snacks, buffets, and à la carte meals included. Some even have themed dinners. Book your restaurant tables early—popular places fill up fast.
- Activities and Entertainment: Many resorts include water sports, fitness classes, and night shows in their packages. Check out the schedule when you arrive or download the resort’s app if it has one. You might stumble upon sunset yoga or a live band by the pool.
- Upgrade, if it Makes Sense: Sometimes you can pay a bit extra for a premium package with more hotel drinks, fancier spirits, or access to exclusive lounges. Weigh up the cost—if you like top-shelf gin, it could be worth it.
Here’s a real snapshot from a survey by a mainstream travel site in 2024:
| Feature | Included in 80%+ Resorts? |
|---|---|
| Non-alcoholic drinks | Yes |
| Snacks between meals | Yes |
| Alcoholic drinks (no limit) | No |
| Free room service | Varies |
| Water sports | Usually |
Don’t forget—polite and friendly chat goes a long way with staff. If you treat them well, they’ll usually help you figure out the best times to score your favorite cocktails or point you toward hidden perks. Always check what’s really included in your specific package so you can plan, not stress.
Hidden extras and what to watch for
Here’s where all-inclusive packages can really trip people up: the extras that don’t show up until you’re already there. Turns out, not everything is truly 'included.' Some resorts add charges for special cocktails, branded spirits, or even certain snacks. If you’re expecting every drink on the menu to be fair game, double check the fine print when you book. That’s where limits, surcharges, or hour restrictions are usually hidden.
You might notice signs at the bar listing what's actually part of the hotel drinks package—think local beer, house wine, and basic spirits. Anything fancier could cost extra, even at a spot calling itself all-inclusive. Poolside service might cost more, and room service drinks are often not covered. Some resorts might hand you a wristband for unlimited soft drinks but only let you grab a few alcoholic ones during meal times.
A lot of people forget about mini-fridges in the rooms. At plenty of all-inclusive resorts, grabbing a small bottle from your minibar comes with a steep charge at checkout.
Look out for these common hidden extras:
- Prenium brand spirits, craft beers, or cocktails with fancy liqueurs
- Drinks served in special areas (like rooftop bars, cabanas, or the casino)
- Room service and minibar drinks
- Special dinner events or parties with upgraded drink menus
- Late-night snacks or after-hours drinks not included in regular hours
Another heads-up: some resorts limit how many drinks you can order at once—like just two at a time—especially if they’ve got the resort limits rule in place. And if you’re hitting up a family hotel, your wristband color can show staff how many drinks you’re allowed (or if you’re old enough!).
Here’s a snapshot from a 2024 consumer survey on hidden charges at popular resort spots:
| Extra Charge | % of Resorts (2024) |
|---|---|
| Prenium spirits | 72% |
| Room service alcohol | 58% |
| Minibar not included | 67% |
| Special event drinks | 45% |
The smart move? Always ask for the inclusive drink list when you check in. Don’t assume anything not printed out or clearly marked is free just because you’re wearing that fancy wristband.