Does All-Inclusive Really Mean All Drinks Are Free? Your Guide to Hotel Beverage Deals

Staring at a glossy hotel website, 'all-inclusive' always sounds like a dream—buffets, activities, and yes, endless drinks. But does all-inclusive really mean every drink is free? The real answer is a classic: it depends.

Most all-inclusive hotels cover a wide range of drinks. Soft drinks, house wines, basic beers, and well liquor drinks? Usually, yes, those are included. But don’t be shocked when you see premium tequilas or imported whiskeys with a price tag, even if you've handed over a bracelet at check-in. It can really throw you off when you realize the fancy coffee at the lobby bar or your favorite single malt isn’t part of the deal.

And don't get too comfortable grabbing bottled water whenever you want. Some spots will leave you a couple for free each day and charge you for the rest. The most surprising part for many? At some resorts, those fun swim-up or rooftop bars stop serving free drinks at a certain hour—midnight is pretty common, but not universal.

• What 'All-Inclusive' Covers: The Basics
• Which Drinks Are Actually Free?
• Common Exceptions and Hidden Fees
• Specialty and Premium Beverages: What's the Catch?
• Bar Rules and Drink Limits
• Tips to Make the Most of Your All-Inclusive Drinks

What 'All-Inclusive' Covers: The Basics

If you’re booking a all-inclusive hotel, you’re probably expecting unlimited food and drinks without ever touching your wallet. That’s mostly the case, but let’s get specific. The usual package covers meals at the main buffet, some snacks, and a variety of drinks all day. These free beverages include house wines, local beers, standard cocktails, and sodas on tap. You can walk into most bars around the property and order these without any extra charges.

Here’s what you’ll almost always find included:

• Buffet and (sometimes) à la carte meals
• Non-alcoholic drinks: tea, coffee, fountain sodas, juices
• Local options: house wine, draft/local beer, basic spirits
• Poolside snacks and soft serve (ice cream is a hit with kids like Cassian)
• Pool and beach bar service—at least during opening hours

What it usually doesn’t cover is just as important. Room service drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, or anything from a fancy rooftop or premium bar often cost extra. Your minibar might be stocked once, but after that it’s usually pay-as-you-go. Some hotels also limit what you can order to the “house” version—so no imported whiskey or top-shelf rum without a bill.

It sounds simple. Still, the details matter. Make sure to check the hotel leaflet or app for what’s marked “included”—sometimes they’ll hand you a list or put a handy sticker on your room card showing what’s truly part of the all-inclusive deal.

Which Drinks Are Actually Free?

If you’re picturing bottomless margaritas by the pool, you’re not totally off. At most all-inclusive hotels, the drinks that come free are usually the more basic options. Think local draft beer, house wine, and standard cocktails made with well liquor. Popular mixed drinks—rum and coke, gin and tonic, tequila sunrise—are almost always fair game.

Sodas, juices, regular coffee, and tea are nearly always included too. You can usually grab these at restaurants, bars, and even from waiters at the pool or beach. Sometimes you’ll find a minibar in your room—that’s another win, since many places restock water, sodas, and domestic beer daily at no extra cost (though not always, so double-check!).

If you’re curious how resorts spell this out, here’s a quote right off Riu Hotels’ official FAQ page:

“All-inclusive includes unlimited local beverages and a selection of international brands in bars and restaurants. Premium drinks and wines may have a supplement.”

It’s not a free-for-all, though. Here’s a simple rundown of what’s usually included for free at typical all-inclusive hotels:

• Local draft and bottled beer
• House red, white, and sometimes rosé wine
• Basic cocktails (vodka soda, daiquiri, mojito, etc.)
• Sodas, lemonade, basic juices
• Tea and basic coffee
• Domestic spirits or well liquors

Curious which drinks usually cost extra? Imported and premium liquors, champagne, bottled wines, energy drinks, and fancy coffee creations (hello, cappuccinos and espressos) are almost always outside the freebie list.

Watch out: resorts might use the words “domestic” or “well” to mean the liquors are local or generic, not top-shelf. Read menus closely if you’re in doubt, or do what I do—just ask the bartender before you order a round for the table.

Common Exceptions and Hidden Fees

Here’s where a lot of folks get tripped up: “all-inclusive” doesn’t always mean you can order any drink from the bar without thinking. Hotels love the phrase, but the details get sneaky. Even if your resort says all-inclusive, certain brands and drinks are almost always extra. Not all beers are created equal—local brews are usually free, but that imported craft IPA could show up on your bill. The same goes for wine and spirits. House brands are covered, but go for an aged rum or single malt, and you’ll probably pay for it.

You also have to watch for drink limits. Some hotels only include a certain number of alcoholic beverages per day, especially at all-inclusives targeted toward families or with wellness programs. Others will include only drinks ordered with meals. And late night? After a certain hour, even basics might cost extra if bars switch to "premium".

Another common catch is with the mini-bar in your room. While you might assume it’s fair game, a lot of hotels only restock certain items (like sodas or water) for free, and will charge for extra bottles, snacks, or any mini-sized vodka you touch.

• Premium spirits, craft cocktails, and special vintage wines almost always cost extra—even with a free drinks promise.
• Bottled water taken outside of the dining area (especially on excursions) often comes with a surcharge.
• Coffee shop drinks like barista-style lattes or smoothies? They are rarely included, unless you’re in a high-end club area.
• Some resorts even charge for fresh-squeezed juice but pour the concentrate for free.

Now, for travelers with kids around (like my son Cassian when we’re at a resort), mocktails and juice bars look free at first but can ring up on the room bill. Ask before your kids get creative at the bar.

If you’re looking for actual numbers, surveys from 2023 showed that about 45% of guests at popular all-inclusive chains were surprised by extra drink charges, especially for top-shelf alcohol and bottled beverages outside restaurants.

So don’t feel awkward questioning the bartender, and double check those hotel welcome booklets. The fine print on all-inclusive drinks can trip up even the savviest traveler.

Specialty and Premium Beverages: What's the Catch?

This is where a lot of folks run into surprises. At most all-inclusive hotels, the drinks that are included tend to stick to the basics: local beers, basic cocktails, and house wines. Craving a craft cocktail, a top-shelf vodka, or maybe a specialty coffee with fancy syrup? That’ll usually cost extra.

Here’s the deal: Premium labels—think Johnnie Walker Black, Patron, or Grey Goose—almost always come with a surcharge. You might spot a separate menu at the bar with these names, all marked up with prices. Expect even higher charges for aged whiskeys, imported wines, and craft beers. Some places hand you a menu with smiley faces next to free stuff and dollar signs for drinks that aren’t included. It keeps things simple, if a little humbling when you realize your go-to isn’t 'on the house.'

Lots of family-friendly resorts (got my son Cassian in mind here!) have fun drinks for kids—think mocktails and shakes—but watch for branding. A “virgin piña colada” will probably be included, while anything with imported ice cream or specialty toppings might not be. Some hotels also charge extra for bottles of wine with dinner—even if glasses are free.

Check out this quick example comparing what's usually included versus what comes with a fee:

Bigger resorts sometimes have a “premium package” upgrade—pay extra upfront and suddenly those fancy drinks are free. But don’t expect it by default. If you really want those specialty or top-tier drinks, ask about upgrades before you book or at check-in so you’re not caught off guard when the bill comes.

Bar Rules and Drink Limits

Ever strolled up to an all-inclusive hotel bar, only to hear there’s a limit on what you can order? That’s a thing at many spots. Most resorts let you snag one or two drinks per trip to the bar, which means if you’re grabbing something for a friend—or trying to stock up for the pool—it might be awkward. Why do they do this? Mainly, to keep things under control and crack down on over-the-top drinking or folks carrying bags full of beers back to their rooms.

Some hotels actually set daily drink limits, especially in areas where drinking laws are strict. But in popular destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean, the standard is unlimited basic drinks as long as you’re not obviously intoxicated. Bartenders will refuse to serve anyone who’s had too much, so don’t be surprised if they politely cut you off. House rules are usually right at the bar—worth glancing at so you know what to expect.

Timing is another thing: open bar hours vary. For example, one resort might keep bars open from 10 a.m. to midnight; another might shut earlier. Pool bars often close before night bars. Check the resort app or ask staff, since the info isn’t always up front in your welcome packet. Here’s a basic idea of drink policies from familiar destinations:

And yeah, Europe can be really strict. Since 2022, some Spain resorts in Mallorca and Ibiza legally cap you at six alcoholic drinks a day with all-inclusive packages, aiming to discourage party tourism. These spots are clear in their booking info, but it surprises a lot of folks used to unlimited refills.

If you need a non-alcoholic drink, the sky’s usually the limit—water, sodas, juices, and coffee drinks are easy to get, though specialty coffees or energy drinks might cost extra. Before you order your next round, double-check if your band covers it. Better to ask than to get startled with a bill when checking out.

Tips to Make the Most of Your All-Inclusive Drinks

The key to getting the most out of your all-inclusive hotel drink package is knowing a few insider tricks. It's not just about quantity—it’s about getting the drinks you want, when you want them, and making your vacation as smooth as possible.

• Check the Drinks Menu Early: As soon as you arrive, grab a drinks menu. Some places have a separate ‘included’ menu while others have clear icons showing what’s free. It saves awkward moments at the bar.
• Ask About Premium Upgrades: If you’re craving top-shelf liquor or imported beverages, see if the hotel offers a paid upgrade. Sometimes the cost is worth it, especially if your daily margarita needs a real kick.
• Know the Bar Times: Don’t wait until 11:55 pm to grab a last round—many resorts shut their bars or switch to paid drinks late at night. You can even ask staff for their ‘unwritten rules’ about last call.
• Take Advantage of Pool Bars Early: Pool bars often get slammed in the afternoon. Go earlier in the day for faster service and fresher cocktails.
• Tip Your Bartender: Even if tips are “included,” tossing your bartender a dollar or two can mean bigger pours and faster refills. Real talk: Cassian’s favorite bartenders are always the ones who remember his name and top off a soda without us asking.
• Know Local Laws & Rules: Some countries have weird rules about alcohol refills, glassware, or even where you can drink. Don’t get caught off guard if the bartender says no doubles or if drinks are only served in plastic cups poolside.
• Bring a Reusable Cup: All-inclusive places usually use small plastic cups to slow things down. Bring your own (think insulated, like a trusty travel mug) and bartenders will often fill it for you.

To give you a quick peek, here's what drink hours often look like at popular resorts:

Always ask if there’s a specialty coffee bar, juice stand, or hidden-away lounge that’s part of your all-inclusive deal—sometimes the best finds aren’t right in your face.