All You Can Eat: What Really Happens at All-Inclusive Resorts and Buffets

When you hear all you can eat, a dining model where guests pay a flat fee for unlimited food and drinks. Also known as all-inclusive dining, it promises freedom—no checking prices, no guilt over ordering seconds. But in practice, it’s rarely that simple. Many resorts advertise "unlimited" meals and drinks, yet quietly cap alcohol at six drinks per day. Why? Because serving endless cocktails, wine, and beer isn’t just expensive—it’s risky. Staff aren’t there to watch you drink yourself sick, and hotels have to protect their bottom line. So when you see "all you can eat," think of it as "all you can reasonably consume before someone gently reminds you to slow down."

The same logic applies to food. Buffets look endless, but they’re not magic. Hotels prepare based on averages—not every guest eats three plates. And what happens to the leftovers? Hundreds of kilos get thrown away daily. Some resorts donate surplus food, others compost it, but most still send it to landfills. It’s not because they’re careless—it’s because managing waste at scale is messy, and guests rarely ask. But that’s changing. More travelers are starting to notice, and a few resorts are now tracking waste, offering smaller portions, or letting you pre-order meals to cut down on excess.

It’s not just about food and drinks. all-inclusive resorts, vacation packages that bundle accommodation, meals, drinks, and sometimes activities into one price. Also known as all-inclusive hotels, they’re designed for convenience, not luxury. But convenience doesn’t mean value. Some charge extra for premium brands, private dining, or spa access. Others hide fees in gratuities or resort charges. And if you’re looking for quiet, you might be surprised—many all-inclusive spots are packed with families, loud music, and crowded pools. That’s why knowing what’s really included matters more than the price tag.

And then there’s the unlimited drinks, the promise that you can order as many cocktails, beers, or wines as you want without extra cost. Also known as open bar, it’s a major selling point—but rarely true. Most resorts don’t have a legal limit, but they do have a practical one. A bartender won’t keep pouring if you’re clearly over the edge. And if you order a top-shelf whiskey or a specialty cocktail, you might get charged extra. The drinks you think are free? Often they’re the cheapest options on the menu.

So what does all this mean for you? If you’re planning a trip, don’t just chase the lowest price. Look at what’s actually included. Are the drinks really unlimited, or just limited? Is the food fresh, or just plentiful? Do they care about waste, or just profits? The best all-inclusive stays aren’t the ones with the biggest buffets—they’re the ones that treat you like a guest, not a number.

You’ll find real stories below about what happens when you book an all-inclusive resort—what they don’t tell you, what you can actually expect, and how to avoid paying more than you should. From drink caps to food waste, hidden fees to quiet escapes, these posts cut through the marketing and show you the truth behind the all-you-can-eat promise.