Drink Allowance

When planning a getaway, drink allowance, the amount of beverages you can enjoy without extra charge at a hotel or resort. Also known as beverage allowance, it shapes how you budget for cocktails, wines, and soft drinks.

Understanding a all‑inclusive resort, a property that bundles lodging, meals and most drinks into one price is key, because the resort’s policy directly influences your drink allowance. Most resorts break down their offer into a drink package, a tiered list that spells out which beverages are covered and which incur extra fees. Your allowance can range from basic soft‑drink coverage to premium spirits, and the package you pick decides whether you’ll see a surprise charge at the bar.

Speaking of bars, the on‑site bar, the venue where guests order drinks during their stay often sets its own rules about limits, refills, and happy‑hour specials. A clear bar policy can either expand your drink allowance or shrink it with hidden caps. Knowing the relationship between the resort, its drink package and the bar lets you avoid unexpected costs and enjoy a smooth experience.

What to Watch for

Most travelers assume that drink allowance means unlimited cocktails, but reality varies. Premium bottles, specialty coffees, and imported wines are frequently excluded or counted against a daily quota. Look for hidden limits like "six drinks per day" or "no premium spirits after 10 pm" – these are common clauses in many drink packages. Also, some resorts charge extra for off‑site bars, so your allowance might disappear the moment you step out of the lobby.

To make the most of your allowance, start by reading the fine print on the resort’s website or reservation email. Check whether the bar offers a free‑flow option during certain hours – that’s a sweet spot where your allowance essentially becomes unlimited. If you’re a light drinker, a basic package can save you money; heavy drinkers might want to upgrade to a premium package that removes most caps.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that break down these topics in detail: from unlimited drinks myths to step‑by‑step guides on picking the right all‑inclusive resort, plus advice on spotting hidden fees at the bar. Dive in to arm yourself with the facts you need before you book your next stay.