All Inclusive liquor?

Kathie · 07-26-2008, 10:15 AM

I am thinking of having my wedding at an all-inclusive resort in Aruba. Does anyone know what the policy is on liquor for an all-inclusive resort? I want to know if you can upgrade to top shelf liquors and what it would cost or do you have to pay for drinks if you want that option. Any information would be helpful. Kathie

Raeka · 07-26-2008, 10:32 AM

Hmm I'm under the impression that every AI is different... sorry wish I had a better answer. Would you TA be able to get you a contact for this question?

Davematthews16 · 07-26-2008, 10:36 AM

My understanding is that all alcohol would be included. You pay a flat rate and should be able to drink whatever you want. There is no limits on the drinks, and therefor you should be able to have a top-shelf margarita ect. I'm sure if you tip the bartender a few bucks he'll have no problem hooking you up. In fact, a lot of girls including myself are including cups/mugs for the OOT bags because they won't have to fill it up as much as small plastic cups.

Abbie · 07-26-2008, 10:38 AM

usually you can just tell them "cuervo margarita" or "kahlua white russian" or whatever so that is how they know you want top shelf. tips help. i have heard some places actually have different wrist bands for top shelf drinks, but that was a long time ago.

TA Jennifer · 07-26-2008, 06:13 PM

Definately inquire of your TA as each all inclusives liquor policy is COMPLETELY different!

This is definately a case of you get what you pay for.....the low to moderate all inclusives generally only include bottom shelf liquors. Some moderates will have a small selection of name brands at only one bar(usually at the lobby bar)- other higher end all inclusives have a better selection of name brand alcohol.

Some all inclusives will carry the top shelf/name brands for an extra fee.

Same thing for wine and champagne. Soome AI's only have a house brand, others no wine included and other have name brands included or available for an additional fee.

Then you add in- what hours they serve the alcohol. Some AI's will have 24 hour service, others 10am - 10pm others noon - 9pm ect ect. You really have to do your homework on what AI's include and not make any assumptions.

And then their is the issue if which resorts water the alcohol down.......yup there are quitr a few that do!

I love AI's but many people are disappointed because they did not do their homework or hire a TA and so they assumed that certain things were included when they were not. AI's are not at all created at all equal and as I stated above you truly get what you pay for!

This is one of the reasons I love Sandals & Beaches resorts- top shelf liquor and the bars are open early to late~ not that I'm a lush but when I am on vacation I want to be pampered and have what I want when I want it!

I have an article on AI's posted in the article section- I highly recommend that everyone reads it as it gives some basic information on what the differences can be with AI's!

Kathie · 07-26-2008, 06:16 PM

A lot of the places I've looked say "local beers, local liquors", which I know if you're in Aruba Patron is not a local tequila. I was just wondering if you could upgrade. I'll talk to my TA when I decide where I'm going. Thanks for the help!

Kathie · 07-26-2008, 06:18 PM

Thanks Jennifer. I'll look for that article.

Erica053009 · 07-26-2008, 06:31 PM

I looked into A LOT of resorts on a lot of islands and the most frustrating thing was the extra price for liquor at AI's and even more for top shelf. I had no problem for the extra $ for food (cooks, help, etc) but I rather pay the extra bar tenders then put a price on liquor for each guest. I have a lot of drinkers and they will NYC tip no matter AI or not.

TA Jennifer · 07-26-2008, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davematthews16

My understanding is that all alcohol would be included. You pay a flat rate and should be able to drink whatever you want. There is no limits on the drinks, and therefor you should be able to have a top-shelf margarita ect. I'm sure if you tip the bartender a few bucks he'll have no problem hooking you up. In fact, a lot of girls including myself are including cups/mugs for the OOT bags because they won't have to fill it up as much as small plastic cups.

I am not 100% about Barcelo Maya Palace but I do know as of this spring Barcelo Maya Beach did not include top shelf liquors/alcohol with the basic AI package, however it was available for an extra fee.

Kathie · 07-26-2008, 08:40 PM

That's how I understand it too. If you order an Absolut and tonic at an AI you must have to pay more unless that's included.