Photo by Karolina Grabowska
Tipping in the United States is a fairly straightforward practice. We know to tip hairstylists, customer service professionals, Uber and Lyft drivers, and bellhops.
But what about when you're on your honeymoon at an all-inclusive resort? The question of whether to tip or not can be a source of confusion, with conflicting advice from different sources.
Well, fear not! In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about tipping at all-inclusive resorts. From airport porters to waitstaff and housekeeping,
I'll provide you with helpful guidelines and suggestions. So, let's dive right in and unravel the mystery of tipping at all-inclusive resorts!
Do You Have to Tip?
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Before we dive into the specifics, let's address a frequently asked question: Do you have to tip at an all-inclusive resort, or are gratuities already included?
Typically, the rate you pay at an all-inclusive resort covers gratuities.
However, it's important to understand that the resort redistributes a portion of your per-night rate among the hardworking team members.
Unfortunately, this often doesn't fully reflect the amount of effort they put into their work.
While gratuities are technically included, I highly encourage you to tip where you feel it's warranted.
The specific resort you choose and the level of service you've paid for (such as concierge or butler service) will impact your tipping expectations.
As a travel consultant, I assist my clients in determining appropriate gratuity amounts as they prepare for their travels.
Now, let's delve into the specifics of tipping for your all-inclusive honeymoon vacation.
The Airport Porter
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Upon arriving at your destination, you may encounter an airport porter eager to assist you with your luggage.
While their approach can sometimes be assertive, these porters offer their help to make your journey more convenient. You can politely decline their assistance if you prefer to handle your luggage yourself.
However, if you decide to accept their help, it's customary to provide a tip. Depending on the amount of luggage you have, a reasonable tip would range from $2 to $5.
It's worth noting that porters are typically independent workers who rely on tips for their livelihood.
Airport Shuttle Driver
The driver responsible for transporting you to and from the all-inclusive resort is not employed by the resort itself.
Therefore, it's important to be prepared to tip the driver for each leg of the journey.
Many people overlook the time involved in this service. Consider the distance the driver must cover to bring you to your resort and then return to the airport for their next assignment.
For shorter distances, a tip of $5 is generally sufficient.
However, if the drive is longer, lasting 1.5 hours or more, it's considerate to give at least $20.
Keep in mind the significant time investment the driver makes in providing you with safe and reliable transportation.
The Bellhop
Welcome to the resort! As you step out of your transportation vehicle, the first team member to greet you will likely be the bellhop.
Their role is to assist you with your luggage, provide luggage tags, and guide you to the lobby for check-in.
Once you're checked in, the bellhop will escort you to your room, often sharing valuable information about the resort's amenities and offering helpful tips about your accommodations.
For this level of service, it's customary to tip the bellhop between $5 and $10, depending on the time they spend with you.
Concierge or Butler Service
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If you've opted for a higher level of service at your all-inclusive resort, such as concierge or butler service, it's important to come prepared to tip accordingly.
While you don't need to feel obligated to tip for routine tasks, such as dinner reservations, it's considerate to reward exceptional service.
If your concierge goes above and beyond to make your stay special, or if your butler provides personalized and attentive assistance throughout your stay, it's customary to offer a tip based on the time and effort they've invested in enhancing your experience.
For concierge service, a tip of $10 for smaller requests is appropriate.
However, if your concierge has gone out of their way to arrange a special dinner or fulfill unique requests, a higher tip may be warranted.
As for butler service, it typically involves more hands-on assistance.
If you have a dedicated butler who takes care of every aspect of your suite, a per-day tip of at least $20 is suggested, depending on the extent of their involvement in making your stay exceptional.
Waitstaff
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Imagine yourself lounging on the beach, engrossed in a book, or enjoying lively conversation when a beach waiter approaches to take your drink order.
It's common to find yourself without cash while enjoying the resort. However, it's perfectly fine not to carry cash with you, as gratuities are technically included in your all-inclusive rate.
That said, it's always a good idea to have a few dollars on hand for tipping situations like this.
While a beach waiter will keep the drinks flowing for a $10 tip, they will also be grateful for $1 or $2 per drink.
Similarly, when dining at a buffet-style restaurant where the staff likely assists with beverages, leaving a tip of $2 to $3, if you wish, would be considerate.
For à la carte restaurants offering exceptional service and dining experiences, it's advisable to tip more generously. If you enjoyed a multi-course meal with white-glove service, a tip of around $20 would be appropriate.
For a more casual dining experience, like a burger joint, a tip of $5 would suffice.
Housekeeping
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Last but not least, we must not forget the diligent members of the housekeeping team.
These dedicated individuals work tirelessly every day to ensure your room is clean and comfortable.
Returning to a freshly cleaned room is a delightful experience, and leaving a tip is a thoughtful way to show appreciation.
At an all-inclusive resort, it's customary to leave a tip of $5 to $10 per day for your housekeeper.
Quick Caveat
If you're planning a honeymoon at Sandals Resorts, it's important to note that gratuities are not accepted except for butler service.
Therefore, the gratuity guidelines I've mentioned above may not apply in the same way.
Nevertheless, it's still appropriate to tip the porter and shuttle driver, as they are not Sandals employees.
In conclusion, tipping practices at all-inclusive resorts may vary. When planning your honeymoon, be sure to budget for tipping as part of your overall financial plan.
This way, you'll have ample funds to express your gratitude for the exceptional service you receive.
If you're tired of tirelessly searching for answers to your honeymoon planning questions, I'm here to help. Schedule a complimentary consultation with me, and let's make your dream honeymoon a reality!