TIPS at All-Inclusive Resorts

Sarah McClure
4.22.21

Some say, if you tip the staff at an all-inclusive resort, you’ll get better service!
Some say, if you don’t tip the staff, you’ll be left sitting high and dry!
I say, there is more to it!

T. I. P. S.
“To Insure Prompt Service” – I have a couple of concerns with this long-held definition of tips and gratuities. The first is that we are not “insuring” anything, but “ensuring” a prompt service. The second matter to be addressed is that we customarily tip after, not prior to, a service is rendered as a show of appreciation or gratitude.  So, let’s dive in!

To tip or not to tip when staying at an all-inclusive resort?  Whom to tip? How much to tip? How often to tip? These are common questions and ones you will find repeated hundreds of times over in any social media group for your preferred resort.

The best answer to these questions is that tipping is ultimately based on your personal preference.

Most resorts state that gratuities are included with your resort stay. Most resort websites will not have a posted policy about whether their staff may accept tips, however, a few resort brands will have a firm no tipping policy.  It’s best to research the policy as best you can before your vacation. If you are still unsure once you arrive on site, you can always ask the concierge.

If gratuities are included with the price of your all-inclusive resort stay, why do guests tip additional amounts while on vacation?

When considering whether to gift a staff member with a gratuity, I would suggest keeping a couple of points in mind. First, the staff at all-inclusive resorts work very hard, long hours, on their feet to ensure that you are having a phenomenal, relaxing vacation. Secondly, most all-inclusive resorts are located in third-world countries with unstable and inconsistent economies. Most staff are paid very minimal wages by the resort and rely on their tips to supplement their weekly income.

For these reasons, and more, I would encourage vacationers to consider the human element behind the gift of gratuities. Of course, the resort staff are going to do their best to make sure your vacation experience is top-notch. However, human nature will dictate that attention will be given to rewarded behaviors. For example, if a guest is giving a gratuity after each drink delivered poolside, that staff member will service the guests offering tips with more attention in the hopes of more reward.

Here are some tips for TIPS on your next vacation! Please know that US dollars are perfectly acceptable for gratuities. If you don’t like the idea of carrying a giant wad of singles and fives, you can visit with the resort concierge and ask the host to break larger bills into smaller bills. I do not recommend using a local ATM for obtaining more cash. The fees can be astronomical. It’s best to bring plenty of cash from home, some in small bills and the rest in larger bills.

I have created a basic guideline for minimum gratuity amounts based on the service provided. Please use this to help guide the amount of cash to bring on your next all-inclusive vacation.

When you are ready to plan your next vacation, please contact me by phone or email and I’d be happy to help you design the perfect vacation experience!

PHONE: 801-231-9038
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