If it’s your first time at an all-inclusive resort, you’ll find that everything is included – usually. Resort management confirms that gratuities are included, but does that mean you shouldn’t tip?
No. You should always think about tipping at all-inclusive resorts.
Whether you do and how much, depends. Let’s dive in!
Is Tipping Required?
Tipping is not required. If the service provided was to your satisfaction, it’s up to you if you wish to give a tip.
In a select few resorts, resort management prohibits tips.
Tipping is not expected. However, it is the norm in all-inclusive resorts.
How to tip: Tip in US dollars (not coins) or the local currency.
How Much to Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts
If the resort employee exceeds expectations or handles a special request, consider tipping the highest of these levels:
Dining
Buffet meals: $1-$3 per table
Buffet station chefs: $1
A la carte meals: $3-5/couple at restaurants
Consider tipping higher at dinner than breakfast
Bartender: $1-$2/group drink order or every 2-3 drinks
Drink servers: $1-3/day at the beach, pool, bars, and cafe
Service
Concierge: $5-$10 depending on your usage
Room service: $5-$10 depending on the complexity of the order and time of day
Housekeeping: $2/day, more if the maid cleans an especially messy room
Transportation
Bellhop and shuttle drivers: $1/bag
Cart drivers: $1 every 1-2 trips
Tour guide: $5/couple
Bus driver: $1-$2/couple
Excursions
Tour guide: $5-10 / couple
When to Tip at all-inclusive resorts?
It’s tempting to tip at the conclusion of your stay in one go. It’s not guaranteed that you’ll be served by the same staff during your stay, therefore tipping when you have good service will ensure that every person who was there to serve you receives additional recognition, not just those who were serving you on the day you left.
Tipping once is common in resorts where staff are required to share tips.
But, many resorts don’t require staff to share gratuities. Making sure you tip early as well as throughout the duration of your stay can bring attention to staff and ensure you get the attention you’re hoping for.
