Get ready for a bombshell—some travelers tip people who serve them at all-inclusive resorts, even when the resort has a strict “no tipping” policy.
We’ve covered this touchy topic in The Real Truth About a Sandals Free Wedding, which really comes in handy for our wedding couples, or The Hidden Costs of ‘All-inclusive’ Resorts, which is recommended reading for any traveler!
Resorts we cover, including Sandals, are pretty upfront about the difference between “no tipping” and discretionary tipping to specific resort staff, including butlers and spa massage employees.
First, let’s get to the dramatic heart of this issue… the hidden downside of failing to tip at all-inclusive resorts.
It’s Not Just a Case of Being a “Bad Tipper”
Unless someone presents you with a travel checklist for an all-inclusive vacation, how do you know that third-party drivers and tour guides depend on small-dollar tips to supplement their incomes?
This is the case even at resorts with complimentary roundtrip airport transfers or optional excursions that you book at the resort because the people who drive you around or lead your tour are often not official resort employees.
Other Resort Employees Do Deserve Tips
Yes, the person who provides excellent service to you in a Butler Suite is officially employed by the resort (the same goes for your massage attendant.) Since they go above and beyond to fulfill your personal wishes, it makes sense that you can choose to offer them a tip for their exceptional service.
Expert Travel Tip: Visit Sandals.com and enter “tipping butlers” into their website search engine for great advice on this delicate subject—again, what you tip is completely up to you. For massage attendants, 15% of the cost of service is a suitable figure.
An All-Inclusive By Any Other Name Is Not Always the Same
Travelers get confused when they search for a quality all-inclusive vacation because the tipping policy can vary wildly between resort brands.
I’ve covered Excellence Resorts vs Sandals for our destination wedding couples, and I can speak highly of both these top-notch resort brands.
However, the tipping practices and policies on the Excellence website are a bit confusing to me.
They state:
“When you purchase an all-inclusive vacation package, gratuities are included so you are under no obligation or expectation to pay additional amounts to the staff throughout your stay.”
But on the same page, they also state:
“Unless the resort states otherwise, most brands are happy for their employees to receive extra appreciation for their hard work and service so you can feel free to give what your heart desires whenever you feel inclined.”
Our best advice here is to check out the all-inclusive resort website for specific details on their tipping policy. If you’re at the resort, confirm the proper policy with a manager or front desk employee.
Expert Travel Tip: Check out Specials By Resort to seek out super-special discounts on all-inclusive vacations on the island of your choice!
The Dreaded Question—What if You’re Asked to Tip
I always encourage travelers to search online forums for unbiased advice on tipping policies at all-inclusive resorts.
I just did that (again!), and it was pretty shocking to read some stuff I haven’t come across before.
Some travelers stated that they have been asked by resort employees for tips during their vacation, and it makes what’s supposed to be a relaxing experience seem pretty tense.
Other travelers said they’ve never been “forced” to tip, especially at all-inclusive resorts where a “no tipping” policy is supposedly strictly enforced.
The truth should be plain to see, but unfortunately, it can get kind of murky.
I know of many travelers who are repeat visitors to popular all-inclusives like Sandals Emerald Bay or a Sandals Resort in Saint Lucia. It’s pretty heartwarming to learn that many of these travelers have become friends with resort employees over the years.
Does that mean these travelers tip employees? Frankly, sometimes it does, but it’s equally important to remember that an employee may risk losing their job if they receive a monetary tip from you at a “no tipping” resort.
Expert Travel Tip: Instead of tips, resort employees may ask you to rate them highly in reviews on Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia, or a web mapping platform like Google Maps. Resort management does see these positive reviews, and the employees will benefit.
How Good Is the Resort at Corporate Social Responsibility?
Traveling anywhere in the world is an eye-opening experience, especially for those of us who are lucky enough to call North America or Europe our home.
A quality all-inclusive resort brand knows that its employees are its heartbeat, and I’ve become familiar with checking out the corporate social responsibility policies at many hospitality organizations worldwide to see what they’re doing to lift their employees.
Some of the great work being done to recognize, promote, and assist employees can and does include:
Check out the Sandals Foundation YouTube channel to see the positive developments that continue to be made throughout the Caribbean. One day soon, you’ll hopefully visit one of these islands and see what’s being done yourself!
