Tipping at an All Inclusive Resort: A Quick Guide
Laura Tracy, Owner & Travel Agent
(Credit: Playa Resorts)
Please keep in mind that this advice is highly personalized to what we already recommend to our clients. This may not work for all clients or for all resorts. Contact us or book your trip with us for in-depth, personalized recommendations!
Note: these same recommendations could also apply for cruises.
Note: these same recommendations could also apply for cruises.
Transportation
Shuttle Drivers (Shared Transfers): $2-3 per bag or $5-10 per couple
Private Car Drivers: $5-10 per couple
Bag Attendants: $1-2 per bag
Bus Drivers (for larger shuttles): $1-2 per bag or $5 per couple
Contact us today to help plan your next All Inclusive trip or cruise and we will share with you all of our practical insider tips for picking the best resorts at the best value for your dollar!
Dining
Buffet Meals: $2-3 per person
A La Carte Dining: $3-5 per person
Bar Service: $1-2 per drink*
*If you use the same bartender, it's great to do a nice tip up front to continue to receive great service, think like $20.
Room Service: $1-2 per plate (or $5-10 for the whole order)
Food Truck: $1-2 per entree
Private/Specialty Dining: $5-25 per person*
*This one really varies because it could just be a private room for a large group where the serving staff is still servicing the dining room, or it could be a truly private/special meal for two on the beach with a private butler/concierge providing the service. A little good judgment has to be used with this one.
Service
Housekeeping Services: $3-5 per night in value or moderate resorts, $5-10 per night in higher end resorts, especially if you request service.
Porter/Luggage Valet: $2-3 per bag if they deliver it to your room or carry it while showing you to your room.
Minibar Attendant: $2-5 when being refilled is not necessary, but can sometimes get you little treats and ensures it stays stocked. You can even leave a note with the cash with your preferences.
Concierge (preferred rooms, non assigned): $5-10 per day depending on your usage and their attentiveness; adjust accordingly.
Butler (shared with class of rooms, assigned): Approximately 5% of nightly rate depending on your usage and their attentiveness; adjust accordingly.
Porter/Luggage Valet: $2-3 per bag if they deliver it to your room or carry it while showing you to your room.
Minibar Attendant: $2-5 when being refilled is not necessary, but can sometimes get you little treats and ensures it stays stocked. You can even leave a note with the cash with your preferences.
Concierge (preferred rooms, non assigned): $5-10 per day depending on your usage and their attentiveness; adjust accordingly.
Butler (shared with class of rooms, assigned): Approximately 5% of nightly rate depending on your usage and their attentiveness; adjust accordingly.
Wedding ('day of' tips)
Wedding Coordinator: $25-75 depending on how many coordinators you have and how much of the day they spent helping you. If you had a dedicated coordinator, who did nothing else during your event, you may even want to go as high as $100 if you are happy with their service.
Wedding Servers: $15-30 or possibly 20% of estimated gross revenue.
Wedding Bartenders: $25-50 each depending on how many bartenders and the level of service they provided your guests.
Wedding DJ/Musician: $50-75 if the DJ/Musician is an employee of the resort and not an independent business owner.
Wedding Hair/Makeup: $15-30 if the technician is an employee of the resort and not an independent business owner.
Tip for tips: If you are the bride or groom, have an envelope for each service provider ready with the highest amount you want to tip and have a bridesmaid or groomsman you trust hold onto the envelopes. At the end of the night adjust by taking out any amount you feel was not earned.
Wedding Servers: $15-30 or possibly 20% of estimated gross revenue.
Wedding Bartenders: $25-50 each depending on how many bartenders and the level of service they provided your guests.
Wedding DJ/Musician: $50-75 if the DJ/Musician is an employee of the resort and not an independent business owner.
Wedding Hair/Makeup: $15-30 if the technician is an employee of the resort and not an independent business owner.
Tip for tips: If you are the bride or groom, have an envelope for each service provider ready with the highest amount you want to tip and have a bridesmaid or groomsman you trust hold onto the envelopes. At the end of the night adjust by taking out any amount you feel was not earned.
Contact us today to help plan your next All Inclusive trip or cruise and we will share with you all of our practical insider tips for picking the best resorts at the best value for your dollar!