Tipping on your honeymoon?

MadeOfAwesome

I posted this on my club board too, but haven't gotten much of a response.  We're going to Sandals Whitehouse for our honeymoon.  After reading the reviews on tripadvisor.com I found out that technically you're not supposed to tip the employees at the resort, but most of them expect it anyway.  I'm horrible when it comes to figuring out tips and I usually tip WAY too much.  Anyone have any tips/advice on how much you're supposed to tip resort employees?

I also know we're supposed to tip the guy who drives us from the airport to the resort (hour and a half drive) and the people who carry our bags at the airport.

mindiosu

Tipping is not required at an AI resort.  However, if you recieve fantastic service and would like to acknowledge it, bring a stack of singles.  We recently went to an AI in Mexico and typically gave between $2-5 for excellent service. This was given to anyone we felt deserving from the pool bartender to the rest. server.  I usually give about $3-5 per bag to transport service staff.  HTH!

kayryd

the TA I am using just told me that Sandals employees could get fired if they receive a tip.  STU31105, we are debating about Whitehouse.  We were going to go to Dunn's but it is closing!  Then we were thinking about St. Lucia, but the flights are horrible!  What convinced you about Whitehouse? 

MadeOfAwesome

I heard that they could get fired, too, but the reviews said that most people still expected tips (quite frankly if they do a good job, I don't mind tipping anyway).  I had a lot of people recommend Whitehouse.  My aunt who works for a travel agency asked her girls who actually do the travel bookings for reviews on all of the Sandals resorts in Jamaica and I got the most postive feedback for Whitehouse.  Plus, I read the reviews on tripadvisor.com and there were lots of good reviews.  The bad reviews on there didn't actually seem too horrible either.  We also like the layout of the resort.  All of the rooms seem really close to the beach and that's something we really wanted.

kayryd

ok, I will get a price from my TA!  Thanks so much!  Hope you have a great time!

shelly.cody

When I went to Jamaica just for a vacation, we stayed at Breezes Runaway Bay. The only people I remember tipping was the bus driver who took us to our hotel and that was like $1 or $2. We would also tip the bartenders a couple of dollars right when we started drinking and then a couple when we were done drinking. After about 2 days they knew who we were and would let us jump to the front of the line.

katelynsandon

This may seem a bit odd, but my parents go to the Couples AI resorts every year in Jamacia and absolutely love them. The staff at these resorts are not to take tips either from guests. My parents started bring American candy a few years ago, like two large bags from Sam's Club and just put some in their beach bag and pass that out for a tip. This was an idea they saw another couple doing when they were there. My parents are now well known on the resort and they claim to get excellent if not better service now than when they slipped money to the staff. I know this is a bit odd, but they have done this for years and will continue to do this. I am not for sure if my FI and I will be doing this on our trip, but hey if it works!

mizu22

You do not need to tip at Sandals. Most of the employees will get in trouble if you do tip, actually. The only exception we found was with the butler: it is expected and allowable to tip your butler if you have one.  And remember, it is American money you are using so 70 dollars to them is more than you think. Also, you are right about the airport and the bags at the airport. Otherwise, don't tip. That is what all inclusive means and it's GREAT. I say don't sweat it, unless you have a butler and then plan on tipping...you'll probably have two so be prepared for that. We tipped them (I think) 70 a piece and we were there for like 4 days but they were AWESOME. I would have done more but we couldn't. Hope that helps

katiediane2010

I agree with pp. Every review I've read about Sandals Whitehouse suggested that they won't take your tips if you offer. Only the butlers are allowed to accept tips from customers. That's the beauty of an all-inclusive resort!

I did, however, read that you should tip the luggage carriers at the airport and the bus driver to the resort, as they are not resort employees.