Tipping in all-inclusive resorts

[CanadianTravelAgent]

Tipping is a difficult subject. It is so subject to your personal experiences. When my husband and I used to travel the world diving (before kids) we were very good about tipping the divemasters, boat captain and crew. Most of the time we would wait until the end of the trip and then on the last day bring $ to tip. However, as has been pointed out, the boat crews do change everyday. You can always leave an envelope at the office, but I do prefer to hand the money directly to the people involved.

In regards to other services at resorts, many all-inclusives state that no tipping is required, however it seems that many people tip anyway. For food and bar service, we have tried experimenting....tipping at the beginning to get better service and tipping at the end to reward good service. I haven't found much difference, to be honest. After years of this, decided to go with no tipping if it was a resort that stated that tips were included, unless we encountered someone providing superior service. We always do tip the maid - usually $20 per week or so, depending on the time the room was cleaned, replenishment of towels, etc. Local currency is usually best as has been pointed out.

 

[Altissimus]

You have just highlighted a big problem with tipping. Service is predjudiced by the tip the server thinks they will receive. A dive op wants everyone to be properly served, not just the ones the crew thinks will tip well.

Well, exactly. I appreciate that - being British and all - I don't really understand tipping, but one would think that the LDS would want to provide a good service so that I was a) a happy customer, b) came back, c) told my friends, d) suggested on scubaboard.com that others should try them.

One might also think that the fact that I was paying them hundreds of dollars for a number of dives for myself and partner would be sufficient incentive.

Also, I would have thought that they would have an arrangement with any ship's captains and crew, or that they should state in their prices "these prices exclude a good service".

---------- Post added March 17th, 2013 at 09:10 PM ----------

Tipping is a difficult subject. It is so subject to your personal experiences. When my husband and I used to travel the world diving (before kids) we were very good about tipping the divemasters, boat captain and crew. Most of the time we would wait until the end of the trip and then on the last day bring $ to tip. However, as has been pointed out, the boat crews do change everyday. You can always leave an envelope at the office, but I do prefer to hand the money directly to the people involved.

In regards to other services at resorts, many all-inclusives state that no tipping is required, however it seems that many people tip anyway. For food and bar service, we have tried experimenting....tipping at the beginning to get better service and tipping at the end to reward good service. I haven't found much difference, to be honest. After years of this, decided to go with no tipping if it was a resort that stated that tips were included, unless we encountered someone providing superior service. We always do tip the maid - usually $20 per week or so, depending on the time the room was cleaned, replenishment of towels, etc. Local currency is usually best as has been pointed out.

Tipping for good service I can well understand. When we were diving in Dahab last year, we left a hefty tip for one of the dive guides who, throughout the week, had been outstanding. We didn't leave any tips for a couple of his colleagues who were, in our opinion, a) crap and b) dangerous.

However, it would seem that a number of respondees to this thread feel that tipping up front is the way to ensure good service. This may well be the case, but if I prefer to tip at the end, and their service isn't good because they won't perform without a tip, they won't get one. Similarly, if you tip up front, before you've even seen the service, you only assume this encourages them. They may feel it becomes their right - they expect it. They may feel you're an American tipping out of habit; which is very nice and all, but is unlikely to spur them to any great extent. They may also feel that if you've tipped them before they've even started showing you a good service, then there's no particular reason to go that extra way.

 

[FaithC]

My two cents: I've been to many all inclusives and can tell you that you will get your drinks much faster with better service if you tip the cocktail server who runs around poolside by your room or chair all day $5 at the start of each day. You'll develop a relationship with the server over the course of the week and it will help make your stay very enjoyable. Tip housekeeping daily as the same person does not clean your room each day. We never tip for food unless its room service at an all inclusive.

That $5 goes a long way for the service staff working in Mexico and the Carribbean.

You will see the difference in the quality and service you are provided compared to non-tipping resort visitors.

 

[jcm]

It is amazing what better service you will get with a nice tip in Mexico. 5-10 per tank in the standard I think. What I always do when I am in an all-inclusive. I try to find the Bar area I like and the first day give the guy a 20 and for the rest of your trip go back to him and you will have great serivice!