Tipping at an All Inclusive Resort

jhgreer
jhgreer Posts: 145
edited December 22 in Chit-Chat
The hubs and I are going on our first vacation with no kiddos since before the kiddos existed. (yay!) We're going to an all inclusive resort in Mexico. I'm wondering how much (or if) to tip the servers that bring us drinks throughout the day. The website says tips are included but I feel like we will get better service if we tip.

So if yes to tipping, how much? $1, $2, or more per drink/food item?

As a side note I do not plan to track anything on MFP during our 4 days away...I've worked my butt off so I'm taking a little break!

Replies

  • EmCarroll1990
    EmCarroll1990 Posts: 2,832 Member
    We went to Cuba in July, we were told do not tip FOR service, tip for GOOD service. We started tipping our good servers like 5 pesos, 10 pesos - depending on how much we'd had to drink . And you can bet your butt when we went back in the morning, they waited on us like Kings.
  • BigDaddyRonnie
    BigDaddyRonnie Posts: 506 Member
    Always tip!

    We go once a year to these places, and we always tip. You will be amazed at how much better they treat you. At first, yes because you gave them money. But through the course of the week, you get to know your servers resort employees that they go out of their way to make you feel at home. No, I don't buy their generosity. I simply care about their way of life, realizing most of these all-inclusives are in countries where the pay rate is much, much lower than ours.

    We now have 2 people we have exchanged email addresses with over the years. Ya know what...they are great people, have never asked for a penny more, and were just happy to make a friend because we appreciated what they had to do, and we showed our appreciation by tipping.

    Do it...$1 or $2 is all you need each time. And when you swim up to that crowded pool bar, and that bartender smiles because he wants to, and not because he has to, because you have appreciated his service and everyone else looks at you, you will have a greater time!
  • nwhitley
    nwhitley Posts: 619
    Yes you will receive better service if you tip. I doubt the actual workers receive the supposed included gratuity. When I went to Vallarta Palace last year, I tipped the bartenders/waitresses that worked pool side and by the beach. $5.00 for the first drink/food and then not again until I was leaving for the night. I also left cash for housekeeping everyday and I tipped the porter when I used his services. I carried a lot of $5.00 for tipping. And, then tipped regularly for meal servers. Have fun and enjoy yourself.
  • TheRoadDog
    TheRoadDog Posts: 11,788 Member
    I always tip. Even at the All-Inclusives. I normally tip with American dollars, unless I have pesos in my pocket from earlier in the day.

    We have gone to one All-Inclusive 3 times over the last 6 years and they remember us every time we arrive and we get great service.
  • sillygoose1977
    sillygoose1977 Posts: 2,151 Member
    I usually give the bartenders/servers a big fat tip once or twice a day and they usually remember that and treat you nicely. They do work very hard to keep everyone happy and definitely deserve to be tipped accordingly. Don't forget to tip the housekeepers!
  • jhgreer
    jhgreer Posts: 145
    Thanks all! We will definitely take some $1 and $5's for tipping!
  • BAMFMeredith
    BAMFMeredith Posts: 2,810 Member
    Definitely tip. Generally at all-inclusives they make the drinks super weak since you can have as much as you want, but if you tip the bartenders, they'll make your drinks better and give you better service all around.

    Note: do not tip generously then ask for "Mucho rum por favor!" and then expect to be functioning later in the evening. Crucial mistake last summer in Cabo.
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    Hmm... I'm gonna have to remember this for next year when we hopefully get to go on our adult only vacation...
  • boldtsmith
    boldtsmith Posts: 120 Member
    When we went to an all-inclusive for our honey moon, I tipped everyone with a pulse on our first day, up front before we got any service, with what is called the golden handshake (money in my palm moving into theirs). We were treated like gods all week and I tipped again on the last day.
  • christine24t
    christine24t Posts: 6,063 Member
    I work at a no-tipping restaurant and I tell ya, when people slip me a tip, I appreciate it a lot more and do end up giving them better service! :)
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