What You Should Know About Tipping On Your Resort Vacation

I just returned from a personal vacation with my husband in Mexico. During our trip, we overheard some couples discussing what they should be tipping at dinner. This is a common question that many travelers have, so thought it would be a good topic to chat about today. I will cover when, how, and how much to tip for your next resort vacation. ​

Note: the information in this post is based on current trends and practices. For superior service, you might consider increasing the gratuity based on your experience. This is also based on US Dollars, so for those countries that may not prefer US currency, just calculate the exchange rate in relation to the local currency. 

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First and foremost is the importance of bringing more small bills with you on the trip. This will allow you the freedom to adjust the gratuity when needed.  If you’re paying by credit card for a service such as a massage, you can usually add the tip to your bill. However, it's nicer to provide cash directly to your service provider.

When and How Much to Tip at Most Resorts:

1. Baggage tips - If you have a bellhop attending to your luggage, the standard tip would be $1-$2 per bag. If however, they set your luggage down in the room for you, show you the amenities of the room and offer any additional help a tip of $5-$10 should cover the baggage handling and the assistance given. Of course, if you have significantly heavy luggage, or a plethora of bags, you can always tip a little extra.
   
   
2. Valet tips - Even if your hotel charges for valet parking, an additional $2-$5 on top of that fee is considered standard when they retrieve your vehicle. If there is no fee for parking, you may want to tip the full $5 when they retrieve it. It is not “standard” practice to tip when they park it, however, I still feel the need to do so, as it may not be the same person retrieving your vehicle.
   
   
3. Doormen - Typically it’s not necessary to tip the doorman unless they hail you a cab.
   
   
4. Concierge staff - If your hotel concierge charges you a fee to book a show, tour, spa appointment, table at a restaurant, etc… you don’t need to tip on top of that fee. However, most hotels will not charge for these services. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a standard rate for tipping for these services that I found. Websites, travel sites, and blog vary on this from $2 to $20 depending on your satisfaction with their services and what you are asking them to arrange.
   
   
5. Front desk staff - It’s typically abnormal to tip the front desk unless they offer something extra special that you feel is worth the appreciation.
   
   
6. Shuttle drivers from the hotel to the airport - Standard practice is around $5 per person or about $10-15 per party. However, take into consideration the distance to your hotel, as well as, how many pieces of luggage you are transporting. You may think about a higher gratuity when traveling longer than 30 minutes.
   
   
7. Housekeeping - Most sources agreed that $5 per day an appropriate tip. If you are particularly messy, you may want to leave a little more. If you request extra items such as pillows and blankets a tip of between $2 and $5 upon delivery is also welcomed.
   
   
8. Waitstaff - Standard practice is 20%, however many travelers still leave 15%. For a buffet, you should tip $1-$3 per person if there is a drink service provided. Bartenders/cocktail waitresses should be tipped $1-$2 per drink or 20% of the total tab - whichever is greater. An all-inclusive resort meal is a bit different and tends to follow a $5-10 per couple each meal.
   
   
9. Spa and salon staff - If your resort has these services, standard tipping practice is 15% of your bill.

Some all-inclusive resorts include the gratuity as part of your package cost or resort fee. You will want to check with your travel agent to confirm if this is the case and if extra tipping may be appropriate. In most cases, an extra tip would be most appreciated and welcomed. However, there are some resorts that truly will not allow you to tip their staff anything extra no matter how much you feel they deserve it. In all cases, you will always still tip for spa and salon services, as well as, shuttles to and from the airport, as those services do not fall under the "tipping included" pricing. 

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