Is Tipping Necessary at an All-Inclusive Resort?

While it's common to tip certain staff at traditional hotels, what’s the tipping etiquette at all-inclusive resorts?

At an all-inclusive resort, everything from meals to housekeeping to activities is bundled into one price, eliminating any financial surprises. These resorts have become increasingly appealing to a wide range of travelers; 'all-inclusive' no longer means outdated decor and crowded dining areas. It can now signify exceptional service and attentive staff. But if you're enjoying top-notch service, should you tip, or is gratuity already factored into your cost? If so, how much was included?

Shyla Gardner, vice president of commercial services for Latin America and Caribbean at Hyatt, suggests, “It's wise to check if gratuities are part of the package when booking through your travel advisor or the resort’s website. This way, you'll know what’s included before you arrive. You can also ask during check-in.”

Although most all-inclusive resorts do include gratuities in the overall price, some might not. Additionally, you may wish to give extra tips to express your gratitude for exceptional service. Many all-inclusive properties specify their tipping policies on their websites, with some encouraging tips and others prohibiting them.

Keep reading to discover all you need to know about tipping etiquette at all-inclusive resorts.

Should I tip at an all-inclusive resort?

The short answer: It varies. It’s advisable to check the resort’s website or call ahead to see if tipping is allowed or encouraged, as some luxury all-inclusives, like Blackberry Farm in Tennessee and Twin Farms in Vermont, prohibit staff from accepting additional tips. If you’d rather not inquire directly, you can observe how other guests handle it once you arrive.

The resort may clarify its policies upon your arrival. Rob Sherman, managing director at Curtain Bluff, a luxury all-inclusive in Antigua, states, “We inform our guests about our policies during the welcome experience with our front desk team. This early communication allows guests to know that their wallets can stay in the safe until the end of their stay.”

Many resorts, like Curtain Bluff, include a gratuity fee either before your arrival or at the end of your stay. If this is the case, you’re covered—though you’re welcome to offer more if the property permits it.

If your resort permits tipping, keep in mind that gratuities are always optional. Leaving a tip for exceptional one-time or daily service is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude.

Some resorts make it simple to provide extra tips. For instance, Velas Resorts, a collection of luxury all-inclusives in Mexico, includes gratuity in their fees but still encourages additional tips. Enrique Sinencio, general manager of Casa Velas, explains, “At the end of each dining experience, guests receive a check mainly for inventory purposes, but it also features a line for optional gratuity. Moreover, we supply envelopes in the suites for guests who wish to tip their personal concierge or housekeeping staff, making the process easy and convenient.”

Who should I tip at an all-inclusive resort?

If your resort allows tipping, you might consider tipping staff members such as bellhops, valets, concierges, pool and beach attendants, butlers, tour guides, shuttle drivers, kids club staff, housekeeping, and massage therapists.

Enrique Sinencio emphasizes, “Giving extra tips not only recognizes the hard work and dedication of the staff but also strengthens their commitment to delivering an exceptional guest experience. It’s a meaningful way to personally thank team members for their outstanding efforts.”

When tipping at dining venues within the resort, you can choose to tip each time you enjoy drinks or meals, or wait until the end of your stay. Keep in mind: if you only tip at the end, you might not see the same staff on your last day. It’s worth asking whether tips are pooled among staff. Sometimes, bars have a tip jar that distributes funds among the team.

Some resorts might encourage you to contribute to a larger staff pool. Rob Sherman notes, “If guests wish to further recognize our staff, we kindly ask them to consider adding to the staff service charge pool, which also supports the back-of-house team who play an essential role in ensuring your enjoyment during your stay.”

If I decide to tip, how much should I give?

First, check if you can tip in U.S. dollars. This is acceptable at some Caribbean resorts, but avoid using coins as they can be hard to exchange. Bring a small amount of cash, including smaller denominations like fives and tens. For a week-long stay, it’s advisable to have about $150 to $200 on hand for tips, based on the recommended gratuity amounts from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. This breaks down to approximately $20 to $25 per day for the staff members you interact with.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association provides a gratuity guide with various tipping suggestions based on service type received at a standard hotel. For instance, the guide recommends tipping housekeeping and bellhops between $1 and $5 per night or per bag carried.

If your resort does not include gratuities in the fee, follow the standard practice of tipping 20 percent of your total meal cost. If a tip is already factored into the bill, consider leaving $3 to $5 per person for excellent service during upscale dinners. If you have the same server each morning—like at a casual breakfast buffet—you might want to tip $5 after a few days. For bartenders, tipping $1 or $2 per drink is customary.

For massage therapists and tour guides, you should tip as you would outside of an all-inclusive setting, typically around 15 to 20 percent of the cost of the service or activity.