Planning a honeymoon can be a whirlwind of decisions and details, but opting for an all-inclusive resort can simplify the process and allow you to focus on enjoying your romantic getaway. However, when it comes to tipping at these resorts, things can get a bit tricky. That’s why we’re here to help! In this blog, we’ll be sharing our best tips on how much you should tip at an all-inclusive resort during your honeymoon. So, let’s dive in and make your honeymoon experience even more unforgettable!

Do You Have to Tip? 

Before we dive into the details, let’s tackle a common question: Do you have to tip at an all-inclusive resort, or are gratuities already included? Generally, at all-inclusive resorts, the rate you pay covers gratuities. The resort distributes a portion of your per-night rate among their hardworking team members. However, the exact amount isn’t disclosed. Keep in mind that resort staff often work long hours, sometimes up to 12 hours a day with minimal time off. The gratuity allocation from the resort may not fully reflect the effort they put in. While tipping is not mandatory, it’s considered a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation for exceptional service. The amount you choose to tip depends on the resort and the level of service you receive, such as having a personal concierge or butler. 
As a travel advisor, I’m here to assist you in understanding and preparing for gratuity expectations, ensuring you feel confident in tipping accordingly. While tipping is a personal choice, it’s a great way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the resort staff. 

Let’s get down to some specifics regarding tipping for your all-inclusive honeymoon vacation. 

The airport porter 

When you arrive at your destination, you may encounter airport porters who are ready to provide assistance with your luggage. While their eagerness to help can sometimes come across as a bit overwhelming, it’s important to remember that they are there to make your journey more convenient. While you have the option to decline their assistance, if you decide to accept their help, it’s customary to offer them a tip as a token of appreciation. $3-$5 is reasonable depending on how much luggage you have. Porters are generally independent and are not employed by the airport, so they depend on tips. 

Airport shuttle driver 

It’s important to note that the driver who transports you to and from your all-inclusive resort is typically not employed by the resort itself. Therefore, it’s customary to have a tip ready for the driver for each leg of the journey. One aspect that people often overlook is the time and effort involved. Consider the distance that the driver must travel to bring you to your resort, and then return to the airport for their next assignment. This round trip can be a significant undertaking, and tipping the driver is a way to show appreciation for their service. For short distances $5 is sufficient, for longer drives (1.5 hours or more), consider giving at least $20. If it takes them 1.5 hours to get you to your resort, that is a 3-hour roundtrip investment of their time.  

The Bellhop 

Welcome to your honeymoon resort! Upon arrival at the resort, you will be greeted by the helpful bellhop, who will assist you with your luggage and provide luggage tags as you make your way to the resort’s lobby for check-in. Once you’ve completed the check-in process, the bellhop will kindly accompany you to your room. During this short journey, they may provide valuable insight into the resort, such as highlighting key amenities and pointing out the location of various facilities. Additionally, they will share some useful features and details about your specific room to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Depending on the time invested with you, a $5-$10 tip is recommended. 

Concierge or Butler Service 

When indulging in a higher level of service at your all-inclusive resort, it’s important to have some cash on hand for tipping. 
If your concierge assists you with simple tasks like dinner reservations or resolves minor issues with your room, tipping is not necessary. 
However, if your concierge goes above and beyond by arranging a special dinner with delightful surprises or goes out of their way to make your stay extraordinary, it’s a thoughtful gesture to tip them based on the time and effort they invest. 
Butler service can vary between resorts, with some butlers acting more like concierges. If you have a hands-on butler who is accessible via a dedicated cellphone and is responsible for managing your suite, communicating with other staff members, arranging reservations, serving meals in-suite, and even reserving pool or beach chairs for you, this personalized level of service typically warrants a daily tip.  

I suggest a minimum of $20 per day depending on how much you utilize your butler. Again, keep in mind any situation where the butler has gone above and beyond to make your stay and experience extraordinary. For smaller, one-off experiences facilitated by the concierge, it is customary to have around $10 available for tipping. When it comes to butler service, which typically involves a more hands-on and personalized level of assistance, it is generally recommended to budget a minimum of $150 for a week-long stay to reflect their dedicated service throughout your stay. 

Waitstaff 

Picture yourself lounging on a beautiful beach, lost in the pages of a great book or engrossed in a some interesting conversation. Suddenly, a friendly beach waiter approaches, ready to take your drink order. You order your beverage of choice and when it is delivered, you realize you have $0 dollars on you. It has happened to all of us!

When it comes to tipping at the beach or pool, it’s always good to be prepared. While it’s not necessary to carry cash with you, it’s a good idea to have a few dollars on hand for tipping the beach or pool waitstaff. They’ll be happy to keep the drinks flowing for an extra $1 or $2 per drink, or you can tip at the end of the day ($10 recommended) even if the gratuities are technically included in your all-inclusive rate. When dining at a buffet-style restaurant, there’s no need to stress about cash. Since the staff likely assisted with beverages, leaving a tip of $2-$3 is a nice gesture if you feel inclined to do so. If you’re dining at an a la carte restaurant, consider tipping a bit more. The exact amount will depend on the level of service and the overall dining experience. For a fancy, multi-course meal with white-glove service, you might want to leave around $20. On the other hand, if you’re grabbing a delicious burger for lunch at a casual joint, a tip of $5 would be suitable. For a regular a la carte dinner $10-15 is recommended.  Remember, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service, so use your judgment based on your experience. 

Housekeeping 

As we come to the end, let’s not forget about the diligent housekeeping staff . They work tirelessly each day to ensure our rooms are clean and comfortable, going above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. There’s something truly refreshing about returning to a freshly cleaned room, wouldn’t you agree? To show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication, I recommend leaving a tip of $5-$10 per day for your housekeeper at an all-inclusive resort. This gesture not only acknowledges their efforts but also helps support them financially, as they are often paid the least compared to other resort team members. It’s a small way to express gratitude for their invaluable service. 

Quick caveat 

If you are planning an all-inclusive honeymoon to Sandals Resorts gratuities are not accepted except for butler service. So, a Sandals honeymoon will not have the same gratuity guidelines at the resort as I’ve mentioned above, but you can still tip the porter and shuttle driver as they are not Sandals employees. 

In conclusion, tipping should be factored into your honeymoon budget when staying at an all-inclusive resort. It’s important to base your tipping amount on the level of service you have received. While it’s likely that you will receive excellent service throughout your stay, there is no need to tip excessively. 
Nevertheless, if you feel that the service has exceeded your expectations and has been truly exceptional, it’s a wonderful opportunity to express your gratitude by tipping a little more than usual. This small gesture can make a big difference in showing your appreciation for the outstanding service you have received. 

If you’re tired of endlessly searching for answers to your honeymoon planning questions, I’m here to help. I would be delighted to have a chat with you and provide guidance. Simply click on the link below to schedule a complimentary consultation with no strings attached. Let’s make your honeymoon planning process stress-free and enjoyable! 

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