Gratuity question

[Indybindee]

I recently purchased a package to Hermitage Bay in Antigua. The package includes everything with the exception of gratuities. This is the first time that my husband and I have ever utilized LL and an all inclusive package, so I am not certain how I am to calculate various gratuities. Any advice?

[bonniejoy03]

Great question Indybindee. First, I would email or call the property to see if there will be something 'automatically" added on to your bill at the end of your stay or is it up to the "discretion" of the individual. (I would want to know this for budgeting purposes.) If not, I guess a rule of thumb is to leave something for the room cleaning staff, your favorite waiter, bartender, and tour guide if you go out on an adventure with the property. Typically the Caribbean properties have a 10%-20% service charge added to their bills. This might help if the property has no official rule.



Have a great trip! Have you been there before?

[kyshel]

Great question to bring up here. I was waiting to hear from our recent purchase (safari lodge trip) on the same subject. We will have a ranger, as well as food/room personnel to consider.
The only other package I have used was for Prague, and we tipped the restaurant staff for our included dinner (based on the check they gave us, even tho there was no charge--clever of them, eh?) And we tipped each person who brought anything to our room on request. They always reacted gratefuly. We asked about leaving something for the maid and the desk seemed "iffy" so we personally gave her a small amount anyway. Our limo driver (pre-paid transfer) seemed to expect a gratuity, but we had already been told it was included, so we ignored his "waiting" and he wandered back to the car. He wished us a good trip, so I think he was not surprised.
We frequently go to all-inclusives in the Carib/Mexico, and we tip a few US dollars when we get good table service (even buffet) and at the bar. My husband nearly "cleans" our room every day, but we still make sure our housekeeper is covered and if we ever need something we can find her easily. Bellmen always get a few, as well--it's hot, they all work hard and we appreciate it! We often get last-minute deals to go, so who-knows-how-much-they-get on a severely discounted stay?
Bonniejoy--I didn't know about the Carib practice of adding at the end of a bill, since we usually "include", so that's good info! Thanks.
Message Edited by kyshel on 05-12-200705:49 PM

[disneygal]

Hi Indybindee,

If your package has the same inclusions as the ones currently offered for Hermitage Bay, it should include "service charges". If you look at the Hermitage Bay website, they tack on another 10%, for staff gratuities. This is what bonniejoy03 is referring to, but it should be included in the LL package.

At all-inclusive properties, the gratuities are typically "included", whether included in the initial price, or tacked on at the end. However, it is common practice, as kyshel says, to tip a few dollars on top of this for good service. We've found that it is very much appreciated.

[disneygal]

Hi Indybindee,

Also, I'd love to hear about Hermitage Bay when you return. I bid on one of the auctions when it first appeared, but didn't get it. It looks wonderful. Enjoy!

[Mountie]

Indybindee wrote:


I recently purchased a package to Hermitage Bay in Antigua. The package includes everything with the exception of gratuities. This is the first time that my husband and I have ever utilized LL and an all inclusive package, so I am not certain how I am to calculate various gratuities. Any advice?

Indybindee, best advice I can give you is to consider slipping some money to the key staff members you meet as soon as you arrive at a desnation. I would rather let the staff know that I intend to enjoy myself and want them to participate! Who cares what they think of you once you have left the place? This is my approach, it may not work for everyone. Thank you!

[bonniejoy03]

Wow Mountie. As "experienced travellers" we enjoyed your post. We have never looked at tipping this way but it makes more sense. When I read this to my husband he said....Yes, what a great point. Thanks for the tip. When you think about it at the end of the trip you spend half your day trying to track down someone you want to tip. Great idea.

[kyshel]

I need a bit of assistance for trip to africa next month. I asked the lodge about gratuities, so I could complete my estimated budget.

The response I got wasn't overly helpful, since they referenced the price I paid and that, typically, gratuities were based on a percentage of services, [and my costs were not in the same realm as other guests].
For those of you who have done a safari stay, how do you tip rangers, housekeepers, food servers? What would you suggest please?
Thanks, y'all
Message Edited by kyshel on 05-17-200701:26 PM

[omegaet]

kyshel...we stayed at lodges and tented camps during our last safari to Kenya and Tanzania. Most of the properties had a "common" gratuity box in an easy to find location for use by guests. As a couple, we typically placed $25US per day in the box and let the management split it up. During the time we used a private guide and driver, we gave them an additional $12US & $15US respectively. My wife (as she usually does) packs some little "nice/nice" gifts and hands them out as we go along. No reason to try and place the "biggest tipper game"....do what makes you feel good!

[lhbrown]

Hi everyone,

Mountie's suggestion about slipping the staff manager a few bucks is an excellent suggestion. We have practiced this tactic for years with excellent results. On extended stays, we usually slip our head waiter a 20 Euro note in the beginning and from then on, we can count on excellent service. In most European countries, gratuities are included, but a little extra at the end is always appreciated, especially by the housekeeping staff.