One of the reasons we love Sandals Resorts is that tips are all included in your stay so you will not need to tip like you would at other resorts. However, there are a few exceptions.
Most staff members at Sandals Resorts are not allowed to accept tips, as gratuities are included in the all-inclusive rate. Accepting tips could get that employee into trouble!
There are a few exceptions and you should expect to tip for:
- Butler service
- Spa services
- Any outside vendors
While tipping can often feel like a great way to show appreciation for exceptional service, there are a few alternate ways you can do this at Sandals. You can compliment the staff to their manager or the front desk team, send a message on the Loop App, or mention them in reviews on platforms like Google or TripAdvisor.
Who Do You Non Need To Tip?
If you are worried about tipping service workers like bellhops, cleaning staff, bartenders, concierges, etc. you can relax knowing this is not allowed. This can make your stay extra relaxing since you’re not bringing cash around with you, and there’s no expectation from staff that you should be tipping them.
Tipping You Drivers
Drivers who take you to and from the airport are not Sandals employees, so it’s great to bring a few dollars for them, and for anyone who helps you with your bags.
For helping with bags it will be a few dollars, while the driver depends on how far you are going. If you are within 15 minutes of the airport $5-10 is good, but if it is a longer drive I tip $10-20.
Tipping Your Spa Services
Your tips to the spa services are not included in your stay, but they will be added as a 15% service charge on your bill. Any additional bill on top of this will be on top of the 15%. So if you were to say you want to tip 20% it would actually be a 35% tip. I usually just bring some cash to add an additional $10 or so to make sure its a 20% tip.
Tipping Your Sandals Butlers
We recommend tipping your butlers $20-$30 per day, per butler, depending on how much you use their services. Usually, you will have more than one butler on your team during your stay, so they are available to make sure your stay is perfect.
They will greet you, help you get checked in, and help you with anything you need, including making dinner reservations and excursion plans. Your butlers will even help create romantic moments, like leaving rose petals in a warm bath for you to enjoy.
One thing we love about having a butler is when they get up bright and early to reserve your beach or pool chairs so you don’t have to, and when they bring unexpected snacks and meals so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Many people recommend leaving a tip for your butlers at the end of your stay. Some resorts will provide an envelope for you, or some thoughtful guests bring thank-you notes for their butlers and include the tips there. You can also tip daily if you prefer, which can be nice as staff schedules rotate, and if you get particularly good service from someone you can show your appreciation sooner.
The best way to tip your butlers is with cash, in your native currency is fine (American dollars or British pounds, whatever the case may be). This is particularly true in Jamaica, where we found our native currency to be preferred.
You can also tip with your credit card at the end of your stay. I have a bad habit of not remembering all of our Butler’s names so don’t be like me!
Tipping Outside of Sandals
If you explore outside of your Sandals resort, you will want to bring cash with you for tips. You should plan to tip anyone you would otherwise tip at home, whether that’s a tour guide, a taxi driver, restaurant wait staff, or bartender.
Even if you book an excursion through Sandals Resorts, the tours are provided by an independent company. These drivers and tour guides are not Sandals employees and should be tipped well. Tips range from just a few dollars to $20 and more, depending on what type of service they provide.
We found it especially helpful to bring small and medium bills with us on excursions, as there can be a number of people who help you on your excursion, who you may want to tip, even if they don’t play a major role.