<b>Tipping</b>

[Captain Sportster]

I have read on some posts about people tipping maids, etc. and have a few questions. We will be staying at an all inclusive resort and it was my impression that tips for staff, etc were included in our price. Am I correct?

[i:c0a81401]If not, it it generally a rule that you should tip maids, bartenders, etc? What are the customary tips for maids, bartenders, etc.?[/i:c0a81401]

[Jennybean]

While some brochures indicate tipping is not necessary because it's included in your cost, it's not always the case. Many of the a/i resorts in PV operate differently than those in Jamaica and the Caribbean, where it states right in the contract that absolutely everything is included, and you don't tip anyone. If they do get tips from your a/i, it's an extremely small amount, because they are being shared with 100 other staff members. I try to give them a little something above what they get from the resort, if they get anything.

Even the one time I stayed a/i, I still left something for the bartender who went out of his way to make me something different, with a smile. I left a little something for my waiter at breakfast who never let my coffee cup be empty, and I never had a dirty plate in front of me, all with a smile. I left a little something for the maid who cleaned my room so well each day, greeting me every morning with a smile and "buenos dias senorita", and then folding my towels into such intricate patterns I never wanted to unfold them.

I would tip the bartender at the end of the day when I left the beach area, usually 30 or 40 pesos, sometimes more. The maid I tipped at the end of each week about 100 pesos or so, (I was really messy I admit), plus I put together a little gift pack of shampoos, lotions and perfumed soaps for her. She actually had tears in her eyes when I gave it to her, and she thanked me repeatedly.

Tipping is a personal thing, and a personal call. Tip what you feel is worthy of good service.

[CocoBongoLover]

The hired help makes so little money. Around $3.50U.S. a day. Whether you go all-inclusive or european plan; tip the help. When you book your package and arrive at the hotel, all tips from an A-I plan are divided among the workers. This is the way the resorts in Mexico are. They don't receive much. It's greatly appreciated. If you pay them in pesos, it's easier for them to use, in their country. That way, they don't have to convert, foreign currency into pesos, and pay the fees to convert it. And if you go A-I, tip your maid daily. You might have a different maid everyday. By tipping daily, you will be sure to give a bonus to the person cleaning your room on that day. We tip the restaurant help also, and the bellboys. In the buffets, snack bars, pool bars, and a la cartes; we've left up to $1000 pesos, when the exchange rate was at 10 to $1U.S. Bartenders will have your drinks ready, if you take care of them rite away. They will even give you extra liquor in your glass. If you're in a resort, under the A-I plan, they will even give you a bottle to take back to your room.

[bsimpson]

We always stay AI (in Nuevo) when we go to PV and always tip - it doesn't have to be extravagant nor should tips ever be forthcoming if you believe the service was not good. Used to leave a 10 peso coin on the vanity (don't leave coin or bills on the bed or TV, etc. - they likely won't pick it up). Would go back to the room just before supper for a short siesta and as Jennybean mentioned, you almost hated to use the the towels; they were folded so intricately. There'd always be a couple of beautiful hibiscus flowers in our room as well. At the lounge, I'd tip a little every 3-4 drinks - had a lady server at the lounge who "adopted" my wife and myself - even the night we left to get back on the bus, when asked if we wanted another drink we replied the bus driver may not want us to get on with our glasses - she promptly mixed us doubles in plastic glasses - those 'roadies' took some of the sting out of having to leave! Also had another favourite server by the snack area bar; just before they closed the bar for the night he'd bring over a small tray with about 3-4 each of what we were drinking so we could take it back to the room. Another time when I've seen tipping at the bar (where you walk up and order your own drinks) is when someone is getting a tray of drinks - throw a few pesos into the tip jar - much appreciated.

Items that Jennybean mentioned (soaps, etc.) are appreciated by the chamber maids. If you think of it, throw a few boxes of chocolate covered almonds in your bag - the staff goes crazy for them! Also, if you have a favourite sun hat for the trip, buy a few extra pins from whatever province, state, city you're from and pin them on the hat - you'll get a lot of looks from the staff - offer a pin and watch the eyes light up!

Whether you choose to tip or not (a personal issue) have a fabulous time and be sure to post a trip report on the BB when you return - it's great to learn from each other.

[tlippy]

Interesting to know how much the tab was!!!

"In the buffets, snack bars, pool bars, and a la cartes; we've left up to $1000 pesos, when the exchange rate was at 10 to $1U.S".

[Jester]

Wow, CBL you're pretty generous. $100 american dollars for an a/i dinner. Must have been some pretty kick a$$ service. I usually left more like $1 american dollar or $10 pesos. Someone mentioned that pesos are better to give as tips, but the american dollar is just as useful to the Mexicans in PV. Our Canadian dollars are worth practically nothing down there (~$5.50 pesos = $1 CDN)! ;p I never felt obliged to tip if I didn't think it was deserved. The service is included in the a/i package, but if a little extra work was done, I definately tipped.

[judyc]

WE normally left the maid around $1-$2 everyday. We stayed at a place that had a kitchen and she would do the dishes and leave towels all folded up in nice designs. They do take extra care of you if you tip well. We would also tip the bartenders at the end of the day around the pool. You'll find that they will take extra special care of you and be there everytime your drink runs out! Have a great time!!!! Don't forget, they don't make much money and depend on tourists. I wouldn't think twice about spending a dollar or two on something stupid, so why not leave it and be treated great!

[SPUD2]

tlippy (Dec 31, 2001 11:21 a.m.):
Interesting to know how much the tab was!!!

"In the buffets, snack bars, pool bars, and a la cartes; we've left up to $1000 pesos, when the exchange rate was at 10 to $1U.S".

I do not think COCO is all bad, I assume she means she left a total of 1000 pesos at buffets/snack bars/pool bars /a la carts during her stay.
I stay at an A/I and normally tip the room maid 20 pesos per day,20 pesos at breakfast,30 at lunch ,and 30 to 50 pesos at dinner (50 pesos when we got flaming Mexican coffes at our table for our wedding anniversary ,much to the amusement of local Mexican tourists at the next table)
We get wonderful service (Canadians we have met at the hotel have even said "how do you get that kind of service ,we do not "
I worked at one job were I worked for commisions only ,and value and reward good service
On the subject of service - Ican not complain about the service ANYWHERE in PV.

Forgot to put my nickname and email on my last post (do not want Jenny to think it was COCO )

Trevor

[Jennybean]

No worries Spud/Trevor, I wouldn't have mistaken you. Your IP's are different, as are your prose and approach.

Having worked in a form of the service industry (casino) for 13 years relying on tips to supplement my income before my present job, I agree that service is the key element. I tip for service. If the service is good or better, or even outstanding, the tip will be good too (I don't ever leave less than 20% for good service, it's usually closer to 30%). It would have to be pretty bad for me not to tip anything though, and I am like you, I have never had bad service anywhere in PV. Ever. I don't think they know how. LOL