Tipping Policy At Sandals Resorts: What You Need To Know

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Vacationing at Sandals Resorts is something I look forward to. I love helping out readers with insider things, and today I am discussing the tipping policy at Sandals Resorts. It can be confusing to first timers or seasoned guests may need a refresher. Here’s what you need to know!

If you are looking to learn more about Sandals Resorts, I have some awesome resources you can dig into and enjoy.

So are you ready to learn more? Let’s get started with some of the basics.

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Whether you are a first-time Sandals Resorts guest or someone with experience, you definitely want to keep up on what the best practices are when it comes to tipping the staff so that you do the best thing for everyone involved.

The Tipping Policy Before You Arrive At Sandals Resorts

There are some people you will encounter before you even reach your resort, so here is what you need to know about tipping them.

Luggage Handling Services at the Airport

After you land at your destination’s airport, you might find attendants ready to help carry your luggage. Although these attendants are not employees of Sandals Resorts, they are quite enthusiastic about assisting travelers, especially those going to Sandals Resorts in Jamaica. While you are not required to accept their help, if you do, it is advisable to offer a tip for their service, with a few dollars being sufficient.

Transfer Shuttle Drivers

Your room rate at Sandals Resorts includes the airport transfer shuttle. Still, it’s customary to offer a tip to the shuttle driver. There’s no required amount, but a few dollars reflecting the quality of service is a thoughtful gesture.

Private Transfers To And From The Resorts

If you choose to forgo the included shuttle service and arrange for a private transfer, then you can tip those personnel.

What You Need To Know About Tipping Once You Reach Sandals Resorts

One of the reasons we love vacationing at Sandals Resorts is because tipping is included in the price of your vacation. We don’t need to worry about carrying around cash, and it makes things simple. It’s hard for many Americans because we come from a tipping society. And because other all-inclusive resort chains do allow tipping, people think it’s expected here.

This is what makes Sandals Resorts a step above the others.

Who Cannot Accept Tips At Sandals Resorts?

Since you are looking to find out about the tipping policy at Sandals Resorts, let’s start with the discussion of those that cannot accept tips. I realize that this is hard for many people, but understand that tipping is included in the cost of your room. If the staff are caught accepting tips, they can be terminated.

ANY GENERAL HOTEL STAFF

Generally, any staff that you interact with on resort cannot accept tips. People at the front desk, or at the Loyalty & Travel desk, gift shop staff, etc.

HOUSEKEEPERS & GROUNDS STAFF

I admit, this was hard for me to get used to at first. The housekeepers are one of the hardest workers on resort. It would be nice to be able to tip them, but they cannot.

Same goes for the grounds staff. I am generally up early in the mornings to walk around and enjoy the beauty of the resorts. I often talk to the hard working grounds staff, and they are always so nice and very informative about all the beautiful landscaping. Always working and always smiling, it would be nice to tip them, but they cannot take tips.

BARTENDERS AND WAIT STAFF

This is where the largest source of contention comes in with guests that think they should be tipping at Sandals Resorts. I admit, the bartenders work extremely hard, and you naturally want to tip them. Please know they are part of the staff that cannot accept tips at Sandals Resorts.

And yes, there are guests that still do it because they feel like they are the exception to the rules. And yes, there are bartenders that accept them. But again, if they get caught, they can get terminated, which leaves the resort short-staffed.

DIVE BOAT STAFF

Sandals Resorts has some of the best (included in your stay!!) diving around. The boat and dive staff are top notch, and while you may want to show your appreciation with a tip, they cannot accept them.

WHAT TO DO TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION TO THE STAFF THAT CANNOT ACCEPT TIPS

One of the best ways to show your appreciation for the staff that cannot accept tips is to use GINA, the on-resort communication tool, to send your compliments to the hotel management.

Another great way is to name each staff member in a Trip Advisor review that you leave for your resort stay. Staff receive bonuses each time they are mentioned, so it is a great way to express your gratitude.

Mainly I like to express my gratitude to these staff members by thanking them with sincere words when I see them on resort. I do miss when you could leave small gifts like chocolate for the staff, but some guests took it too far, and Sandals Resorts took that option away. I will also leave little notes of gratitude for the staff when we are out of the room.

Who Can Accept Tips At Sandals Resorts?

There are exceptions to the no tipping policy at Sandals Resorts, so let’s take a moment to talk about who can be tipped, and why you should.

BUTLER STAFF

While my husband and I have traveled to Sandals Resorts multiple times, we did not experience a butler until 2023. It was a wonderful experience, and I highly recommend it if it is something that is in your budget. The work they do is amazing, and they are worth their weight in gold.

Butlers are able to accept tips, but it is not required. However, they certainly earn it. While there is no set amount, guests usually give $25-30 per butler per day during their stay. You can adjust that amount depending on the service that you receive.

SPA STAFF

Sandals Resorts offers beautiful surroundings for your spa treatments. Whether it’s a couple’s massage or even getting your nails done, the spa staff does a wonderful job. They are part of the resort staff that can accept tips from guests, so feel free to show your appreciation.

SHUTTLE DRIVERS

Your transportation to and from the resort is included in the cost of your stay. However, they are not Sandals Resorts staff, and can accept tips. Most drivers we have had have been very good, and give lots of information along the way. Tips are greatly appreciated, as they are often the ones that load and unload your luggage, as well. My husband is a generous tipper because of that and we generally give $20. You can give what is comfortable for you.

GOLF STAFF

While golf greens fees are included in your Sandals Resorts stay, the staff there are not part of the staff. Feel free to tip anyone that you deal with when you are golfing during your stay.

OFF RESORT TOURS & EXCURSION TOUR OPERATORS

If you decide to leave resort for any local attractions, they are not part of resort staff and should be tipped. Again, base it on the service you are provided and what you are comfortable with.

Some People Just Don’t Follow The Tipping Policy At Sandals Resorts

It’s possible you’ll see someone tipping an employee, and that employee may accept the tip. However, it’s crucial to understand that all tips must be reported and given to management. If tips are not reported, the employee could be at risk of losing their job, as their contract prohibits soliciting or keeping tips without turning them in.

Don’t be that person, just simply follow the tipping policy at Sandals Resorts and it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Are you convinced? Ready to experience this for yourself? I am a travel advisor and would love to help you plan your next vacation. Simply fill out this contact form or send me an email and I will be in touch with you shortly!

I hope you feel prepared and confident to enjoy your vacation now that you know about the tipping policy at Sandals Resorts. Still have questions? No problem! As your travel advisor, I am fully prepared to help you navigate your stay.

More Great Posts About Sandals Resorts:

If you enjoyed reading this post about the tipping policy at Sandals Resorts, you will also find these other posts extremely helpful!

• Why You Need A Certified Sandals Specialist To Book Your Trip
• What You Need To Know About Online Check-In For Sandals Resorts
• What To Do Before Your Sandals Resorts Vacation
• Why You Need To Experience Butler Service At Sandals Resorts

Must-Have Items For Your Next Vacation

Here are some of my favorite items that make our Sandals Resorts vacations comfortable and fun.

• Luggage Packing Cubes
• Luggage Scale For Travel
• Travel Backpack For Laptop
• Travel Pouch For Cords & Plugs

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