RobR

I rarely trash anyplace, but after dining at the restaurant at the lighthouse (La Trattoria El Faro Blanco), last week, I have to post the fact that our bill included a line for "tax" that was 15% of the total. In addition, the bill notes that "gratuity is not included". As we had dined out other places for the previous 5 nights, we had not encountered any tax on food. When asked, the waiter sheepishly admitted that the "tax" was in fact the service charge/tip. Nice place, great view, average to above average food, but don't "double dip", it's dishonest.

greenie

15% is added to everything in Aruba! If you die and go to heaven, there's a 15% departure tax!

Greenie =)

Lolo

I found this same thing in Gasparito's Restaurant. Unfortunately, you need to be very aware of the menu, what it says about gratuity, and then look carefully at the bill. And then speak up, if need be. But I wouldn't let that keep me from going to La Trattoria. I celebrated by birthday dinner there earlier this year and it was absolutely delightful. The food, service and ambience were suberb.

Diana

This is an increasingly-common practice throughout the Caribbean and Caribbean Mexico.
All I can say is check your bill carefully and question any charge you don't recognize.
I hate it because it is just one more hassle I don't need on my trip, and I think it is just an extra gouge by the establishment.
I had a waitperson tell me (that I trust) that they do not get any of this additional charge, and that it is just a "tax" that goes into the owner's pocket.