INFO NEEDED: How much tip should I leave the waitstaff after a meal that is included in a MAP, FAP, or AI plan? Long question, but please read!
 

I have noticed that I am not the only traveler to the Caribbean that has wrestled with the question of "should I get a meal plan" or "is the meal plan a good deal"? I have seen this kind of question come up frequently in regards to top caribbean resorts (such as Caneel Bay). I think that in order to help answer this question, we need to tackle the answer to "How much tip should I leave the waitstaff after a meal that is included in a MAP or FAP plan?" Think about it, if you will leave 15%-25% of an expensive 5-course meal, that may mean an additional $40 for dinner alone per couple, whereas if no tip is expected to be left, that may mean considerable savings. <BR> <BR>Travelers usually don't want to screw the waitstaff, nor do they want to appear as they are flaunting money everywhere, nor do they want to overpay! As I look at resorts all over the Caribbean, I find that many resorts offer an MAP, FAP , AI or packages that include a certain number of meals per stay. Examples in the BVI include top resorts that are FAP such as Peter Island, Bitter End Yacht Club, and Biras Creek to resorts that offer MAP or all-inclusive packages, such as Frenchman's Cay, Sebastian's on the Beach, Sugar Mill, Prospect Reef; examples in other islands include Anse Chastanet and Jalousie Hilton in St. Lucia (optional all-inclusive), Caneel Bay (in St. John, optional MAP), Cap Juluca and Cuisinart (optional MAP, FAP, optional packages that include meals) etc. <BR> <BR>So my question are: <BR>How much tip, if any do you leave in a place that has an optional meal plan? <BR> <BR>Is there a difference in the amount of tip you leave when staying at a high-end resort, as compared to a moderate resort? For example, do you assume that a place like Biras, Little Dix, Cap Juluca, Cuisinart, Jumby Bay, Anse Chastanet, Jalousie Hilton, is more likely to share a substantial portion of your meal plan with their waitstaff than more moderate places? <BR> <BR>P.S. - I think this issue is VERY different than leaving a tip at an all-inclusive in Mexico or Dominican Republic. When we stayed in Mexico in an AI we would usually tip for each meal $1-2 for breakfast, $2-3 for lunch, $3-5 for dinner, and we would tip the waitstaff that brings you drinks to the beach/pool/lounge, as well as tip the chambermaid $2-3.

When we go to Aruba the tips in the majority of restaurants are added to the bill. These tips are split among the entire staff: waiter, buspeople, bartender, cooks, dishwashers. For good to exceptional service we always leave an extra 20% for the server.

Very good question. My understanding is that a 20% gratuity is included in the cost of the meal plan at Caneel Bay, but this issue of whether or not anything additional is required, has also left me somewhat confused. I frequently face the same dilemma when ordering hotel room service (for which the bill generally seems to include an 18% gratuity plus a $1 "delivery fee"). My initial instinct is not to tip more in these situations (at least not the waitstaff) unless the service is truly exceptional. Yet at the same time I always feel somewhat guilty about it. In many cases, I get the sense that an additional tip is expected and that I'm somehow viewed as a cheapskate if I don't oblige. <BR> <BR>We are not wealthy, and when we're able to take nice vacations it's generally because we scrimped and saved all year long. I definitely think the waitstaff deserve appropriate compensation for their work (I used to waitress myself in college) but we can't afford to *routinely* tip at rates over 20%. I have to admit, it makes me a little angry when this seems to be the expectation--regardless of the level of service provided. I think I would almost rather have the gratuity not included at all. At least then things would be clear. In such a situation, I suspect most customers would be appreciated for leaving a 20% tip, as opposed to being resented for not leaving 30% or 40%. Am I just out of touch? Is 20% now considered too low for service in nice restaurants?

I do not like the idea that the "tip" is added in; it just defeats the whole idea. But when gratuity is already added in (and it is usually at around 18%) I do not leave an additional tip unless the service was exceptional in some way, or I would have left more of a tip anyway (i.e., if 15% gratuity was added in and I think 20% is more called for) ... I do not see any reason to feel guilty about this. (However, I suspect many people do and end up giving an additional tip, therefore tipping at a much higher rate than they normally would have.) I wonder how many people leave extra tips and what the tip then becomes ... 25%? ... 30%?

Julie, you voice precisiely my point! No one wants to screw the waitstaff, but no one wants to pay tip twice! So what do we do when we buy an optional meal plan, including breakfast + dinner (and sometimes lunch). Most resorts have some sort of meal plan or package that includes meals. Are tips included, should a little extra be left, should the full 15-20% extra be left? This is critical information that is needed in order to be able to decide whether a meal plan is worth it or not! Thanks to all for their input, I hope to hear from more of you!

This is a very timely issue as I will soon be at the Four Seasons Nevis where my package does include breakfast and dinner. It specifically states, "taxes and service included, additional gratuities not required". That would lead me to believe that the tip is included, and as the package certainly costs enough, I would prefer to not over tip on top of that if it's not necessary. But I can't help thinking that the waitstaff will expect us to tip, I mean, how do they know that we've already paid for it in our package? So, if I get up from our table at dinner, not having left anything on the line marked "gratuity", won't the staff feel slighted and less likely to provide great service the next night we come to eat?

You pay a service charge on the total package at many of the resorts that you mentioned. The service charge is usually on the meal charges,plans, rooms, etc.

This is even more reason not to take a meal plan. After much debate about the Caneel plan I have finally decided against it. When you are not on the plan, you tip. When you are, who knows? I don't want to double tip, or piss off the wait staff. This whole dilemma makes me feel even better aout not taking the meal plan. but I am curious as to what the expectation REALLY is...

First, I haven't encountered any spots that when adding a service charge for a land stay that adds more than a customary 10% which is then divided up among the staff as management sees fit according to their own formula. Often much of it does not trickle down (kinda like trickle down economics here at home!) to the line staff. Altho it is not expected and not necessary, I find it more comfortable after the first day or so when I have noticed staff who I enjoy working with, to acknowledge their attention with a small gratutity - the wine stewart, the wait staff (I try to stick to one or two preferences since they get to know my preferences), the housekeeper, the matre d', consierge - people who directly impact on my stay. I don't know that it makes a big difference - maybe I would have gotten that waterfront table every meal, or the extra towels, or had my iced tea delivered immediately when I sat down just to name a few things that might not happen!! Then during the stay, I also again share a small gratituity with them! Not at the end of the stay when it won't do you any "good." Staying at high end resorts, that service charge does take a big bite with 10% added on + a 7 or 8% tax! If you are on the economy in a restaurant, some places do add the tip in to the bill. If it is 10% then you add on accordingly. At home 15% is barely minimum anymore with some of the high end places expecting 25%! Personally, I feel that is excessive! I willingly give those who go far beyond what I think would be customary and appropriate service with a gratutity. To be honest, sometimes, I wish we were more comfortable with the service charge as our European counterparts don't have the same hangup! But then, I've been in the presence of Europeans who do tip above the service charge! No, I don't think that high end places are more likely to share more with waitstaff than are more moderate places but I do think that the high end places might have more people to divide it with!! I am likely to leave $5 a day for the housekeeper at a condo resort if she cleans well but if on a service charge, just a small token of appreciation. I have not a clue how one might do it at an a/i but again if someone went above and beyond, I would certainly want to recognize their effort!! The expectation is that they will get from management if you choose not to tip and it is appreciated when you go a bit above and beyond. You have to use some judgment and if someone does the minimum, so be it! If someone really goes out of their way for you, altho at the prices of some of the places it should be the standard, it should be rewarded appropriately. And no one can tell another what is appropriate as there is no standard rule!!

I just returned from the Princess Beach Resort and Casino in Curacao, where I paid for an all-inclusive meal plan for my husband and I. We stayed in a deluxe ocean front room and the whole trip was not cheap. <BR> <BR>Having stayed at all-inclusives before where you just walk up to the bar or sit down to dinner and get your food/drink and walk away when you are done, we were quite surprised when we were presented a "bill" for our item, with a HUGE line marked TIP:__________. We were very shocked as the service charge is usually included with AI's and you may tip the help at your discretion for exceptional service. Of course, we always added a tip, so as not to look like cheapskates (which we arent' otherwise I never would have paid for their AI package!). After 8 days of presenting us with a "bill" of $50 to $90 (depending on whether lunch or dinner), our total was several hundred dollars at checkout. <BR> <BR>We were told that we were presented a "bill" for "internal control purposes". Yes, I can imagine that to be true, however, I also believe that it is also done to be able to pay the help less, since they will be receiving tips. <BR> <BR>While the resort was beautiful (as was the island), I would not pay for an "all-inclusive" package there again. At least not until they worked it out differently. We usually just tip exceptionally helpful staff at the end of a stay at the resort in one larger sum. They have always remembered us on subsequent visits! <BR> <BR>Sue

The answer is simple. If you pay a 15% to 18% charge for service on the food and bar then nothing more is required or expected. This is the same as in most areas of Europe. If you want to give away money most will take it gladly. If you have asked for services that are completely out of the norm then it is fair to provide something in the way of thanks. If you are please with all of the services when you leave, we have found that most quality places around the world have a Christmas fund. You can leave a hundred or more dollars there and it will be fairly spread around. Some places have special funds for local children and schools. Check with the local manager and he will help you. Also, if you want to fairly leave cash for specific people such as the room maids or kitchen staff, give it to the manager and he will see that the proper people get it. Believe me in the quality places in the Caribbean one of the major task of the local manager is to see that the staff is fairly treated and happy. If he doesn't he will not be there long. You are free to add more but we have been always welcomed without additional tipping. Pehaps, since we mostly travel off season, they are just happy to see anybody. There are places in the world where tipping is not the custom and where it would be resented. If in doubt ask the manager of the place you are staying. The information will be most likely better than that you receive on a forum even though Fodors is one of the best. An interesting note, in some areas of the Caribbean there is a local tax on the room alone as in the USA. If the bill is done correctly, the room with tax will be figured, then the service will be figured on the room rate alone and then the service will be figured on the food and bar without the room tax. When you pay a flat charge for everything it doesn't really matter how it is calculation as it is what it is.

If it is AI you should NOT be fretting about what tips to leave- they ARE included.Leave something at the end for anyone who you really think went that "extra mile" if you want to. Americans spoil it for everyone else with their obsession for what to tip, it seems to dominate their holidays. What should be a relaxing time then becomes stressful. You will also find that many people from the Caribbean (and worldwide ) secretly hate the Americans and the way they can throw money away.Large tips during their stay make them think its OK to treat the staff in a most condescending way. we do leave some tips at the end but find that we are treated well anyway during the stay. Talk to the staff as human beings, be polite and you should have no problems. <BR>

I think that there are those islanders who are resentful of the "rich" tourists who stay for a week in high end accomodations and then have to go home to live in some of the conditions that the poor economy of their country provides for them but the overwhelming majority are not resentful and do not "hate" Americans. The only island I found any disdain for Americans was Aruba with the "characters" they sold making fun of the tourists and an overall "attitude" problem toward everyone! But that may stem from the cultural problems with oil based economy they had there for years!! Of course, no one likes those who push and display bank rolls to impress others and the staff - and they don't realize that they are only impressing themselves - no matter WHAT country they are from! "Class" is not a matter of money! Most staff do appreciate or at least act appreciatively of any gratituity if it is given with a genuine thank you. But, true, it is most important to recognize staff by name and treat them as human beings, not servants! You do get more flies with honey than vinegar! I am amazed at people who try to think up gifts that they can take staff of an a/i since staff at some are not allowed to take tips! You do what feels "right" and "comfortable" and if somebody goes out of their way to do something out of the ordinary, it is perfectly acceptable for Americans and others to tip. No one spoils it for anyone else unless they let it! Ask right up front what the policy is where you are staying! They will be frank and you will not feel as uncomfortable. You know it's funny, but many times my dh and I have "discussed" tip amounts when service has been extremely poor somewhere at home and it would be a good thing if they did away with it altogether with the owner or the establishment paying a living wage - but then I guess the price would just go up!

To Karen: <BR>I wholeheartedly agree with your last comment about doing away with tips and owners being forced to pay a living wage. If only it could be enforced then the poor waiting staff would not have to rely on tips (and everyone else can stop worrying about what to tip!!)

Thanks to everyone who has responded so candidly to my question. I'm still confused, but one great "take-away" message is to ask one of the local managers and to reward employees when they do something really nice.

When I pay for an all-inclusive package, which clearly states that the tips are included, then I don't leave more tip unless there is some extraordinary service. <BR> <BR>If I am in a restaurant in a foreign country, and it states that the tip or "service" is included, then I don't leave more tip. (Although is some countries it is usual to leave small change.) <BR> <BR>As long as I know that I have paid a fair and customary price for customary service, then my conscience is clear and I feel that paying more is unreasonable. <BR> <BR>BTW, the brochure for Caneel Bay (for 1998) states that "package rates are subject to a 16% surcharge. This surcharge covers all room tax, service charges and meal plan gratuities."

Okay, so I see certain people view tips as basically bribes to get preferential service, not to reward good service evenly offered. I show my appreciation at the end of my stay because I can more accurately judge the quality of the service. It's not supposed to do me any "good" at that point. It's supposed to show appreciation for a job well done.

FYI to all--I re-checked Caneel Bay's web site a few minutes ago for info about gratuities. There is a 10% surcharge which includes gratuities to all staff *except* waitstaff for the restaurant, bar, and room service. So I guess tips for waitstaff aren't included in the meal plans after all. This makes their meal plan much more expensive than I originally thought.

TIP = To Insure Promptness. After the fact? Ends the "guessing" game with the staff and puts it right up front that you are appreciative and will acknowledge the above and beyond. And who knows if it gets you "more" as a guest but I prefer to do it several times rather than one lump sum at the end! And staff do have days off and differing schedules so that I feel more comfortable dealing directly and discretely with those with whom I have dealt with! You don't buy insurance after you need it!! Some people prefer calling it "behavior modification." LOL Yup, if a few dollars might make a difference - and maybe it will, maybe it won't - you betcha I'm gonna take care of those who take care of me!! Ever wonder why some tables, people seem to fare better? And that's a fact of life where there is tipping no matter what you call it!

Calm down Karen, peolpe ARE allowed to disagree with you, and sometimes you CAN let it go! Geeezzzzzz.