Do the employees at these all inclusive resorts really expect a tip or not? Supposeldy it is included in the price, but when you find out how hard these people work for so little, you want to tip. Any advice?

For the best peace of mind, don't tip. I stayed a week at Sandals St. Lucia. I kept thinking that I should tip. I live in NY and if it moves or draws breath, you tip it. The only thing more uncomfortable than not tipping was the moment when I placed them in an awkward position as to whether to take it. I stayed in a suite with a fully stocked complimentary bar. When we left, we told the person helping with our bags to take what he wanted. He told me that it wasn't worth it because if they ever got wind of it, he would be fired summarily. It would have been easier just not to offer. Easier for everyone.

Do they expect the tip, probably not. Do they appreciate it, absolutely! I find a tip offered at appropriate times will ensure the continued good will during the stay. I certainly would never invite an employee to "help themselves" to an amenity available or provided for the guests. If I have purchased sodas, water, unopened snacks, I do leave them for the staff when leaving but that small service charge (usually 10%) does not come close to what you would be tipping at home for gracious, courteous and friendly service!! I will tip early in the trip, maybe once or twice during the stay (depending on the length and how often the employee provides a service) and at unexpected times and a nominal sum at departure. And definately at restaurants that customarily add on the 10% if I am not at an A/I.

We have stayed at Couples many times and I have never had anyone expect a tip. However, I do tip the scuba guys that make my trip so much fun! We also tip anyone that has gone beyond the call of duty. They always are quite gracious and happy to receive what ever we give.

Technically, both Sandals and SuperClubs prohibit tipping, and indeed can be fired if management finds out about it. Now, I have certainly seen staff at both resorts accept tips given discreetly, but if you are contemplating Sandals or SuperClubs, I would advise following the rules and not tipping. In my humble opinion, there are too many people expecting tips for everything [a whole 'nother topic] so I truly appreciate a place where tips are not expected. However, if you go off the resort or participate in a cost-added, non-included activity [like scuba] then I would tip, but not staff employed by the resort.

we have stayed at several all-inclusives and have found the tipping policy to vary. Check with your travel agent or at the front desk for their policy and abide by it. <BR> <BR>On the other hand, we were told at Ciboney that the best thing you can do for a aprticular employee that provided excellent service is to leave a note at the end of your stay, praising the service. Many of the resorts "reward" the outstanding employees. So we try to make it a practice to learn the name of the employee who has made our stay more enjoyable, and let the establishment know that they have done so.

I know that many A/I resorts prohibit tipping, but what about little gifts? Things like coloring books, crayons and small toys for children, knee-high stockings, small bottles of toiletries, blank tapes, etc? Does the giving of such small gifts help? What about tipping maids when you leave the resort? I usually leave some money in an envelope for the housekeeper when we leave.