We're w/ you on this. I usually bring 100, $2.00 bills w/ me + a couple of $20.00 for our favorite bartender. Works out fine. Also tip the maids large chocolate bars every other day along w/ the tip of a few dollars. They all seem to be happy!
I'm really shocked by this. In the past we have tipped one waiter, the only waiter we have had for the last 4 years at the buffet. Even on our first day after a year away he remembers our morning lunch and dinner drink preferences. The bar staff has always been very friendly, fun and entertaining. As you read alot of post most of us like to go to the same bartenders. I hope they haven't left and I sure hope this is the start of a trend for them. Customer service has always been one of my selling point for the resort. Maybe they were having an off week, I hope. One thing I haven't seen on here is tipping the activities staff. I know they make a little more than the rest, but these guys work just as hard to keep you entertained, involved and informed. I like to tip them about $20 a week.
In short we tip for service and our appreciation for the extra things. Pool bar staff gets tipped twice daily ($5-$10), usually early and when we go back to the room for a “power nap”. Night Bartenders half way through our bar time and the amount varies on service. Maids are tipped two or three times during our 10 day stay. We are more generous at the specialty Restaurants, depends on the size of the group, the service, and how obnoxious we are. I would say it averages out to about $5.00 per person, per visit. Several times over the years we have given very large tips to (honest) employees who went out of their way to solve/prevent a problem. Normally we will drop lots of extra $1 & $5 bills on employees during the trip for extra service. It is my understanding that all the employees must “share” the tips earned, so in the end giving it to one particular person is not possible. If someone has better information please let me know. Never tipped Entertainment Staff, (not that we did not want to, did not know if it was proper) we could not find out if people did this and how much. Cal
Mike and Melissa, We were pretty shocked too. We have been reading this thread every single day since November to prepare for our trip and really wanted to get the great service and tip for it....a mutual appreciation if you will. The staff was great and helpful but we really didn't get the "have your drink waiting for you service". There were really only 3 servers that we got to know by name. We sat in the same place every time at the buffet, so it wasn't like we were changing spots and got different waiters. We were only at the sexy pool during the day....so no pool hopping. We did get a surprise at Patty O's the second night we were there....we had asked for a rainbow shot....told no (no big deal, I knew that these were made only in bulk and sometimes the bartenders could not accomodate the request), so we asked for Mexican Blow Jobs, told no, asked for kamakazie's, told no...someone we were with finally said...ok, how about straight tequilla shots......we were told NO! We couldn't believe it. We were kind of put off from going to Patty O's after that. We did go, but didn't really hang out there at night. We are totally cool people too....not really sure what happened. They were not slammed busy when this happened...especially just to pour straight tequilla. Still had a fabulous and amazing time, we will just tip differently next trip
Tfordy I just wonder what's changed or is this an isolated incident. I have always enjoyed the A+ service in the past and if that has changed I will be disappointed. Cal So you mean all those times I thought I was tipping just one guy he still has to share it? I tip them all but when you have that one guy that takes great care of you, you want him to have a little more. That's not fair
They told you no for simple shots?? I know the rainbow ones are time consuming, komokazies and blow jobs?? totally easy!! a shot of Teq..even easier!! Was there a new sign hanging up saying *these are the ONLY drinks we will be making, dont ask for anything else* this is why we never have tipped the way some people have claimed they do. That sucks you got treated like that. Poor service and the *do as less as possible* job attitude sucks.
In the past if the bartenders are really busy, they have refused certain types of drinks. I have seen that “no” turned into a “Yes” with a large enough tip. As for sharing tips, I was told it was to promote co-operation between work teams. This may have changed, so if someone knows for sure please share that information. Cal
Dropping a nice tip only to become invisible sounds bad & I would adjust my future tips accordingly. I can't say that I have not felt the same way a couple of times. But for the most part have had great service. Your service may be even better on your next trip. I am going to tip according to the service I receive. Tipping Chinos & Chris is always a great idea. Buy a couple of the shirts they are selling if you not comfortable with a tip.
We tip between $100 and $150 per 7 day trip. Tip the bartender, maid, leave a couple bucks in the fridge each day for the guy that stocks it, and the wait staff. eally can't say or even care if it the service is better if I tip or not, I'm so happy to be out of Iowa in march that if the food is edible and the drinks are cold I'm good.
