Tipping at Sandals Resorts: Who, When, and How Much

Tipping service workers like waitstaff, bellhops, and housekeepers is standard practice. However, tipping at Sandals Resorts works differently: there is a no-tipping policy, with a few notable exceptions. In this blog post, we will explain who and when you can tip at Sandals Resorts, how much to tip, and provide recommendations on maximizing your tipping experience. We will also answer other common questions about the tipping policy at Sandals Resorts.

Tipping on the Way to Sandals Resorts

Tipping begins before you arrive at Sandals. Below are some situations in which tipping may be appropriate.

Luggage Carrying Services at the Airport

Upon landing at your destination’s airport, you may be greeted by attendants who offer to carry your luggage. These attendants are not Sandals employees but are very insistent on helping those heading to resorts (especially Sandals Resorts in Jamaica). While you are not obligated to use their services, if you do, don’t forget to tip them. A few dollars will suffice for their excellent service.

Transfer Shuttle Drivers

The cost of the transfer shuttle from the airport is included in your room rate at Sandals. However, it’s customary to tip the shuttle driver. While there’s no set amount, a few dollars based on the level of service is a nice gesture.

Cab Drivers and Private Drivers

If you choose to take a taxi instead of the free shuttle, remember that tipping taxi drivers is customary. Be sure to have some cash on hand for this.

Tipping Policy at Sandals Resort Properties

The tipping process at Sandals Resorts has a few nuances you need to know.

About Sandals No-Tipping Policy

The cost of Sandals already includes tipping, so there’s no need to tip most employees you encounter during your stay. In fact, Sandals maintains a no-tipping policy for the majority of its employees. Among them are maids, bellhops, concierge, bartenders, and wait staff, as they are already getting paid for their service. Since employees could get fired for accepting a tip, the best option for everyone’s sake is to play by the rules and not attempt to tip Sandals employees.

On our first trip to Sandals, my wife Jaimie and I were unaware of this policy. We were pleasantly surprised by the level of service we received without the need for additional tipping.

Exceptions to Sandals No-Tips Policy

Tipping Butlers at Sandals Resorts

Butler service at Sandals is an exception to the no-tipping policy. If you book a room in a Butler category, you will be assigned two or three butlers to assist you throughout your stay. It is customary to tip them for their service.

Red Line Spa Employees

Red Line Spa employees are also an exception because they are part of a third-party company. A 12.5% gratuity is automatically included in their invoices, but you can increase this if you choose.

Barbados Employees

Under Barbados law, tipping cannot be prohibited. Therefore, Sandals employees based in Barbados can accept tips without penalty. Despite this, Sandals still discourages the practice.

These are the only three exceptions to the no-tipping policy; all other Sandals employees should not be tipped, and many wear buttons around the resort to remind you of this. If you don’t use the spa or book a Butler-level room, you’ll save money on a Sandals vacation since you won’t be tipping at all during your stay.

Tipping Off Sandals Resort Property

When off Sandals property, follow the same tipping practices as you would at home. Tip non-Sandals service providers such as tour guides, wait staff, and bartenders. Cash is preferred as many local businesses may not accept credit cards.

Tipping on Excursions

Island Routes is an independent tour company offering excursions for Sandals guests. We recommend tipping Island Routes employees for their excellent service. Cash is the preferred method for these tips.

How Much Should You Tip Sandals Butlers and Spa Employees?

Tipping Sandals Butlers: How Much?

Sandals’ blog post on 6/10/21 suggested that guests tip their butlers $20 – $25 daily, depending on how good their service was. Considering inflation, we recommend $25 – $30 per butler daily.

Tipping Spa Employees: How Much?

We recommend tipping Red Line Spa employees 15-20%, depending on your satisfaction with the service. Remember to check your invoice, as a 12.5% gratuity charge is automatically included.

Tipping Non-Sandals Employees: How Much?

Tip cab drivers, tour guides, and off-property wait staff at least 15%, similar to standard practices at home.

When and How to Tip Bulters at Sandals Resorts

Daily Tipping for Butlers

We recommend tipping your butlers daily. This ensures that the butler on duty receives their tip and allows you to reward the butlers based on their individual service.

How to Tip Butlers: Cash or Credit?

The preferred method of tipping butlers at Sandals Resorts is cash. US dollars are accepted at all Sandals Resorts locations, and cash is easier to split between butlers. You can allocate tips as you wish, and butlers prefer it, too, since they don’t have to pay taxes on cash tips on the islands where Sandals are located.

If you prefer to pay with a credit card, you can do that at the front desk. However, it is a somewhat complicated procedure, and you cannot pay day by day.

We recommend cash since it gives you more flexibility and control, the butlers appreciate it, and it is just easier overall.

Are Butlers Necessary at Sandals?

Sure, you could carry your luggage and pour your drinks, but where’s the fun in that? When you’re on vacation or a Sandals honeymoon, you should be able to relax and enjoy yourself, and that’s where butler service comes in.

At Sandals, the team of skilled and professional butlers are there to attend to your every need, whether it’s unpacking your bags or making sure you always have a refreshing drink by the pool. And don’t worry – it’s only weird for a short time. After a few hours of being waited on hand and foot, you’ll start to feel like royalty. So go ahead and enjoy butler service – it’s what they’re there for!

Although butlers are wonderful, they are more of a luxury than anything else. Sandals staff will always be happy to assist you, regardless of whether you have a butler room or a room in another category. Even among Sandals’ cheapest resorts, the level of royal service is hard to match.