This is one of the more informative videos on a confusing all-inclusive subject. We tip each butler $25 per day for each day they work, you will typically have two butlers each day. If anyone does something above and beyond we recognize that with a little extra at the end. We put the money, with a thank you note, in an envelope and give it to each butler the last time we see them. The butlers usually service 6 - 8 rooms at a time so keep that in mind when asking them for something.
In 2019 we stayed at the Royal Barbados it is was our third time at a Sandals but the first time having Butlers. We were not sure if it was the right choice at first but we really ended up enjoying the experience. We had 3 Butlers over the week and all went above the call. Now we only book Butler rooms.
Solid advice. These are hardworking people with families certainly rigs true. I think the only other modification would be the additional gift idea. Ultimately cash is best in the strange economic times due to the pandemic. If you have space for a gift consider other options to contribute towards the "Pack for a Purpose" program which brings much needed supplies to local island communities. The Sandals Foundation and the resorts will assist in the redistribution.
Hi Tim! Yes indeed! I would note that the additional gift is an "on top of" tipping and not in lieu of whatsoever; these often don't have monetary value but are tokens of additional appreciation. Great mention of the "Pack for a Purpose" program; the pandemic has thrown much of the Foundation's regular initiatives into chaos lately, but we have a video coming in the near future once things are quasi-normal again about this and other elements like the reading trips, etc. :)
If I am wanting to play a round of golf while we are at Sandals Ochi, is this something I should schedule ahead of our arrival or is this something our butler can get scheduled when we arrive? What's the best way to do this?
I read somewhere else that tipping for others besides butlers is allowed at the Barbados resorts by law, but discouraged by Sandals. What are your thoughts on this, and will tipping bothers result in better service?
Yes, Barbados law doesn’t allow Sandals to fire someone for accepting tips like at other destinations. However, it is still strongly discouraged. I always tell my clients to treat Barbados like anywhere else Sandals in terms of tipping: only spa, butlers, and offsite. I’ve never had issues myself or had clients who did. :)
What about the wedding coordinator on site. We chose to Re-tie the knot for our 25th anniversary. We are doing the ceremony with the cocktail reception, honeymoon breakfast and dinner; however it is just us two. No guests. What is the tipping policy for the wedding planner, officiant, photographer and server?
Forgot to mention we are staying at Sandals Montego Bay in a swim up butler suite for 7 nights/8 days. We plan on tipping our Butler at the end of the stay; we wanted to tip our Redlane Spa massagers and hair and makeup ladies, but was told not to.
You can tip anyone outside the resort like transfer driver or excursions guide. For these folks you mentioned, only butlers and spa staff. No tips for wedding team, photographers, event staff, etc. Whoever said that about spa is very misinformed; in fact, all treatments through the spa team have an automatic gratuity added.
Thank you for answering this question I’ve been worried about as a 19 year old that has made it well enough to afford a butler suite. looking forward too it in September!!!
Great to see you here Alex! Yes indeed - I consider this a "butler" in my book and always recommend to my clients they are tipped like a regular butler. See you around! :)
Hello! It looks like my reply didn't save, so here's again: I recommend a minimum of $20/day in total. The averages for my clients in 2021 have been $20/day for entry-type butler suites (like cheap Ochi suites), $30/day for mid-tier suites or entry butler suite at top resorts, and $50/day for higher end and more exclusive butler suites. It does, however, all depend on each client but these are the averages. I always suggest leaving cash in an envelope in the Sandals lounge and the concierge will divide between butlers to simplify! :)
Hi Kimmy, great question! So, first and foremost a reminder that cash is king and a tip is the greatest appreciation. Tokens from home are a great "extra" step of showing personal gratitude on top of a butler tip; I've seen local delicacies, art, hand-made specialty clothing, cool stationary and more! :)
Great question! For renting a cabana with a butler, you might consider this a loophole which would be at the resort's discretion, but usually allowed. A tip for this would be given when signing for the cabana. :)
$20 USD is the low-end average on my most recent survey for daily tips per *room*. I would note that mid-tier and higher-tier butler suites should probably consider upping the tips further, if able. :) Thanks for coming by the channel; I hope yo help you with your next Sandals vacation! :)
Yes, per room, so per couple. :) As with any tipping, it is a large optional spectrum to allow folks the ability to show gratitude in a personal way that reflects your own appreciation. :)
@@MrTraveLux we had two different butler everyday cause they worked in shifts. We had a total of 3 with us when we stayed for 5 nights. Is $20 per butler per day or $10/$10 each?
Hi, the strict no tipping policy does not apply for spa, tours (3rd party) or butlers, hence this video. I assure you this info is correct; I service thousands of Sandals clients and visit dozens of the resorts each and every year. :)
Hello! Yes, with the exception of spa and butler it means precisely that. A restaurant server who accepted tips could jeopardize their employment at many of the resorts. The way to tip these folks is through the LOOP app using the “compliments” section; these comments go directly to management and allow the employees to compete for bonuses and incentives - all while keeping the level of service exemplary overall!
I'm afraid that there was a misunderstanding and that this is categorically incorrect. After visiting all Sandals/Beaches resorts and assisting thousands of couples annually, this is the first time I've ever heard of someone being told this; all of my clients and I have always tipped our butlers.
Hi there! This video is a few years old now, but I would say that $25/day is more than appropriate in 2023. I have spent hundreds of days at the many Sandals Resorts and helped thousands of guests visit. For example, in Jamaica, minimum wage is currently $255 per MONTH. Butlers get paid well and each have multiple guests, as the coveted position in the resort working culture. On top of getting paid well above minimum wage, tips from various couples at the resorts help them make truly coveted money. There is no need for extreme 3-figure-per-day tipping at Sandals whatsoever. In 2023, I recommend that guests tip between $25 and $50 per day, depending on the tier of butler suite they stay at. These tips go very far and are well appreciated. Tips are optional (though strongly encouraged) and should simply reflect the gratitude of guests for their butler services! :) ~ Addison
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This is one of the more informative videos on a confusing all-inclusive subject. We tip each butler $25 per day for each day they work, you will typically have two butlers each day. If anyone does something above and beyond we recognize that with a little extra at the end. We put the money, with a thank you note, in an envelope and give it to each butler the last time we see them. The butlers usually service 6 - 8 rooms at a time so keep that in mind when asking them for something.
In 2019 we stayed at the Royal Barbados it is was our third time at a Sandals but the first time having Butlers. We were not sure if it was the right choice at first but we really ended up enjoying the experience. We had 3 Butlers over the week and all went above the call. Now we only book Butler rooms.
Awesome, Mike! I'd say that this is a very common thing. We often joke: "once you go butler, you never go back" haha! :)
Bringing a small gift is a great idea
Solid advice. These are hardworking people with families certainly rigs true.
I think the only other modification would be the additional gift idea. Ultimately cash is best in the strange economic times due to the pandemic.
If you have space for a gift consider other options to contribute towards the "Pack for a Purpose" program which brings much needed supplies to local island communities. The Sandals Foundation and the resorts will assist in the redistribution.
Hi Tim! Yes indeed! I would note that the additional gift is an "on top of" tipping and not in lieu of whatsoever; these often don't have monetary value but are tokens of additional appreciation. Great mention of the "Pack for a Purpose" program; the pandemic has thrown much of the Foundation's regular initiatives into chaos lately, but we have a video coming in the near future once things are quasi-normal again about this and other elements like the reading trips, etc. :)
We tip our butler at Sandals Bahamas very good at the end of our stay. Will only book a butler suite.
Awesome!! :)
If I am wanting to play a round of golf while we are at Sandals Ochi, is this something I should schedule ahead of our arrival or is this something our butler can get scheduled when we arrive? What's the best way to do this?
Hi Mark! Yes, this can certainly be done upon arrival. Golfing is awesome in Jamaica - you will have lots of fun!
Great video. Informative. Thumbs up
I read somewhere else that tipping for others besides butlers is allowed at the Barbados resorts by law, but discouraged by Sandals. What are your thoughts on this, and will tipping bothers result in better service?
Yes, Barbados law doesn’t allow Sandals to fire someone for accepting tips like at other destinations. However, it is still strongly discouraged. I always tell my clients to treat Barbados like anywhere else Sandals in terms of tipping: only spa, butlers, and offsite. I’ve never had issues myself or had clients who did. :)
What about the wedding coordinator on site. We chose to Re-tie the knot for our 25th anniversary. We are doing the ceremony with the cocktail reception, honeymoon breakfast and dinner; however it is just us two. No guests. What is the tipping policy for the wedding planner, officiant, photographer and server?
Forgot to mention we are staying at Sandals Montego Bay in a swim up butler suite for 7 nights/8 days. We plan on tipping our Butler at the end of the stay; we wanted to tip our Redlane Spa massagers and hair and makeup ladies, but was told not to.
You can tip anyone outside the resort like transfer driver or excursions guide. For these folks you mentioned, only butlers and spa staff. No tips for wedding team, photographers, event staff, etc. Whoever said that about spa is very misinformed; in fact, all treatments through the spa team have an automatic gratuity added.
Thank you for answering this question I’ve been worried about as a 19 year old that has made it well enough to afford a butler suite. looking forward too it in September!!!
How about tipping your house keepers
Hi Michael, no this is not permitted at Sandals. Have a great day!
I love your videos! Informative and fun 😁 I'm ready for vacation today!!! 😆
Let's go!!! :) You will find me in Jamaica next week!!
I am a Club Sandals Concierge. If you rent a Cabana at Sandals Negril, it is expected that the Cabana Butler/Server is tipped.
Great to see you here Alex! Yes indeed - I consider this a "butler" in my book and always recommend to my clients they are tipped like a regular butler. See you around! :)
So is it 20$ per day per butler? Our last trip we had 3 butlers that we saw equally everyday.
Hello! It looks like my reply didn't save, so here's again: I recommend a minimum of $20/day in total. The averages for my clients in 2021 have been $20/day for entry-type butler suites (like cheap Ochi suites), $30/day for mid-tier suites or entry butler suite at top resorts, and $50/day for higher end and more exclusive butler suites. It does, however, all depend on each client but these are the averages. I always suggest leaving cash in an envelope in the Sandals lounge and the concierge will divide between butlers to simplify! :)
What sort of trinkets, or gifts 🎁 can we bring coming from California for our butlers? I’m drawing a blank.
Hi Kimmy, great question! So, first and foremost a reminder that cash is king and a tip is the greatest appreciation. Tokens from home are a great "extra" step of showing personal gratitude on top of a butler tip; I've seen local delicacies, art, hand-made specialty clothing, cool stationary and more! :)
What about renting a cabana with a butler? Can you tip them and should you do that at checkout also?
Great question! For renting a cabana with a butler, you might consider this a loophole which would be at the resort's discretion, but usually allowed. A tip for this would be given when signing for the cabana. :)
Thank you for the great video! is the 20.00 or so per day per person or per couple?
$20 USD is the low-end average on my most recent survey for daily tips per *room*. I would note that mid-tier and higher-tier butler suites should probably consider upping the tips further, if able. :) Thanks for coming by the channel; I hope yo help you with your next Sandals vacation! :)
@@MrTraveLux Thank you for following up, $20.00 was what you mentioned in the video, whatever the amount is it per person or per couple?
Yes, per room, so per couple. :) As with any tipping, it is a large optional spectrum to allow folks the ability to show gratitude in a personal way that reflects your own appreciation. :)
@@MrTraveLux we had two different butler everyday cause they worked in shifts. We had a total of 3 with us when we stayed for 5 nights. Is $20 per butler per day or $10/$10 each?
Sandals has a strict no tipping policy so I'm not sure where this information is coming from.
Hi, the strict no tipping policy does not apply for spa, tours (3rd party) or butlers, hence this video. I assure you this info is correct; I service thousands of Sandals clients and visit dozens of the resorts each and every year. :)
when you say tipping others is forbidden, who does that include? is tipping at the restaurants or room service expected?
Hello! Yes, with the exception of spa and butler it means precisely that. A restaurant server who accepted tips could jeopardize their employment at many of the resorts. The way to tip these folks is through the LOOP app using the “compliments” section; these comments go directly to management and allow the employees to compete for bonuses and incentives - all while keeping the level of service exemplary overall!
@@MrTraveLux thank you sir
we were told not to tip our butler ??? we usually tip but was told at our sandals resort not to and would be rejected
I'm afraid that there was a misunderstanding and that this is categorically incorrect. After visiting all Sandals/Beaches resorts and assisting thousands of couples annually, this is the first time I've ever heard of someone being told this; all of my clients and I have always tipped our butlers.
@@MrTraveLux that is great to know for the future as we have booked to go to another Sandals resort for 2023 with butler service.
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$20 a day is not enough. Not sure where you got that from.
Hi there! This video is a few years old now, but I would say that $25/day is more than appropriate in 2023. I have spent hundreds of days at the many Sandals Resorts and helped thousands of guests visit. For example, in Jamaica, minimum wage is currently $255 per MONTH. Butlers get paid well and each have multiple guests, as the coveted position in the resort working culture. On top of getting paid well above minimum wage, tips from various couples at the resorts help them make truly coveted money. There is no need for extreme 3-figure-per-day tipping at Sandals whatsoever. In 2023, I recommend that guests tip between $25 and $50 per day, depending on the tier of butler suite they stay at. These tips go very far and are well appreciated. Tips are optional (though strongly encouraged) and should simply reflect the gratitude of guests for their butler services! :) ~ Addison
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