Tipping is absolutely not required but it is common to tip for good service since the staff works so hard.
On the same note, staff are not encouraged to actively/aggressively/repeatedly solicit tips from guests so if you experience this at your resort, please let your agent know.
The following is a guide to tipping averages – tipping is at your discretion and cash is preferred (USD/CAD):
Shuttle Driver/Excursion Bus Driver: $5 each way per couple/family of 4
Restaurant/Pool Wait Staff:
Breakfast Buffet (if a la carte, defer to Lunch recommendation): $3-$5 per table
Lunch: $5-$7 per table
Dinner $10-$15 per table
Around the pool/beach during the day: $15-$20 a day for a couple/family of 4
Bartenders: $1-$2 per drink or before you leave the bar if you plan to stay for a while, especially if you’re ordering cocktails!
Housekeeping staff *:
Daily housekeeper: $5 a day (leave at the end of your stay in your room before checking out, most hotels provide an envelope)
Turndown: $3 a day (leave in your room on your last night before heading out to dinner, most hotels provide an envelope )
Mini-bar: if you ask for something special or unique, a few dollars would be a nice gesture when you ask or when you receive it!
Spa Staff: Customary 20%+ per treatment, just as in the U.S. - charge to your room or pay at the time of service.
Butler: if your room has a butler, chat with your agent about the appropriate tip.
Off-property tour guides: at your discretion based on the service provided.
*Resorts usually have separate staff for each of these 3 housekeeping tasks, it is not the same person attending to these items.
