myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Can anyone advise on the situation regarding tipping at all-inclusive resorts. We are staying at the Grafton Beach followed by the Blue Haven. Do you normally tip and if so, who? Waiters, barstaff, housekeeping?
When we were on our last holiday in St Lucia, tips were already included at the resort, hence the question.

Good question.

I cannot speak for the norm, but this is my way of doing it ...

I agree a price and I pay it to the provider ... should I feel compelled to tip (which is rare) I leave tipping to the last minute and it is always in cash and paid directly to the individual appointed by the provider to provide the service (I never trust the provider to pass on the tips) as follows:-


To cleaners I leave a treat under the pillow before I leave with a little note of thanks ... plus any useful bits and bobs that I cannot take home.

To waiters I slip them one, but prefer to buy them a drink if they accept, but company policy may refrain them from accepting.


The point is ... if you think someone gives you that bit extra and you feel compelled to do something about it, do it but do not give it to the management.

Also, always leave it until the end.

The thought that tips are included in the price is interesting to me ?!?

Hi Graham

I'm with Paul all the way. You might find our article on the subject of interest.

Even when the price you are quoted at a hotel states that 'service/gratuity is included', this proportion of what you pay very rarely finds its way back to the hotel staff, who are instead paid a flat salary regardless of how many visitors they serve. Please bear in mind that many of the workers in the hospitality industry here are earning in the region of TT$70 - 80 per day, roughly 7 - 8 GBP!

While I don't want to criticize the system, the increasing number of guests now staying on the island "All Inclusive" has affected the income of a good proportion of workers in the tourism sector who depend on a little extra from tips and gratuities - not just hotel staff but taxi drivers, restaurant staff, and others. Please bear this in mind, and if you enjoy Tobago then encourage local industry by utilizing local services where you can, and rewarding good service direct to the individual.

Hear, hear!

I went AI just once when I first went to Tobago, at the Rex which was great ... gave me the chance to get to know the place.

Since then, I have always researched and used local services for accommodation, trips, car hire, food etc ... everything.

I have never set foot in any other resort ... except when I swam into the Coco Reef beach from Store Bay once just for a little snoop !!

I have to admit that I do like return to the Rex on some mornings so that I can 'pig out' on their glorious breakfasts ... YUM YUM.

Hi Graham,I have been AI at the Grafton and settled it by buying the guys on the bar a drink and tipping the chambermaid personally.There are just to many waiting staff to give tips to.David