Typical tip/gratuity size?

[jcrd1970]

Subject says it all ... tipping is optional, but highly appreciated. How much do you typically throw down for good service (drinks, room cleaning, etc)?

[JCnBadboy]

The cost of living is the same in Mexico as it is in Canada, Higher than the US. Go into any store and look at the average groceries, clothing and other items that you might buy and compare them in Cancun. They are the same, and slightly higher on some items. The wages on the other hand, are not in line with the cost of living.
It is the custom to tip as you would at home for good service. Dont tip for bad service. If you normally tip 10% then that is what it should be. If it is less than that... then maybe consider to increase that a wee bit for the trip. If you tip well, for good service, you will receive good service. Always. Word gets around. And they will remember you for the next visit, and all visits after that. Its just good business.

[gandsl425]

We also tip for good service, but after four trips to Desire I can't say that we have ever had bad service. Suppose that is one of many reasons we keep going back.

Anyway, our tips average $2.00 per bag for bell service, $5.00 a day for maid service, $1.00 to 2.00 for drink service, and $5.00 - $10.00 for meal service per couple (although we have had exceptional service for dinners and tipped more than that).

[/u]

[randefl]

Just got back on the 30th 4th trip. We figure since its all-inclusive. We wait till the last day or two and gave 5 to 20 to the ones we got special service from

[oldseadog]

Just a thought; but if you only tip those who give you better service personally, what about the people behind the scenes? Why should the guy who slices the onions not get a tip while the waiter that brings the sliced onions to you gets something? What about the gardeners?
We tend to leave envelopes marked "garden staff" or "kitchen staff" or whatever at the front desk when we leave.

[Yankeefan]

the biggest tip we leave is to Matilda. she is our favorite and the way she makes our omlets every morning is 100% perfect every time. the greatest feeling we get at Desire is watching her expression when we pull her aside at the end of our trip and give her a little hug and slip a 20 into her hand. you would have thought she hit the lottery the way she reacts. its a small token for the hardest working lady on campus! thats how we feel anyway.

[tannaked]

Have to agree with you YF. After 6 trips, number 7 coming up next month, she has the Tabasco ready for my eggs as soon as she sees me at breakfast. Have also seen that look of appreciation when she gets her tip from us.

[laurakeith61]

About a month or so before we leave, we begin saving $1 and 5$ bills, taking with us about $100-150 in small demoninations. I tip a dollar for drinks, $2 to 3 for breakfast (plus $2 or so to the omlet lady), and $5-10 for dinners, and a $20 to the cleaning lady as we leave. We try to get rid of all the tipping money before we leave and spread it around, even to the trabajadors who rake up the seaweed in the mornings. Small price to pay for being at the world's best resort.