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- There Are Even More Gifts You Can Give The Staff At An All-Inclusive Resort!
Bringing gifts for the staff at your favorite all-inclusive resort isn't a necessity. After all, you've prepaid for just about every aspect of your stay already. Still, many travelers want to show the staff just how exceptional and appreciated they are (and, hopefully, they really are!).
Beyond saying thank you, travelers often like to give gifts to the people who work the front desk, clean their rooms, serve their food, and more. Obviously, it's even more common if you're a repeat visitor to the property and have grown to really care for the employees there.
But what would the people working at all-inclusive resorts really want as gifts? Needs and wants can vary widely based on the country you're traveling in, but here are 17 ideas.
UPDATE: 2023/06/23 17:19 EST BY NOAH STAATS
There Are Even More Gifts You Can Give The Staff At An All-Inclusive Resort!
This article has been refreshed with new gift ideas for the staff at an all-inclusive resort, including compliments to managers, positive Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor reviews, as well as being kind and gracious to them throughout the vacation. Let's continue to spread the love!
17 A Compliment To Their Manager
- Give a compliment to a staff member via their manager.
- On top of a tip, reach out to the property manager/GM and give any well wishes.
One thing someone can do for the staff at an all-inclusive resort is to send a compliment their way via the manager on-site. For instance, a person who appreciates the employees could go up the chain of command, offering a kind message about them to the manager of the hotel. One way to do this is to head down to reception, ask for the manager, and let them know (employee's name) has been more than wonderful during the stay. For instance, if one of the cleaning staff stood out to you during the trip, on top of tipping them: get their name and specifically mention it around to other employees.
Then, the word is able to spread to higher-ups, hopefully after a few times, meaning a raise for that incredible employee.
16 Write A Positive Review Online And Mention The Staff!
- Leave a five-star review on Yelp, Google, TripAdvisor, etc.
- This is a great way to permanently thank a helpful staff member.
One of the next ways to thank the staff at an all-inclusive resort is to leave positive feedback online. Since reviews are often treated like gold by hotel companies and owners, specifically shouting out an employee by name that made the trip memorable is an amazing thing to do. Besides some of these other gifts, the icing on the cake should always be a gleaming review. Yes, this isn't a physical present like a tip, gift card, or flowers: but it makes a world of difference.
15 That Cash Money: Tips Are Always Appreciated
- Tipping hotel staff is the best way to thank them.
- This doesn't have to be exorbitant: many tips are $5-$20.
While many travelers have the best intentions when packing their suitcases full of trinkets, most staff members just want the cold, hard cash. Money is sort of a universal way to show appreciation, and it's the simplest thing you can do for the housekeeping staff or bartender to acknowledge their exceptional service. And odds are, no staff member will be upset about receiving money (if their resort allows it!).
14 Gift Cards Go A Long Way Anywhere You Travel
- Like tips, gift cards to local or chain stores can be a great 'thank you' gift.
- Try to ensure the gift card will work online AND in-store.
Whatever your destination—exotic or otherwise—the people working at the resort are just people. They live their lives, pay their bills, go out to eat, and shop. Giving gift cards is nearly the same as cash, except that you're hoping to treat your favorite bellhop or pool boy to a fancy dinner at a local restaurant or a shopping spree at the mall. Worst case scenario, they can trade the card for cash!
13 Sweet Treats Are Practically Universal
- Leaving candy bars in the room for staff is one way to thank them.
- Cleaning staff may appreciate candy along with a cash tip in the room as someone checks out.
Sweet goodies are another often appreciated item that all-inclusive resort fanatics tend to bring along. This may not be as valuable to your favorite staff member as cash, but a handful of candies (or a fancy gift basket full, your choice!) is a thoughtful gesture. Especially if you're heading somewhere remote, stocking up on chocolates or cookies could be a great option.
12 Cold Beverages For The End Of Their Shift
- Many people mention cold beverages being a nice gift for workers in hotter environments.
- Exterior staff at the resort will appreciate a cool drink at the end of their shift.
Many TripAdvisor forum contributors explained that they went out of their way to buy cold beverages for the resort employees who were working outside. That's one way to go, but you could also invest in miniature alcoholic beverages to leave as gifts. Of course, this will depend on your location and the availability of such items.
11 Souvenirs From Your Home Country Are A Fun Idea
- Personalized gifts from home may be a sweet idea to thank your favorite resort staff.
- This can be something small, like a hand-made craft or local delicacy.
Plenty of commenters on forums at TripAdvisor explain that they often bring souvenirs from their home country or state when traveling to all-inclusive resorts. The idea is that you can give someone at the resort a New York Yankees ball cap or a surfboard keychain from California. Many travelers say these gifts are well-received by staff and are a way of sharing your culture the way they're sharing theirs.
10 Free Coffee In Its Many Forms (We're Lookin' At You, Starbucks)
- Coffee is a nice thank you to hotel staff members.
- Someone could purchase them a drink or ask them what they'd like.
Just about every resort has a Starbucks on-site or at least nearby these days. Heck, even some cruise ships have a Starbucks onboard. And no matter where you are, we guarantee you that the staff will likely appreciate a cup of coffee at the end of their shift (or first thing in the morning). Load up that coffee card and get to gifting.
9 Flowers For Any Occasion, But Especially For Holidays
- Giving resort staff flowers is always a special way to say thank you.
- This is even more important to consider during the holidays.
When it comes to giving a personalized yet not too personal gift, flowers are always a thoughtful gesture. Many commenters in online forums explain that, especially for the ladies on the staff, they like to give flowers. This is especially nice around the holidays, but flowers are apparently a welcome offering any time of the year.
8 Unique Food Items From Your Hometown
- Unique baked goods and snacks from home could be a nice gift for resort staff.
- Avoid perishable items to prevent making someone sick.
Tons of Canadians took to TripAdvisor forums to discuss bringing gifts to places like the Dominican Republic and Mexico. While small pins of the Canadian flag were apparently a hit, other travelers said that maple syrup or maple-flavored candy was something they always handed out and that was received well. Depending on where you're from, try bringing some delicacies from home.
7 Positive Feedback On Your Comment Card (With A Callout By Name
- A handwritten note is a nice way to thank a favorite staff member.
- Comment cards are sometimes left in resort rooms: so feel free to use them.
It doesn't cost you anything, but giving your favorite worker a shoutout on your comment card might have more benefits than you'd think. First, it shows the person you appreciate them. But second, many resorts offer their own rewards to staff members, so acknowledging your favorite service person increases the odds that they'll get these employee perks.
6 Beauty Tools, Makeup, & Skincare Products Are Ideal For Some Staff
- Leaving brand new beauty products could be nice for staff members.
- These, combined with a Sephora, Ulta, or other beauty gift card, may be ideal.
Other commenters in online forums explain that for their female housekeeping staff members, they leave goodie bags with skincare and beauty items. Whether it's a collection of high-quality samples of beauty products or a full set from Bath & Body Works, you can give whatever feels appropriate. It's a nice touch when your housekeeping team keeps you feeling comfy and refreshed throughout your stay.
5 School Supplies Are Helpful In Lower-Income Countries
- School supplies, like pencils, paper, binders, notebooks, backpacks, etc., are perfect gifts for resort staff in smaller, more remote places.
- Make sure the person has children before doing this.
The truth is that the employees at your favorite resort might not be making such a great income. Especially if you're in an economically disadvantaged area or country, you might consider giving more charitable "gifts" to your favorite servers and staff. If you get to know them and learn they have children who might be in need, school supplies could be a helpful present to offer.
4 Hair Ties And Other Small Goodies Might Be Smart
- Smaller gifts are easier for hotel staff to hold onto for the rest of the day.
- Essentially, like hair ties, clips, headbands, bandanas, and other fun trinkets are great ideas.
In areas where the economy isn't so great, novel items like hair clips, headbands, bandanas, and other fun items might be a sweet trinket for your resort staff. Especially for workers who have children, smaller items that they can't find in their local stores are often much appreciated.
3 Movie Tickets Make For A Fun Outing On Their Days Off
- Movie tickets are perfect gifts for staff.
- These, alongside other gift cards and tips, make for memorable parting gifts.
A lot of people working at resorts in all different countries are supporting their families. Giving them movie tickets or passes could be a wonderful gift if there's a theater nearby. When they have their next day off, they can spend it with their family doing something fun together. If nothing else, they'll appreciate the thought (and sell the passes for cash!).
2 Keeping Your Own Room Tidy (So They Have Less Work)
- One of the easiest gifts for resort staff is keeping the room clean.
- Making beds, putting away trash, and keeping personal items stored can help.
Sure, the housekeeping and other resort staff members are on the clock. But that doesn't mean you should leave your hotel room an absolute wreck for them to clean up. Keeping your dirty chonies off the floor and not leaving trash all over the place can go a long way toward easing the workday of your favorite employee. Skipping housekeeping services for the day is also a way to give back!
1 It Seems Tacky But: A Smile And A Positive Attitude!
- Being kind is the nicest gift to favorite resort staff.
- A smile can go a long way: and it's free!
Okay, so it's not a physical item you can hand over. But maintaining a positive attitude and always being pleasant to the staff members at your resort might just be the best gift you can offer. After running into terrible resort guests or dealing with equipment failures and other everyday issues on the job, your understanding and compassion will no doubt be a perk.