www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Okay gentlemen,

I have a question, might be stupid, might not be but I am very curious. First time going to CR and staying at La Amistad..from all I have read tipping is not necessary in CR like back here in the States. BUT, what about when dining with the inclusive free meal special at La Amistad? Do any of you leave a few dollars each time you dine? Is that an exception to the rule? I just don't want to do a newbie rude mistake.

I guess that was 3 questions technically...

at amistad..

a couple bucks (1000 -1500 colones) for each meal is nice gesture IMO....
ive seen guys leave nothing, ive seen guys leave a 20$ bill...

ive seen the service remain excellent regardless...

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its easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled- mark twain

all checks have 10% included
i add another 10% minimum wherever i dine fwiw
unless the service is atrocious
if i am eating a "free" meal at LA no question I tip

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im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

+1. I absolutely agree... A couple of bucks is a nice gesture and goes a long way. The bartender & cook (the entire staff for that matter) at LA work very hard to cater to us and their efforts should be rewarded with a gratuity. And don't think that it goes unnoticed, because it doesn't. They notice it and appreciate it very much.

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• Work Hard!
• Play Hard!
• Have Fun!
• No Drama!!

I appreciate the answers. Thanks for the help

I took care of the employees who deserved a little extra when I checked out of La Amistad.
Generally speaking, I review checks in Latin America to see that this the standard 10% is included. If not, I will usually tip the standard 10%. If the tip is already included, I usually don't tip extra unless the service is above and beyond. If the meal is exceptional, I will thank the chef and give him or her a propina.

My wife and I stay at a number of AI resorts in Latin America. When we arrive, my wife turns on her Colombiana charm (starting at the reception desk), and manages to connect with the hotel staff right off the bat. The result is: we end up with enhanced services and make new friends along the way. This helps, especially if one intends to return to the same resorts. I trust my wife's judgment, and let her manage the tipping. "Pay Day" starts the day before our departure. At the resorts we stay at in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, individual members of the resort staff will hand you a card with their name and job title, and ask that you mention them by name is your Trip Advisor review. Sometimes, it's hard to figure out how to mention 12 different names in a review.

LA all inclusive or anywhere else. If service is good tip good.

there is a tip jar by the kitchen when you order breakfast, in addition to the little tips throughout my stay, i usually take extra care of jenny, carol and the maids with a thoughtful tip, when i check out.

we may not realize it, but even the smallest gesture , especially for the maids, is a huge bonus for some of the employees , not only there but in most if the area hotels

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Having too much fun. 8)

Be generous as advised by all here.
Also treat yourself to all the advantages of a CRT membership.
It is very easy and quick.

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Softbob

There is nothing either good or bad
but thinking makes it so.
HAMLET

So you slip the people at the front desk some cash when arriving?

Typically, there is a glass vase at the bar and another strategically placed near the kitchen
area where orders are taken. I always drop a few bucks in each one daily while staying at this hotel.
The staff are very friendly, hard working, and really appreciate the gesture.

ICE

Think drama and having someone looking out for your best interests...

_________________
im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

I always tip the persons working the front desk . It helps when making reservations the next time.

Typical American who thinks CR is like Vegas. Personally, I would feel like a chump handing the reception guy cash just for the hell of it.

yeah i wouldn't just toss him cash and wink
but when they do you right i always made sure they knew i appreciated it w more than words
everything from extra towels to lying about my whereabouts to just plain getting you what you need
sure its just their job if you want to see it that way

_________________
im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood