How Much to Tip at Four Seasons Resorts: A Complete Guide
How Much to Tip at Four Seasons Resorts: A Complete Guide
Checking into a Four Seasons resort means stepping into a world of flawless service—where staff remember your name, anticipate your needs, and go above and beyond to create unforgettable experiences. With that level of care, many guests wonder: How much should I tip at Four Seasons resorts?
Tipping can feel tricky, especially at five-star properties where gratuities may already be included in certain services. While there’s no strict rule, knowing the etiquette ensures you show appreciation without overthinking.
This guide breaks down tipping at Four Seasons resorts—by staff role, by region, and with insider strategies to simplify your stay.
Do You Have to Tip at Four Seasons?
The first thing to know: tipping at Four Seasons is never mandatory. Staff deliver the same impeccable service whether or not you leave a gratuity. That said, tipping is a long-standing tradition of appreciation, especially in North America and the Caribbean.
At most Four Seasons properties:
Room rates do not include gratuities.
Service charges may be added in certain destinations (e.g., Caribbean, Middle East).
Tipping is discretionary. Guests may leave cash, add tips to their bill, or not tip at all.
In short, it’s not required—but it’s warmly appreciated.
General Tipping Guidelines at Four Seasons Resorts
Here’s a breakdown of common gratuities across resort staff roles:
Bellman / Porter: $3–$5 per bag (more if bags are heavy or numerous).
Housekeeping: $5–$10 per day, left daily or at the end of your stay.
Concierge: Tipping is not required, but $20–$50 is appreciated for exceptional arrangements (restaurant bookings, last-minute tickets, or hard-to-get reservations).
Pool / Beach Attendants: $2–$5 per service (setting up chairs, bringing water, adjusting umbrellas).
Valet / Car Service: $5–$10 each time your car is retrieved.
Spa Therapists: 18–20% of treatment cost, unless a service charge is already added.
Dining Staff: 18–20% of the bill in North America; 10–15% in regions where tipping is customary.
These amounts are flexible—consider the level of service, local customs, and your comfort.
Regional Differences in Tipping at Four Seasons
Tipping norms vary worldwide, and Four Seasons adapts to local culture.
North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
Tipping is standard.
Expect to tip in line with the general guidelines above.
Some U.S. resorts may automatically add service charges to pool cabanas or banquets.
Caribbean & Central America
Many resorts include a daily service charge (often 10–15%) on the bill. This is distributed among staff.
Additional cash tips are welcome for standout service (e.g., butlers, spa staff, or attentive pool attendants).
Europe
Service charges are often included in dining bills.
At resorts, rounding up or leaving €5–€10 for bell staff and housekeeping is common.
Spa treatments may include a 10% service charge; if not, 10–15% is appreciated.
Middle East
Many hotels add a service charge automatically.
Additional tipping is not expected, though discreet gratuities are always appreciated.
Asia
In countries like Japan, tipping is not customary and may even be declined.
In Thailand, Indonesia, or the Maldives, tipping at resorts is welcomed but discretionary (e.g., $2–$5 per service, $10+ for spa).
Africa
Safari lodges often include gratuity guidelines; Four Seasons resorts (e.g., Seychelles) follow international norms of 10–15% for dining and $5–$10 for housekeeping.
Special Situations: Butler Service & Villa Hosts
Some Four Seasons resorts—especially in the Maldives, Bora Bora, or Caribbean—offer butler service or villa hosts. These staff members often act as your personal liaison, handling everything from unpacking to private excursions.
Guideline: $20–$50 per day, depending on the level of service.
Best practice is to tip at the end of your stay in cash, presented in an envelope.
Is Tipping Included in All-Inclusive-Style Packages?
As discussed in our guide Does Four Seasons Have an All-Inclusive Package?, Four Seasons is not traditionally all-inclusive. Even when packages include meals or resort credits, gratuities are often separate.
Always check your folio for service charges before adding tips—this avoids double tipping.
Insider Tips to Simplify Tipping at Four Seasons
Bring small bills: $1, $5, and $10 notes make tipping seamless.
Check your bill: Look for “service charge” or “gratuity included.” If you see it, additional tipping is optional.
Tip daily for housekeeping: Staff rotations change, so leaving cash at the end may not reach the right person.
Use envelopes for butlers or villa hosts: A formal presentation feels polished.
Consider currency: U.S. dollars are accepted at most Four Seasons resorts worldwide, even where local currency is different.
Why Booking Through Stars Desk Makes a Difference
When you book with a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency like Stars Desk, you’re already ahead of the curve. Preferred Partner perks—like daily breakfast and resort credits—help offset what you spend on tipping and extras.
For example:
Your daily breakfast for two is complimentary (a $100+ value).
Resort credits can be used toward dining or spa treatments, freeing up cash for gratuities.
VIP recognition ensures staff know you’re a valued guest—service often goes above and beyond.
This means you’ll feel comfortable tipping generously, knowing you’re already saving with exclusive perks.
Example: Tipping at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea
To illustrate, here’s how tipping might play out at a popular resort like Four Seasons Maui:
Bellman: $10 for two bags upon arrival.
Housekeeping: $7 per day.
Pool Attendant: $5 for chair setup.
Valet: $5 each time the car is retrieved.
Spa: 20% of a $200 massage = $40.
Concierge: $40 for securing a last-minute helicopter tour.
Total for a 5-night stay: Around $200–$250 in tips—reasonable for the level of luxury provided.
Final Thoughts
So, how much should you tip at Four Seasons resorts? The short answer: enough to reflect your appreciation, guided by local customs and the level of service.
In North America and the Caribbean: 15–20% for dining, $5–$10 for staff.
In Europe, Asia, and the Middle East: Smaller amounts or rounding up may be sufficient.
For butlers and villa hosts: $20–$50 per day.
Remember, tipping is never mandatory—but it’s always appreciated. Staff at Four Seasons pride themselves on creating extraordinary memories, and gratuities are a personal way to acknowledge that.
To maximize your trip, book with Stars Desk’s Four Seasons Preferred Partner program. With complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and VIP recognition, you’ll enjoy added value—so you can focus on gratitude and relaxation, not logistics.
Luxury travel is about ease, and at Four Seasons, tipping with confidence ensures your stay is as seamless as the service itself.
