Jump to content

Gifts for hotel staff

teacherbride

By teacherbride
in Cuba Weddings

 Share

Recommended Posts

ashey063009

ashey063009

Posted
Posted

hmmm... I can't remember if I tagged onto this one or not but, it can't hurt to double up. :)

 

I always bring colorful clothing / accessories. They have limited access and ability to purchase clothing, purses, jewlery, etc. I always bring any purses (that aren't black or brown-- as colorful as possible, they love them) for the women on the resort, as well as lots of kids clothes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Replies 39
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

JulieG

JulieG

Posted
Posted

Cuba is very different than the other countries, stuff is much better than money for the staff there.

 

Please keep in mind the other people on the resort, like the gardeners, etc..the maids and the wait staff get the best gifts, try to give them to the less obvious people as well. There are lots of trips to go into town and visit schools, if you can do that and save stuff for them its greatly appreciated.

 

The kids can't get candy there, so if you can bring candy, you will be very popular. Also, I brought a curling iron (it cost me $5) for the hairdresser and she literally cried, said it was the nicest thing anyone ever gave her. I also gave her all my left over hair clips and lots of nail polish and make-up because she was going to be doing her niece's hair and make-up for her wedding and the wedding party as well and they don't have access to many things there.

 

Hats, toiletries, any thing with sports teams (they love the Blue Jays) on it is really popular. Also stuff with Canada flags. Panty hose (because they have to wear them to work but pay a fortune for them), kids stuff, pencils, books, etc... I have a list somewhere that I got off a site from people who go there on a regular basis just to bring stuff to the poor people in Cuba, I will see if I can find it and post it here. Great thread.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
sarafish81

sarafish81

Posted
Posted

Very true - my mom brought a box of bobby pins and the hairdresser was more excited about that than the tip I gave her! She gave my mom the biggest hug - it was so sweet. We went on a jeep excursion and brought lots of candy, baby onesies, baby food, children's tylenol. The kids come out of their houses as they know that the tourists will bring gifts and they are very grateful, as are the parents. It's a feel-good thing for sure!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mexicana bride

mexicana bride

Posted
Posted

I will usually give cash tips, but when I go to Cuba I will always go to the dollar store and pick up toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, ets, all the grooming stuff that we all need. All that stuff though, I will only give to the maid, the rest of staff it's cash tips. They seem to really appreciate it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
katnip

katnip

Posted
Posted

When we go to Cuba along with toiletries I also bring things like suger packets, that kind of stuff they pay a fortune for! Suger, soap etc are seen as luxeries which they must buy with CUC, while they get paid in Cuban Pesos. They must exchange cuban pesos to cubuan convertable pesos (CUC) for those luxery items, therefore losing on the exchange. Just something to keep in mind.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dmitri_Markine

Dmitri_Markine

Posted
Posted

While maids,bartenders and servers make the most. Gardeners and other staff barely get anything. They will appreciate it much more as they don't expect it. Maids and servers do expect it from everyone though. In fact, if you don't tip a server or bartender then they will just avoid serving you.

Some also will only serve those who pay the most. I've stayed at a 5star resort where 5CUC at minimum a day would get a server's attention. Anything less and you can eat your meal with no water/drink refills. Some of them make as much in tips as servers in North America.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mexicana bride

mexicana bride

Posted
Posted

I've definitely have had the same experience as Dmitri_Markine! They (servers & bartenders) will look right at you, and if they don't see you tip, well....forget about that drink you were about to order. I've been going to Cuba for many years, and I've noticed it becoming like that ever since they put the CUC in to order.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter

  • Posts

    • zjonusasd9915
      Newbie

      By zjonusasd9915 · Posted

      twitter logo png file download pdf online [url=https://www.sliviagraed.com/#53608748]viagra for women[/url] instagram download in app store free install
    • Emmma
      Cabo Azul Wedding Cost / Review

      By Emmma · Posted

      Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • KristinaH
      Wedding venues and wedding planner in Costa Rica

      By KristinaH · Posted

      Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • GeorgeLog
      Unsupportive friends - Another venting topic!

      By GeorgeLog · Posted

      Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • GeorgeLog
      Priviate Carribean Vacation?

      By GeorgeLog · Posted

      Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!

  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...