WSJ Trip Report (1/31-2/6/09)

[OCsun]

Lisa,

Nice trip report - just for the record, the transportation service (golf cart shuttles), are part of the Westin Resort Services available to all WSJ guests. We never pay a gratuity for this service unless it happens to be a special situation where a driver has provided an extra service deserving of a tip. As an owner of a pool villa, I can tell you our maintenance fees pay for the attendants who are driving the shuttles throughout the resort. So next time, when you are carrying things - take the ride! Pam

 

[LisaRex]

Nice trip report - just for the record, the transportation service (golf cart shuttles), are part of the Westin Resort Services available to all WSJ guests. We never pay a gratuity for this service...

NOW you tell me!!

Seriously, "When to tip" would be a great topic, because I always spend a small fortune in gratuities and wonder if I'm being a schlep.

For instance, when and how much would you tip (if at all) for the following...?

Westin Taxi to Cruz Bay ($5 pp)
Bucket of ice delivered to your room (n/c)
Tour of grounds and room (n/c)
Luggage delivered to our room (n/c)
Snorkel sail boat charter ($115 pp)
National Park tour guide (n/c)
3 buffets and 1 menu item for breakfast ($24pp for buffet; $14 for menu item)

 

[DavidnRobin]

Tip for the luggage service.
Tip for the charter (as this is how the mates make extra cash)

We buy ice from Star Market as I would not use ice made in a Hotel ice maker, but I guess I would tip the same as luggage service if I did.

I do not tip for the Westin to CB Taxi, but have only used it a couple of times - it is already pretty expensive for 4 people in an open bus.

I do not tip for the Iguana shuttle - as I am already paying for it (unless they do something special).

I didn't realize they take tips for the NPS tours - do they? These folks are NPS Rangers...

I tip as normal for food service - 15-20%

 

[OCsun]

NOW you tell me!!

Seriously, "When to tip" would be a great topic, because I always spend a small fortune in gratuities and wonder if I'm being a schlep.

For instance, when and how much would you tip (if at all) for the following...?

Westin Taxi to Cruz Bay ($5 pp)
Bucket of ice delivered to your room (n/c)
Tour of grounds and room (n/c)
Luggage delivered to our room (n/c)
Snorkel sail boat charter ($115 pp)
National Park tour guide (n/c)
3 buffets and 1 menu item for breakfast ($24pp for buffet; $14 for menu item)

Taxi - Maybe and extra $1 or $2 per couple / group (I agree with DavidnRobin they charge enough.)
I always give a small tip, $2 when I request a service to my room.
Luggage - We usually give the guy $5 - $10 depending on the number of bags and the size of the group.
Group Charter - We usually toss $5 per person in the tip bowl.
All dining is - 15% -20% Hope this helps! Pam

 

[Songohome]

I'm new at this and was wondering if anyone could direct me to the post where they are talking about the fees and taxes for our timeshares. I own 3, a 1bed, a 2bed, and a 3 bed/private pool. The Fees have gone through the roof and I had found the area but have now lost it.
Any help would be appreciated

 

[DeniseM]

Hi and welcome to TUG

There is an on-going WSJ owners thread - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63000&highlight=westin+john

For future reference, click on Starwood Owner Resources at the top of the board, then scroll down to Resort Information, and you will see the link there.