Re: Gifts and tokens of appreciation for resort staff

[Milli]

:confused:  Many of us take gifts for the resort staff.  When we were at IV we walked along the road which took us past the service entrance of a number of resorts.  At several of these we saw security going through the staff's backpacks as they left.  Does anyone know if they are looking for something specific and do the staff get to keep the gifts we bring?

[millybess]

That is an excellent question Milli.  I have seen this before too.
 
 I think bellagio could answer this question.
 
 I used to think that the staff needed a note from the guest to leave the resort with items, but staff at the MCC last year told me they didn't need a note.
 
 Although I have seen the bags gone through, especially at BCV, I have never seen anything being taken out and not being put back in the employees' bags.

[Milli]

:bump:    :bump:  I am bumping this question up now that so many of the regular well travelled posters are back and might have some insight.

[bmnichol]

I automatically leave a note with my name and room number on it. Don't know if it makes a difference or not. If you are asking about Cuba, it's Cuba, they do what they do.

[flopnfly]

I leave a little thank you note with the gift for the maids.
 
 If I give something to a gardener or bar tender I don't give a note.
 
 I'm not sure if that is a problem for them or not, they have never said.

[bellagio]

I know for a fact that in the three resorts in the Playa Pesquero the staff are frequently searched but they are usually well aware of what they are allowed to take out of the resort in their backpacks.
 
 Whilst at the Blau I was asked by a couple of waitresses (not particular friends of mine) if I could meet them outside at their 'bus stop' with gifts that they had been given.
 
 I usually hire a car for three days whilst in Cuba so I can take gifts out without any problem.

[zombie]

In DR last week at breakfast every morning we had the same waitress she was GREAT when I sipped my last bit of coffee she was right there to fill it up we tipped her a couple of bucks every day and the day's we went to the lunch buffett tipped as well , our second last day I gave her a large bottle of tylonel and a t-shirt she thanked us left and came back with paper and pen and asked if I would write who it was from and to put my room # on it.

[bmnichol]

I usually take thank you notes with me written in Spanish and English. I always include a note with the gift.