should I bring gifts?

[Sonya Clarke Casey]

I am visiting Puerto Plata in two days and was told by friends to bring lots of gifts for hotel staff, children, etc. I would love to do this but am not sure if it is usual (acceptable) practice. Also, what kinds of gifts would be appreciated?

 

[Sue@Dorado Club Resort]

Hi Sonya... We have been visiting the Dorado Beach area for 10 years and have never heard of such a practice. We do give extra tips and bring gifts for our favorite people and housekeepers that we have gotten to know, but not in the beginning. The people there are so friendly and apprciative of anything you give them. We get a greeting of long lost relatives when we arrive and shouts of 'Welcome Home'! Such loving people they are!! If I were you, I'd make sure to have a bit of extra cash (pesos) or any folding money to give for tips. They are especially happy to get US money. (so am I...being Canadian) lol OH!! and coins are no good to them...you will find that when you are leaving, they come up with a fistful of coins and try to trade it for folding money. So, the bottom line is...they certainly wouldn't be insulted if you gave them a gift. Hope this helps!! Have a great vacation!! We are going in March....can't wait!!!

 

[JENNIFER]

Hi Sonya! It is not necessary to take gifts for the staff at the resort you are staying at but the chambermaids enjoyed our little gifts of small perfume and make up! They really liked the lipsticks! Another thing is the small toys that come in the McDonald or Burger King happy meals.I am sure if they don't have children themselves they know a small child that would appreciate them! We also left them cash in our room as their tip as well.They truely deserve it and they work hard for their money! Have a great trip!

 

[Beatriz]

I've been in Punta Cana for first time (and not the last), last December, and as Sue has told you, I didn't notice that getting gifts is a normal thing. Of course, that you would make many friends there, and perhaps you would like to make them a present, for example,we left all our music types there!!! ... I think that the most important thing is to smile all the time you can, because all dominicans are very nice, although sometimes they look quite serious, because they work a lot at the hotels... Don't doubt to ask me anything you want....

 

[DEE]

please go into data base and read about pencils etc

 

[Charlie]

Chambermaids will appreciate any shampoos etc. that you may wish to leave behind. However, anything that you wish to give to staff should come with a note explaining it is a gift or they could get into trouble with the hotel. Para ti = for you (I think!)

Lipstick, nail polish, body scrubbies, hand lotion, perfume all welcome. Some people give away T-shirts to the activities workers. Also hats, sunglasses. If you need room in your siutcases for souvenirs, just give away things that you know that you can easily replace when you get back home. If a certain activities personel has made you stay more special a cash gift would be greatly appreciated. Remember, they work 6 days a week from 9 am to 11 pm for only a couple of hundred dollars a month. Most of them help support their families with this. Talk to the kids and dancers. Ask them questions about their families. They love to practice their english. They will become your friends and you will have a better vacation.

 

[Diane]

Hey.....THANK YOU SO MUCH for the ideas! We are on our way in a few weeks, and will be LOADED with gifts We also plan to visit the orprhanage near Puerto Plata. Can't wait