A service charge is a percentage added to a hotel, restaurant or spa bill in place of tips. It is meant to cover staff pay and service. It is added on top of the listed price, so the bill ends up higher than the number you first saw.
A useful companion read is tipping and service charges.
Why does service charge matter for us?
A service charge is easy to overlook when you compare rates, because most pages show prices before it is added. Over a stay with multiple meals and treatments, it adds up. Ask whether the price you are shown already includes it, and whether any extra tipping is expected on top.
How does service charge show up in a quote?
A menu or room price may be marked “plus plus”, or ”++”. The two plus signs mean service charge and tax will be added to the listed price. A quote may also say “Prices are subject to service charge”, so check the wording for your own quote.
What should we ask about service charge?
Put these questions to the resort or agent, and ask for the answers in writing:
- Is service charge included in the price we are shown?
- Is it charged on rooms, food, spa and activities?
- Is any extra tipping expected, or does the charge cover it?
- What is the final total for two with all charges added?
Where to go next
Two more pages help you check the rest: resort fees and taxes and honeymoon budget calculator. Send us the quote and we will go through it with you.