Guide to Gratuities

To tip or not to tip?

To help you navigate through this often awkward topic we have put together some guidelines to tipping. All our staff receive a salary but do feel valued when given a tip for outstanding service. Tipping is not mandatory and should be given at your complete discretion. You are not obliged to leave a tip if you feel the service you received is unprofessional, rude or inadequate. Tipping in South African Rands is the preferred currency and tipping by cash or card is equally acceptable.

hotel

In our hotel there is a wide variety of staff who contribute to making your stay an unforgettable experience. These range from our housekeepers to the reservationists and so leaving a general staff tip to be split equally is a convenient way to ensure all members of staff are reached.

Average tip: R100 – R500 per day (depending on length of stay and services received). Something to consider: if a particular staff member has gone out of their way to give you outstanding service, it is quite acceptable to tip them individually.

RESTAURANT

Generally in a South African restaurant 10% of the total value of the bill is considered acceptable, however this can be increased depending on the quality of service you receive. Our waiters greatly appreciate tips for excellent service and should you so wish it is customary to leave a tip at the time of paying your bill. If you feel the kitchen staff are deserving of your gratitude, you may leave a general tip for them too although this is not expected.

Average tip: 10% – 15% of the bill total.

BARMEN

Tipping bar staff is entirely at your discretion. A tip is not expected when ordering at the bar although it is commonplace to leave a tip when ordering a specialised drink or a large round that takes longer to prepare.

Average tip: 5 – 10% of the bill total.

ROOM SERVICE

The same guidelines apply to room service as they do at the restaurant although not more than 10% of the bill total is considered satisfactory.

Average tip: 5 – 10% of the bill total.

PORTER

The porters are generally one of our garden staff and highly appreciate receiving a tip.

Average tip: R5 – R50 in cash.

HOMESTEAD

At the Homestead our executive chef, Adriaan Joubert, is both your host as well as your personal chef. He is assisted by a kitchen assistant, housekeeper and waiter at every meal.

Average tip:
Executive Chef: R500 – R1000 per day (depending on the length of stay).
General staff (waiter, housekeeper, kitchen assistant): R500 – R1000 per day (depending on the length of stay).

Guides

The guides you meet on your activities are employed by our preferred suppliers although we do strive to ensure that the quality of service they give is equal to the standards of Bushveld Terrace.
Average tip: R100 – R500 per couple per activity (cash is often the most convenient).

We sincerely hope you have found this guideline to be helpful. If you need any further assistance please free to chat to us.