Tipping on value of cabana

I purchased the groupon for a great deal on a villa at Paris (their version of the cabana). When I called to reserve, they said I would be charged 18% gratuity on the total value of the villa. Is tipping on a cabana customary? The thought never crossed my mind to do that. We tip well on the great service we receive for the food/beverages.

Tammi from N. GA.

I have always tipped the individuals who wait on us, not on the bill. Theres the drink and food servers and the Cabana host usually. I hadn't thought about the tips as an overall percentage of the cost of the cabana. Upon reflection the total tips have probably been at or slightly above 20%.

This is what someone wrote on trip advisor:

Re: Paris Pool Villa/Cabana
Jun 14, 2011, 7:55 AM
My wife and I along with some friends will be there in August (a total of 7).

We have been looking at the cabanas and pools for awhile, but decided against it. The prices you quoted are old (Paris has not updated its website). A few months ago, cabanas and villas were $200/$250 Monday through Thursday, and did not include any booze. They are now $300/$400 (more Fri - Sun), and they throw in your choice of bottle.

I am definitely a pool person, and was seriously considering the cabana. With the 18% automatic gratuity, even with 7 of us it would be $50 a piece just to get in the door, not to mention any other food, etc. we ordered.

This was a deal breaker to some in my party, so we'll just go and sit in the chairs with the commoners.

Just wanted to let you know that the prices have increased. Enjoy your trip!


I could see if there was a maitre d who should be tipped if he gave you a preferential villa, but this gratuity smacks of being the same as a resort fee.

Groupon's term and conditions might be similar to Travelzoo. When describing the deal (spa certificates), Travelzoo clearly indicates the purchaser is responsible for a 20% gratuity on the value of the services used.

The spa certificates clearly states in bold "An automatic gratuity of 20% will be applied to the retail value of the services upon redemption," and not in bold " a service charge of 20%, inclusive of gratuity, as well as any tax (where applicable) will be applied to the full value of the services."

For the price of a glorified tent and cot, you can get several days in an airconditioned room with a bed

I think the original question is very valid. What services are being received? It only looks like you are paying the equivalent of rent on the cabana/villa? Are the services for walking you to the cabana and maybe giving you towels? I would think if a waitress or waiter takes a drink order or food order you would still be expected to tip them for that service.

Is the automatic gratuity paid to employeess and declared as income to them by the Paris Hotel?

2013 cabana rates

So where is the Silverton listed?