Mandara Spa treatments - "service charge"?

[Rhonna]

Hi,

So we are thinking of splurging on treatments at the Mandara Spa. I read all the fine print. It says they charge a 20% "service charge" and if you feel the service is exceptional, you may choose to tip in addition to that charge.

I am confused as to whether the person working on you gets any of the service charge or if it ALL goes to the company? The way they word it it makes it sound like if the person goes above and beyond, then you may want to tip, but you don't have to.

I am not starting a tipping debate. We always tip appropriately, meals, drivers, room service, etc. But I don't understand how they are dividing up that 20% ?

Other than personal opinion, does anyone really know what is the correct thing to do? We don't want to over tip but we don't want to cheat a worker out of their bread and butter. How do spas work?

Thanks!

 

[Corpsebride]

I have been to the spa once. I got a mani pedi for my wedding day. I tipped an additional tip because I had a great experience. but the service fee they add , I was told , goes directly to the person or persons who are giving you the service. So, I would not feel inclined to extra tip if you do not want to, because they are already getting tipped. but , its up to you.
I love that spa. and the staff are very nice. Hope this helps.

 

[Rhonna]

I have been to the spa once. I got a mani pedi for my wedding day. I tipped an additional tip because I had a great experience. but the service fee they add , I was told , goes directly to the person or persons who are giving you the service. So, I would not feel inclined to extra tip if you do not want to, because they are already getting tipped. but , its up to you.
I love that spa. and the staff are very nice. Hope this helps.

Thank you, it does help. You answered my question. I imagine they do the mandatory 20% since unfortunately a lot of people would not tip, tip low or forget to do so at all. This way their staff is not short changed.

I think when I didn't know how it was supposed to work, I actually double tipped at WDW Saratoga Springs Spa. The girl at the desk seemed "cagey" about answering what the mandatory gratuity was for and kind of gave me the impression I needed to tip another 20% on top of that, so I did. Mandara seems to spell it out more clearly.

The spa looks really beautiful and we are probably going to really splurge and do a body wrap with massage to really relax. They include use of the facilities like sauna and steam room, etc. And it helps a little that they give an AP discount.

 

[jory29]

http://www.mandaraspa.com/page/Special-Offers.aspx

$129 for 3 mini treatments looks reasonable. (Plus the 20% gratuity added on, plus additional tip at your discretion.)

 

[Corpsebride]

Thank you, it does help. You answered my question. I imagine they do the mandatory 20% since unfortunately a lot of people would not tip, tip low or forget to do so at all. This way their staff is not short changed.

I think when I didn't know how it was supposed to work, I actually double tipped at WDW Saratoga Springs Spa. The girl at the desk seemed "cagey" about answering what the mandatory gratuity was for and kind of gave me the impression I needed to tip another 20% on top of that, so I did. Mandara seems to spell it out more clearly.

The spa looks really beautiful and we are probably going to really splurge and do a body wrap with massage to really relax. They include use of the facilities like sauna and steam room, etc. And it helps a little that they give an AP discount.

I am glad I could help. I am an over tipper if I think the service is good. I used to be a bartender , lol! Anyhoo, I made my appt. about 1 month previous. I hope you enjoy your visit to the spa! It is lovely!