Tipping Guide

Standard Tipping at Restaurants and Bars

Dining establishments are where you'll do most of your tipping on Nantucket. Here's what's expected at different types of venues.

Restaurants

At sit-down restaurants, tipping is expected and represents a significant portion of server income. On Nantucket, where the cost of living is exceptionally high, generous tipping is appreciated.

• Standard tip: 18-22% of the pre-tax bill
• Good service: 20% is the most common standard tip
• Exceptional service: 22-25% for memorable experiences
• Counter service: 15-18% if you're served at your table
• Takeout: 10-15% is appreciated but not required

Tip on the pre-tax amount. If your bill is $100 plus $7 tax, calculate your tip on $100.

Bars and Cocktail Lounges

Nantucket's bars and cocktail spots range from casual beach bars to sophisticated craft cocktail lounges. Tipping standards apply across the board.

• Per drink: $1-2 per beer, wine, or simple drink
• Craft cocktails: $2-3 per elaborate cocktail
• Running a tab: 18-20% of your total tab
• Good service tip: Round up generously if the bartender is attentive

Coffee Shops and Cafes

Coffee shops on Nantucket often have tip jars at the counter. While not mandatory, small tips are appreciated.

• Simple order: $1-2 in the tip jar
• Complex order: $2-3 for specialty drinks or large orders
• Regular customer: Tipping builds goodwill and better service
• Digital tip prompts: 15-20% options are common on tablet POS systems

Transportation Tipping

Getting around Nantucket often involves taxi services, rideshares, or shuttle drivers. Here's how to tip appropriately.

Taxis and Rideshares

• Standard tip: 15-20% of the fare
• Minimum tip: $2-3 for short rides
• Help with luggage: Add $1-2 per bag
• Airport/ferry transfers: 18-20% for longer rides with luggage
• Uber/Lyft: Same as traditional taxis, tip through the app

Shuttle Services

• Hotel shuttles: $2-5 per person for courtesy shuttles
• Shared shuttles: $3-5 per person
• Private shuttles: 15-18% of the fare

Hotel and Accommodation Tipping

Hotels on Nantucket range from luxury resorts to charming bed-and-breakfasts. Tipping expectations vary by service level.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is one of the most important and often overlooked tips. Leave your tip daily, as different staff may clean your room each day.

• Standard hotels: $3-5 per day
• Luxury hotels: $5-10 per day
• Extra messy room: Tip on the higher end
• How to leave it: On the pillow or nightstand with a note labeled "Housekeeping"

Concierge Services

The concierge can make or break your Nantucket experience with restaurant reservations, activity bookings, and insider tips.

• Simple requests: $5-10 (directions, basic info)
• Restaurant reservations: $10-15, especially for hard-to-get tables
• Special arrangements: $15-20+ for tours, tickets, or complex requests
• Above-and-beyond service: $20-50 for exceptional help throughout your stay

Bellhop and Porter Services

• Per bag: $2-5 per bag
• Heavy or oversized items: $5+ per piece
• Minimum tip: $5 even for one bag
• Room delivery: Same rates apply

Valet Parking

• Each retrieval: $3-5
• Luxury hotels: $5-10
• Tip when: Your car is returned, not when dropped off

Activity and Tour Tipping

Nantucket offers numerous guided experiences, from fishing charters to walking tours. Tipping your guides shows appreciation for their expertise and effort.

Fishing Charters

Charter fishing trips are a Nantucket tradition. Your captain and mate work hard to give you a memorable experience.

• Standard tip: 15-20% of the total trip cost
• Split between: Captain and mate (captain usually distributes)
• Great catch: 20%+ for exceptional fishing
• Weather challenges: Still tip well if the crew worked hard despite conditions

Example: On a $600 half-day charter, a $90-120 tip (15-20%) is appropriate.

Tour Guides

Walking tours, historical tours, and specialty tours are enhanced by knowledgeable guides who share the island's stories.

• Walking tours: $5-10 per person
• Private tours: $10-20 per person or 15-20% of tour cost
• Specialty tours: $10-15 per person (lighthouses, ghost tours, etc.)
• Kids: $3-5 per child is appropriate

Boat Tours and Excursions

• Seal cruises, sunset sails: $5-10 per person
• Private boat charters: 15-20% of charter cost
• Whale watching: $5-10 per person

Spa Services

Nantucket's spas offer a range of treatments. Tipping is standard practice.

• Standard tip: 18-20% of service cost
• Exceptional service: 20-25%
• Multiple services: Tip each provider individually
• Owner-operators: Tipping is still appreciated

Vacation Rental Tipping

Staying in a vacation rental? The tipping etiquette differs from hotels.

General Guidelines

• Daily housekeeping: Usually not included in rentals
• Turnover cleaning: Typically built into the rental fee
• No daily tip required: Unlike hotels, you don't need to tip daily

When to Tip at Rentals

• Leaving a tip for cleaners: $50-100 left on the counter at checkout is a nice gesture
• Extra cleaning requests: $20-50 for mid-stay cleaning services
• Property managers: Generally not tipped unless they provide exceptional personal service
• Maintenance staff: $10-20 if they handle special requests during your stay

A thoughtful note with your tip is always appreciated by cleaning staff.

Pre-Added Gratuity

Some establishments add gratuity automatically. Always check your bill before adding more.

When Gratuity May Be Included

• Large parties: Groups of 6-8+ often have 18-20% auto-gratuity
• Private dining: Service charges typically built in
• Special events: Catered events and prix fixe dinners
• Some tourist-oriented spots: May add gratuity for all parties

What to Look For

• Check the menu: Often noted for large parties
• Review your bill: Look for "service charge" or "gratuity"
• Ask your server: If unclear, simply ask
• Additional tip: Add 5-10% more only for truly exceptional service