TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Beware: tap and still 20% service charge

Greetings,

What's the official word on this service charge? I have seen 15% regularly, but 20% at a simple american themed bar, Tap and Still in Simpson Bay???

And is a 15-20% tip expected on top of this? Is the sc mandatory?

What's the concensus, ttol...my local friends stay neutral... and never clarify if they are billed this sc as well.

Tia

The service charge is their tip as far as I'm concerned.

IF anything is added, consider it the tip. End of story.

Thx all.... ill stick to my guns.. its their tip.

Sorry, is this the place that serves their burgers in a paper bag and you write down your own order?? Never been there, so perhaps I am thinking of someplace else.

Regardless, to me, 20% service charge is ridiculous. Is it on the menu? I would pay it once, not leave a penny more, and not go back. I would make sure the manager knew of the reason why I wouldn't be coming back.

If they add a sc i consider that their tip. Unless it's indicated on the menu you have the option not to pay it especially if service was poor.

Yes indeed, this is the caribbean chain Tap and Still american bar which has NO CUTLERY with their paper bag fries and grilled cheese in aluminum foil. And yes, theres a 4x5in or so paper i ticked my order on. There is no more a basic service than this.

I did not note if there was any mention on the menu re 20% service charge. At payment time, I asked our server for details who said to take it up w manager...and oh! He just left.

Tbh, i didnt get any service when i first arrived and stood at the bar. Finally a staff on break (eating at the bar) took my order.

PS dont expect your change back, Carol. They round up.(sic!)

(Coles notes: 20% sc was absolutely extreme for this place imo. A 3* pub with no cutlery in this competitive market is not warranting my return.)

PPS big sign in washroom for staff to wash their hands... and mid afternoon there was NO SOAP!!! Apparently, guests must also bring sanitizer with their plates n forks next time. May as well as pack out ur garbage as well.

I would have rounded down on that payment.

Scubaman, i concur...but i didnt have small bills. Lesson learned...lesson learned.

Its a easy thing to fix....if you don't like a 20% Service charge then don't support them with your money. 15% is plenty and to me also its is the tip! Some people just don't have any business being in business or won't be for very long. Lots of options

CC--That place will continue to be a hard pass for me. 20% s/c to take your own order?? Don't think so.

anytime i see a sc.....unless it was beyond beleif, that is what i consider the tip.

Well if your local friends won’t tell you they are not really your friends right?

Hahaha, or i should have been more discreet in the question...perhaps this is a small island that supports each other too...

After 15 yrs, i consider them my dear friend. We all have our ways.

Thanks all for your comments. The dutch side is new to me.