A Brief Guide For Tipping Hotel Staff

By Author: Mark Harrington
Total Articles: 17
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The etiquette of tipping hotel staff varies with each country. In some cultures tipping for a service is not standard, so it is helpful for the traveler to do research on what is proper for that city or region before visiting. Talking with friends and fellow travelers with knowledge of a particular country can give a clearer understanding of the region's approach to gratuities. In the United States, tipping is important—but at the discretion of the patron. Amounts given will reflect a customer's degree of satisfaction with services. You will be able to make the best use of the money you saved while making a discount hotel reservation.

Arriving at an upscale hotel, the traveler is likely to be greeted by a doorman. If the doorman helps with luggage, tipping is approximately $1 per bag, more if the bags are heavy; if the doorman hails a cab, guests can give a $1 per person tip. Bellhops that carry luggage to the room are tipped $1 per bag—$2 if the traveler has only one bag. Any additional help from the bellhop should result in a higher tip.

Other hotel employees ...
... who receive tips include housekeeping, $1-$5 in a sealed envelope left daily (there may be a different cleaning staff each day); hotel staff bringing requested items up to the room, $2 for one item, or $1 each for multiple items; and spa service, 15-20 percent of the bill. The hotel concierge provides guests with information, directions, coordinates restaurant reservations, and helps obtain tickets for entertainment venues. Tips can be $2-$20 depending on the time and effort involved. Room service will usually have a gratuity added to the cost of the food order, but a tip can be added, if service is exemplary.

When dining in a hotel restaurant, it is customary to give a 15 percent tip to the server—20 percent if the service is outstanding. Fine restaurants may have a hostess or maitre'd who greets diners and shows them to their table; tip them only if they have provided extra service such as finding a table without a reservation, then $10-$15 can be given. The head waiter or captain oversees the wait staff, explains the menu, and may take orders; if the head waiter splits the tip with the server, leave a larger tip; if no such arrangement, tip head waiter directly.

If the services of a wine steward are used, tipping is 10-15 percent of the price of the wine order, given directly to the steward. Bartenders are tipped at $1 per drink, or 15-20 percent of bill.

Gratuities are a way of thanking helpful staff and show appreciation for a job well done. Tipping the hotel staff is made easier by knowing who should be tipped and how much. With this knowledge, the traveler can be confident in giving the correct amount and feel comfortable in any setting. Nowadays when you can get excellent discount hotel rates it makes sense to use some of the savings and reward good service. You can know more at www.hoteltattler.com

About Author :

Mark Harrington has wandered the globe for most of his life. After graduating, he spent a few years working but continued to take every opportunity to travel. Soon Mark was publishing his travel tips, & making his living as a travel writer. Mark has a true talent for mixing in with the locals, finding great restaurants, & making reservations for discount hotel rates. You can know more at www.hoteltattler.com